ICBC Knowledge Test Languages: Punjabi, Chinese and the Full List
In which languages can you take the ICBC knowledge test?
In British Columbia, you can take the ICBC knowledge test in 12 languages, online or in person: English, Arabic, Croatian, French, Farsi, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese. The pass mark is 80% (40 of 50 questions on the L test), and the test fee is CAD 15 for each attempt.
Where the test language list comes from
The 12 test languages come from ICBC's online knowledge test page and its Get your L page. The guide languages come from ICBC's Learn to Drive Smart page. The road test, interpreter, ID and consent details come from ICBC's pages on preparing for a road test, getting your N, graduated licensing, accepted ID and moving to B.C., and from the B.C. government news release of July 20, 2026. All details are as of 2026, from pages checked on October 19. Confirm the rules with ICBC (icbc.com) before you book.
Is the language list the same online and in person?
Yes. The knowledge tests for cars and motorcycles (Class 5, 6, 7 and 8) are all offered in 12 languages, and since June 9, 2026, you can take all of them online. The questions, the pass mark and the 45-minute testing period are the same in both places. The online test is for B.C. residents who are at least 16 years old. It needs a desktop or laptop computer and does not work on a smartphone or tablet.
ICBC study materials by language
| Material | Languages |
|---|---|
| Learn to Drive Smart guide (download) | English, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Farsi, Vietnamese, Modern Standard Arabic and French |
| Learn to Drive Smart guide (ICBC app) | English only |
| Practice knowledge test (ICBC app) | Seven languages |
| Knowledge test tip sheet | English, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Farsi, Vietnamese and Modern Standard Arabic |
| Road test tip sheet | English, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Farsi, Vietnamese and Modern Standard Arabic |
What if your test language has no study guide?
Five test languages have no guide to download: Traditional Chinese, Croatian, Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian. If you plan to test in one of them, you can still study from the English guide or the English chapters in print, then take the test in your own language. To see if your language has an app practice test, open the ICBC app.
Road signs: where to start your practice
Almost one in five questions on the ICBC knowledge test are about road signs, so start with sign shapes and colours. The practice questions on this site are in English only. Two good first questions are which instruction an eight-sided sign gives and what a yellow diamond sign is for.
Can you use a translator or interpreter with ICBC?
How to take the ICBC knowledge test in your language
- 1
Study in your language
Download Learn to Drive Smart in one of its 7 languages. Then take the practice knowledge test and the road signs practice test.
- 2
Choose online or in person
Online, you need a working webcam that stays on, and you must be in Canada or the U.S. In person, you use a touch screen kiosk at an ICBC driver licensing office, and you may need to book an appointment. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign consent. For the in-person test, bring the signed and witnessed form, or bring your parent or legal guardian.
- 3
Take the test in your language
Choose the listed language that you read best. Online or in person, you can also choose to listen to an audio recording of the test. The ICBC knowledge test guide covers the questions, the fees and what happens if you fail.
- 4
Visit a driver licensing office
Passing online does not make you licensed. You still need to visit a driver licensing office and pass a vision screening test. You can get your L on or after your 16th birthday.
Key takeaways
- The ICBC knowledge test comes in 12 languages, and the list is the same online and in person.
- The Learn to Drive Smart guide downloads in 7 languages. The guide inside the ICBC app is English only.
- Any electronic device during the test, including an electronic translation dictionary, is an automatic fail. Take the test in your language instead.
- Only you and the driver examiner may be in the car on a road test. Driver licensing offices can connect you with a phone interpreter.
- Next step: practise on the free British Columbia Class 7 practice test.
ICBC knowledge test languages: common questions
Is the ICBC knowledge test available in Punjabi?
Yes. Punjabi is one of the 12 test languages, online and in person. The Learn to Drive Smart guide, the knowledge test tip sheet and the road test tip sheet are also in Punjabi.
Can I take the ICBC knowledge test in Chinese?
Yes, in Simplified Chinese or Traditional Chinese, online or in person. The Learn to Drive Smart guide and the knowledge test tip sheet are in Simplified Chinese. The guide has no Traditional Chinese download. ICBC also has an information page for newcomers in Chinese.
Can I use a translation app during the ICBC knowledge test?
No. A translation app runs on an electronic device, and any use of an electronic device during the test is an automatic fail. Choose the test language that you read best from the 12 on the list.
Can I take the ICBC knowledge test in Hindi, Urdu or Tagalog?
No. Hindi, Urdu and Tagalog are not on ICBC's list of 12 test languages. You can take the test in English or in the listed language that you read best. To study, use the English guide or the guide in one of its 7 languages, and take the practice knowledge test.
How long do I wait to re-take the ICBC knowledge test?
Online, you can re-take the test after 24 hours. You must register again and pay the CAD 15 fee again. In person, you can take it again after one day, and there is a fee each time. Use the guide and the practice tests before the next try.
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