Tuesday June 9, 2026 | BURNABY, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
New drivers in BC can now take the knowledge test required for a Learner’s licence online.
That will save applicants a trip to an ICBC office, to help reduce wait times for other in-person appointments that ICBC handles.
In-person knowledge testing remains available at driver licensing offices throughout B.C. for people who prefer it.
The online test is the same test as the in-person version and is offered in 12 languages.
Each year, ICBC conducts more than 337,000 knowledge tests across B.C.
Ideal for rural and remote:
“By offering this test online, we’re giving new drivers more choice and convenience, especially people in rural and remote communities who used to have to commute far distances to take the test,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General, in a media announcement today held at the ICBC Drive Licensing Office in Burnaby.
“This is part of our work to modernize ICBC services so they’re more convenient, accessible and work better for everyone in British Columbia,” said Sharrma.
The online knowledge test is available to people looking to obtain their Learner’s licence for passenger vehicles and motorcycles (Class 5 to 8 driver’s licences). The online knowledge test is not available to people looking to obtain their commercial driving licence (Class 1 to 4), who will still need to pass a knowledge test in person.
How it works:
Previously, people had to visit an ICBC office to take the knowledge test and earn a Learner’s licence, the first step to getting a full driver’s licence in B.C. Passing the test ensures people understand the rules of the road and are aware of safe driving behaviours before they start driving with a supervisor.
The new online knowledge test is the same as the in-person version, with the same type of questions and passing mark. It is designed to be secure, fair and easy to access.
- People can complete the test on a computer that has a camera and secure internet connection. The test is not available on a mobile device.
- Security features keep the test secure and fair, including identity checks and digital monitoring that tracks webcam and mouse movements to make sure people complete the test on their own.
- After passing the knowledge test, people visit a driver licensing office to confirm their identity, take a vision test, have their photo taken and their Learner’s licence issued.
Safeguards in place:
ICBC has procured Neumo, Canada’s largest driver-knowledge testing provider, to implement and monitor the test to maintain its integrity and ensure the right safeguards are in place. Neumo delivers 86% of all tests countrywide and is currently serving 23 North American jurisdictions, including B.C.’s in-office test.
Neumo first implemented their online testing platform in 2021 and currently supports half a million tests a year, including provinces such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Modernizing ICBC services:
Moving the knowledge test online is part of ongoing work to expand digital driver-licensing services in B.C.
“At ICBC, we’re focused on modernizing and enhancing our digital services to better serve our customers, and this is just the beginning,” said Jason McDaniel, president and CEO, ICBC. “Bringing the knowledge test online is the first step in transforming driver licensing in B.C. We’re also looking ahead to offering online renewals and replacements for B.C. driver’s licences and BCIDs starting in 2027, as we continue to put our customers at the centre of everything we do.”
Along with giving people more choice, moving the test online is expected to reduce demand and wait times for in-person knowledge testing, as well as free ICBC employees to accommodate other types of in-person appointments, such as road tests.
The online knowledge test is part of ICBC’s multi-year modernization program, Moving Together 2031, designed to expand online services, streamline business processes and upgrade technology. It builds on amendments made to the Motor Vehicle Act this year that allow people to renew or replace driver’s licences, B.C. identification, and photo B.C. Service Cards online.
This work is part of government’s efforts to make everyday services more accessible and affordable for people throughout British Columbia.
Further in 2027:
Next year ICBC will also start providing driver’s licence renewal online, it was stated in today’s press conference.
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