BC Class 7L Restrictions: Supervisor, Passengers and Hours
What are the Class 7L rules in B.C.?
A Class 7L learner in British Columbia must drive with a supervisor aged 22 or older in the front passenger seat. The learner may carry one passenger besides the supervisor, but since October 19, 2026 the limit does not apply to immediate family. No driving from midnight to 5 a.m., zero alcohol or drugs, no electronic devices (even hands-free) and a red L sign on the back.
Where the Class 7L rules come from
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) explains the rules on its Class 7L page and its Get your L page. The law is Division 30 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, as changed by Order in Council 350/2026, in force on October 19, 2026. The B.C. government news release of July 20, 2026 describes the changes. This guide is current as of 2026, and it follows the regulation where an ICBC page words a rule differently. Confirm the rules with ICBC (icbc.com) before you drive.
Who can supervise a Class 7L driver in B.C.?
- The supervisor must be at least 22 years old. A licensed driver training instructor who gives practical driver training can also supervise.
- The supervisor must hold a valid licence of a class that lets them drive the vehicle, such as Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. A learner's licence or a Class 7 licence does not qualify.
- The supervisor's own licence must not carry the zero blood alcohol and drug restriction. A driver who has just upgraded to Class 5 must wait until that restriction ends.
- The supervisor must sit beside you in the front passenger seat and stay awake and able to lawfully operate the vehicle at all times.
Can this person be your supervisor?
How many passengers can a Class 7L driver carry in B.C.?
| Passenger | What it means |
|---|---|
| Your supervisor, beside you in the front seat | Required for every drive. The supervisor does not count as your one passenger |
| One passenger who is not immediate family | Yes, one at a time |
| Two or more passengers who are not immediate family | No, the one-passenger limit applies |
| Immediate family members | Yes, since October 19, 2026. ICBC says you can carry more than one passenger if all other passengers are immediate family |
Who counts as immediate family for the passenger rule?
The regulation defines immediate family as a spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild or sibling, plus the step and foster versions of a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild or sibling. An aunt, an uncle or a cousin is not on this list, so the one-passenger limit applies to them.
Other Class 7L restrictions at a glance
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Driving hours | No driving between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., every day of the week |
| Alcohol and drugs | Zero alcohol, cocaine or THC in the body |
| Electronic devices | None, including hands-free. The only exception is an emergency call to 911 |
| Red L sign | Red and magnetic, on the back of the vehicle every time you drive |
Phones and devices: what a Class 7L driver cannot do
ICBC says the ban also covers hands-free systems such as a Bluetooth system or a wired headset. You also cannot program a GPS, select music from your phone or wear earbuds. The ban applies even when you are stopped at a red light or in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The penalty for using a hand-held device while driving is a fine and penalty points.
What changed for Class 7L drivers on October 19, 2026
- The minimum age of a supervisor is now 22. It was 25.
- The one-passenger limit no longer applies to immediate family members.
- A learner aged 25 or older can take the Class 7 road test after holding the learner's licence for 9 months.
- Drivers with a Class 7 novice licence and a clean driving record no longer take a second road test to get a Class 5 licence. A Driving Record Assessment replaced it. The guide to the Class 7 novice rules covers that stage.
- A Class 7 driver needs the N sign only when under 25. A Class 7L driver of any age needs the L sign.
Key takeaways
- A Class 7L supervisor must be 22 or older, hold a valid licence that is not a learner's or Class 7 licence, and sit beside you in the front seat.
- The one-passenger limit does not apply to immediate family since October 19, 2026.
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no alcohol or drugs, no electronic devices including hands-free, and the red L sign on the back of the vehicle.
- Next step: practise the rules on the free British Columbia Class 7 practice test.
Class 7L rules in B.C.: common questions
How old do you have to be to get a learner's licence in B.C.?
You can get your Class 7L on or after your 16th birthday. First you must pass the knowledge test, with at least 40 of 50 questions right. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign consent. The guide to the Class 7L learner's licence lists the steps.
How long do I need a Class 7L before the road test?
At least 12 months if you are under 25, and at least 9 months if you are 25 or older. Only time with a valid learner's licence counts; some periods of suspension, surrender or prohibition do not count.
What happens if my learner's licence expires?
Your learner's licence stays valid for 2 years. If it expires, you must re-take the knowledge test, but you do not wait any extra time to take your Class 7 road test.
What happens if a Class 7L driver breaks the rules?
ICBC says that not following the restrictions could mean a penalty or more time in graduated licensing. After one ticket, your driving record may be reviewed, and you may face driving prohibitions.
Can I drive if I lost my L sign?
Not without an L sign: it must be on the back of the vehicle every time you drive. You can get a free replacement at any driver licensing office. If you cannot get one right away, you can download and print a temporary L sign. A home-made sign is not allowed.
Do I need to be on my supervisor's insurance as a learner?
Yes. Make sure that you are listed as a driver on your supervisor's insurance policy. If you crash and are not listed, your supervisor could have to pay the Unlisted Driver Accident Premium. If you practise in more than one vehicle, be a listed driver on each vehicle's policy.
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