Summary#
This bill updates British Columbia’s Motor Vehicle Act. It focuses on novice drivers, motorcycle safety gear, distracted driving rules, and how ICBC (the public auto insurer and licensing authority) can set and adjust driver rules. It also gives the provincial government more flexibility to handle transitions and recognize driving experience from other places.
Key changes:
- Lets the provincial government set different required driving experience for different groups of drivers.
- Allows ICBC to require road tests, approve driver education courses, and shorten waiting times for novices who complete approved training.
- Lets ICBC set how long certain restrictions apply, using a person’s licence history and driving record, including records from other provinces or countries.
- Expands safety gear rules so certain riders and passengers on motorcycles must wear prescribed protective clothing and footwear (not just helmets). Children under 16 won’t be charged if they break this rule.
- Updates distracted driving rules. Learners and novices (including motorcycle learners) will not get device-use exceptions. A transition will keep the old device rules for many fully licensed drivers until their current licence expires or is replaced.
- Allows temporary rules to move some existing Class 7 licences to Class 5, and some Class 8 licences to Class 6, to support the transition.
- The start date will be set later by the provincial government.
What it means for you#
- Novice drivers (car and motorcycle):
- You may be able to shorten the wait to your next test if you complete an ICBC‑approved driver education course.
- ICBC can adjust how long your restrictions last based on your driving record and how long you’ve been licensed.
- The full ban on using electronic devices while driving continues to apply to you, with no new exceptions.
- Fully licensed drivers (Class 5 or 6):
- Distracted driving rules are changing. If your full licence was issued before the new rules start, the current device-use rules will keep applying to you for a time. New licences issued after the start date will follow the updated rules.
- If you move to B.C., ICBC can recognize similar licence classes and your past driving experience. Offences from other places may also count against your record here.
- Motorcyclists and passengers:
- Beyond helmets, certain riders and passengers must also wear prescribed protective clothing and footwear. Parents should note that riders under 16 won’t be charged if they are not properly equipped, but adults still must follow the rules.
- Motorcycle learners and novice riders cannot use electronic devices while operating a motorcycle.
- Driver training schools and students:
- ICBC can approve courses. Completing an approved course may reduce your waiting period to take an exam or move up a class.
- Everyone:
- Some licence class labels and pathways may change during the transition (for example, certain Class 7 to Class 5). Watch for notices from ICBC about what this means for your licence.
Expenses#
Estimated annual cost: No publicly available information.
- The bill mainly gives ICBC and the provincial government new tools and flexibility. Any cost or savings will depend on future regulations and how ICBC implements them.
Proponents' View#
- Strengthens road safety by tightening or clarifying distracted driving rules for higher‑risk drivers and requiring more protective gear for motorcyclists.
- Rewards safe learning by letting trained novices progress faster if they complete approved courses.
- Makes rules fairer by matching restrictions to a driver’s actual experience and record.
- Reduces red tape for new residents by recognizing licence classes and experience from other places.
- Provides flexibility to manage the shift between licence classes so drivers are not stuck during the transition.
Opponents' View#
- Gives ICBC wide discretion, which could lead to inconsistent decisions or confusion about who qualifies for reduced waiting periods.
- New motorcycle gear rules could add costs for riders and be hard to enforce fairly.
- Changing distracted driving rules and shifting licence classes may confuse drivers, especially during the transition.
- Using out‑of‑province records could raise fairness or accuracy concerns if information is incomplete or outdated.
- Some drivers could face longer restriction periods based on their record, which critics may see as unequal treatment.