http://www.icbc.com/driver-licen ... graduated-licensing
The Learner’s (L) licence stage:
The first stage is the Learner’s L stage (L) licence with restrictions to help reduce the risks while learning to drive.
After 12 months of prohibition-free driving, you qualify to take your first road test – the Class 7 road test. You can stay in the Learner’s (L) stage as long as you need to. Your Learner’s (L) licence is valid for 2 years, but can be renewed by re-qualifying on the Knowledge Test in the Learner’s (L) stage. Once you pass the road test, you will receive a Novice (N) licence.
To obtain a B.C. driver’s licence, you must be 16 years old (If under 19, bring your parent or legal guardian to sign for your application.)
The Novice (N) licence stage:
For the Novice (N) stage some of the the Learner’s (L) licence stage restrictions are removed.
After 24 months of prohibition-free driving in the Novice (N) licence stage, you are eligible to take the second road test — the Class 5 road test. You can also reduce your Novice (N) licence stage by taking an ICBC-approved driver education course.
Once you pass this road test, you will graduate to your full-privilege driver's licence.
