Becoming a Professional Driver

Before practicing in a Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 vehicle you must obtain a learner driver’s licence for that class.When you are ready, you will need to attend a Driver Services Centre to take the applicable knowledge test(s), road signs test, and a vision and medical screening for the class of license you apply for. ICBC will test your fitness and ability to operate the class of vehicle you wish to drive. Applicants for commercial licenses must have a full privilege driver’s license. New drivers in the Graduated Licensing Pro gram cannot apply for a commercial license. 

Obtaining a Learner Driver's License

On May 31, 1999 the requirements for upgrading to any professional class learner driver's license (Class 1, 2, 3 and 4) changed.  Under the new requirements your driving record must show you have no motor-vehicle related Criminal Code convictions in the previous three years and no more than three incidents resulting in penalty points in the past two years.  Licensing staff will check you're your driving record when you apply to take a learner's knowledge test if you had a B.C. License for at least three years.  If you move to B.C. you may exchange your out-of-province license for an equivalent B.C. License without taking a knowledge test or providing your driving record.  You must have a B.C. License before upgrading to a higher class.  If you wish to upgrade an out-of-province license you must first exchange it for an equivalent B.C. License.  Licensing staff will check the last three years of your diving record whenever you apply to upgrade your license.  If your record is acceptable, you must then take a knowledge test.  You are responsible for providing your driving record from any jurisdiction where you had a driver's license in the past three years.  This record is required before you can take a knowledge test.

To obtain a learner driver's license for one of the professional license classes, you'll need to pass a series of tests: a knowledge test, road signs test, a medical exam and a vision screening.  Test questions are taken from the materials in the Professional Driving Guide Kit. If applicable, you may also need to study the Air Brake Manual.  All of these publications are available at Driver Services Centers.  Once you've satisfied these requirements, they will issue you a learner driver's license.  This license is valid for one year (365 days). It allows you to operate a motor vehicle of the class for which it is issued, provided you are accompanied by a licensed B.C. driver 19 years or older who has the same license class or better. Please note that the learner driver's license cannot be renewed.  If you let it expire before getting a driver's license, you will have to retake the tests and repay the test fee.

The Knowledge and Road Signs Tests

The traffic signs exam tests your understanding of commercial road signs.  The knowledge exam tests your understanding of safe operations, safe vehicle control, cargo and hazardous material, load security, hours of operation, inspections and combination vehicle knowledge.  The passing mark for both exams is 80%.  If you fail the traffic signs and/or the knowledge test you may return another day to retake the part you hasve not passed.  All professional driving tests are conducted in English only.

The Vision Screening

Class 1, 2, and 4 drivers must have the use of both eyes and acuity not less than 20/50 in the poorer eye, 20/30 in the better eye and 20/30 with both eyes.  Vision may be corrected with lenses.  Red/green colour deficiency is not acceptable nor is Diplopia (double vision).  If you need glasses or contact lenses to drive, wear them for your exam. 

Medical Examination

When you apply for your learner driver's license, they will ask you to complete a medical questionnaire.  As well, you will have to get your doctor to complete a Medical Examination Form.  The professional driver's license will be issued subject to approval of this Medical Examination Form.  Please note that the cost of the Medical Examination is not covered by the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia, ICBC or the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. 

Pre-trip Inspection Tests and Road Tests

You must pass a pre-trip inspection test and a road test to qualify for a full-privilege Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 license.  You may take both tests on the same day.  If you fail either test, you must retake it.  Your results for one test will not affect your results for the other.  Information on pre-trip inspection tests and road tests is included in the Professional Driving Guide Kit, available at ICBC driver licensing offices.  If you take the road test for a Class 1 license, you must bring an appropriate vehicle.  This vehicle must be loaded to 75 per cent of its legal axle weight, not its licensed gross vehicle weight (GVW).  The vehicle must also be one that you can couple and uncouple as part of your test.