Who can supervise a BC learner from 19 October?

When can a 22-year-old supervise a BC learner?

The change starts on 19 October 2026. Before then, follow ICBC's current Class 7L rule: a supervisor over 25 with a valid Class 1 to 5 licence, seated beside the learner. A person who is 22 does not qualify early because they have a Class 5 licence or have supervised someone before.

For a drive on or after the change date, check the person who will actually sit in the front passenger seat. Their age alone does not settle whether they qualify. ICBC also requires their own eligible Class 5 licence and the legal ability to drive at the time.

What licence does the supervisor need?

A Class 7 novice driver cannot supervise a learner, even at age 22 or older. ICBC specifies a Class 5 licence for the new rule. A Class 5 with a restriction requiring zero blood alcohol and zero blood drug content while driving also does not qualify. Read the licence and its restrictions rather than relying on the class number alone.

This matters for drivers receiving a Class 5 through the new Driving Record Assessment. ICBC says that licence carries a zero alcohol and zero drug restriction after the upgrade, with its expiry date shown on the back. A newly upgraded driver should check that date before agreeing to supervise a learner. If the restriction is still in force, find a different qualified driver.

The supervisor has to sit beside the learner in the front passenger seat. Someone with the right age and licence who rides in the back does not meet the condition ICBC publishes.

Does the lower age also matter to a Class 7 novice driver?

Yes. A Class 7 novice driver under 25 can drive alone, but ICBC normally limits that driver to one passenger. ICBC allows an exception when all passengers are immediate family, or when a qualified supervisor sits beside the driver in the front passenger seat. From 19 October, the supervisor for that exception may be 22 if they meet the same Class 5, restriction and legal driving conditions.

If you hold an N and want to carry friends, check the person in the front seat before relying on the exception. A friend turning 22 does not by itself lift the passenger limit. A Class 7 licence or a restricted Class 5 does not satisfy the new supervisor rule either.

Does this change the knowledge test or first road test?

No. ICBC still requires a knowledge test and vision screening before it issues a Class 7L learner licence. A learner still needs supervised practice and must pass the first Class 7 road test to receive a novice licence. The age change gives a learner another possible choice of supervisor after it takes effect.

ICBC is replacing the later road test from novice to Class 5 with a Driving Record Assessment for eligible drivers on the same date. That is a separate change. If you are working toward your L, prepare for the knowledge test first. If you already hold an L, arrange practice with someone who meets the supervision rule on the day you drive, then prepare for the Class 7 road test.