Taking the ICBC knowledge test online from home

2026-10-03

Since June 2026 you no longer have to sit the knowledge test at a driver licensing office. ICBC now lets you take the passenger vehicle test (Class 5 and 7) online, on your own computer, at any time of day (ICBC: Take the online knowledge test). This post walks through who can use it, what you need, and the step that still happens in person.

Who can take it online

The online test went live on June 9, 2026, for passenger vehicle and motorcycle knowledge tests (ICBC). To use it you must be a B.C. resident, at least 16 years old, and physically in Canada or the United States while you take it (ICBC FAQ).

To register you need an email address, one piece of accepted primary ID, and a Visa, MasterCard or American Express card. The card does not have to be in your name (ICBC). Keep that piece of ID: you have to bring the same one to the office later.

What your computer and room need

A desktop or laptop with a keyboard and a mouse or trackpad. Phones and tablets are not allowed.
A webcam that stays on for the whole test.
A stable internet connection.
A quiet, well-lit room with no interruptions from people or pets.

All four come from ICBC's requirements list (ICBC). ICBC also suggests turning off notifications before you start.

Timing and cost

The fee is $15 per attempt, paid online by credit card (ICBC). After you register, you have 72 hours to start, and once you start you get 45 minutes to finish in one session (ICBC). If the 72 hours run out before you start, ICBC refunds the fee and you register again. There is no refund if you fail or are disqualified (ICBC FAQ).

What is the same as the in-person test

ICBC lists what does not change: the questions themselves, the 80% pass mark, the 45-minute limit, the minimum age of 16, the $15 fee, and the choice of 12 languages (ICBC). You may not talk, look at study material or use any other device during the test; any of those is an automatic fail.

Things that get you disqualified

The test watches you through the webcam. ICBC lists what gets you disqualified: moving the mouse outside the red border on screen, leaving the test window, your face not being clearly visible, a face that does not match your registration photo, or the webcam stopping. The page describes the trigger in two ways: one section says these actions are "detected multiple times", and the FAQ says "more than one of the following" was detected (ICBC).

If you fail or are disqualified, you can register again after 24 hours and pay the fee again. Three disqualifications lock you out of the online test for at least six months, though you can still take the test at an office (ICBC).

Passing online is not a licence

This is the part people miss. ICBC is explicit: passing the knowledge test online does not mean you are licensed or allowed to drive (ICBC). You still visit a driver licensing office, where you pass a vision screening and get your licence. Bring:

two pieces of accepted ID, including the same primary ID you registered with;
if you are under 19, a parent or guardian consent form with the original signature, or the parent or guardian in person;
the licence fee, which is separate from the $15 test fee;
payment for any debt you owe ICBC or the provincial government, if you have one;
glasses or contacts if you need them;
the email (printed or on your phone) confirming that you passed.

Your result stays valid for one year (ICBC). Some offices need a booked appointment for this visit.

Online or in person?

ICBC's own announcement frames the online test as a help for people far from an office and for people who find an in-person test stressful (ICBC newsroom, June 9, 2026). The in-office test is still offered. If your computer setup is shaky, or you would rather not risk a disqualification over a webcam that drops out, the office is the simpler choice.

Whichever you pick, the preparation is the same: the questions come from Learn to Drive Smart. You can practise with our free question bank, written by us from that guide. Our questions are not ICBC's test questions.