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## fast fact 

Drivers and learners in B.C.’s Graduated Licensing Program are not permitted to use hand-held or hands-free communication devices (for example, cellphones, music or portable gaming devices, GPS systems) while driving. If you need to use your cellphone, music or portable gaming device, GPS system etc., pull over and stop where safe. 

For the 10 most common reasons a vehicle might not be accepted for a road test, visit icbc.com  or refer to the Taking a road test section on the back cover of this guide. 

## Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) penalties 

When you’re a new driver, your record is closely monitored by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. If you get a traffic violation ticket or other driving offence, you could receive a warning letter, probation or prohibition from driving. In addition to the regular driving penalties, there are extra penalties for GLP drivers. 

• You may be fined and have penalty points recorded on your driving record if you break any one of the learner or novice stage driving restrictions. 

• You may also be fined and have penalty points recorded on your driving record for speeding or other traffic violations. 

• More points or more serious offences could result in a prohibition from driving for one month to a year or more. 

• If you violate the blood alcohol restriction, or operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, you may receive an immediate roadside suspension or prohibition. These will be recorded on your driving record and you may face a further prohibition as a result. 

• If you receive a driving prohibition in your learner stage, your learner stage will be extended, because you will not accumulate any more time toward graduating to the novice stage until you have served your prohibition and have your licence reinstated. 

• If you receive a driving prohibition in your novice stage, you’ll lose any time you have accumulated toward graduating out of GLP. When your licence has been reinstated following the prohibition, you will have to accumulate an additional 24 consecutive prohibition-free months to be eligible to graduate from GLP. 

## Getting your Class 5 licence 

After you have held your novice licence for at least 24 consecutive months without a driving prohibition, you may take the Class 5 road test. Passing this test means you exit the Graduated Licensing Program and get your full-privilege driver’s licence. 

## The Class 5 road test 

The Class 5 road test requires a higher level of driving skill than the Class 7 road test. It gives you the chance to show that you are now a safe, experienced driver with excellent vehicle control skills. The road test takes about one hour. You must provide a safe vehicle to use for your road test. Pets or passengers, 

