Studying and practice count for success on ICBC driving tests

ICBC service in Prince Rupert is part of the Service BC office
on Third Avenue West

ICBC released some data this week that notes that the demand for road tests coming out of COVID has spiked, though along with the demand has come a volume of those taking their tests that aren't faring so well towards earning their drivers licences.

The provincial licensing authority noting that in the last 12 months there have been 33% more road tests compared to the same period prior to the pandemic in 2018 to 2019.

That means that 343,132 residents took their drivers test in the last 12 months.

With nearly half of them failing to pass on their first attempt at the road test

“We encourage drivers to take their road test when they've gained a lot of driving experience and feel confident about their skills," said Jerry Boal, ICBC driver licensing office manager. “If you come prepared for your road test, you have a much better chance of succeeding. This helps you avoid another wait for an appointment, and helps other drivers get an appointment sooner." --ICBC

For the North those participation stats look as follows:

In May 2023, 35% more road tests (1,923) were conducted in Northern B.C. compared to the monthly average (1,426).* 

In the last 12 months, ICBC has conducted 12% more road tests (17,109) in Northern B.C. compared to the same period before the pandemic in 2018 to 2019 (15,251).**

 
*The monthly average was calculated from June 2022 to May 2023.

**Compares the period of June 2022 to May 2023 with June 2018 to May 2019. 258,195 road tests were conducted by ICBC from June 2018 to May 2019.

Towards some advice for those set to take their road test, ICBC offers up these guidelines:

More notes for new driver can be found from the ICBC website.

Additional notes on the ICBC study can be reviewed here.

More notes on Transportation across Northwest BC can be explored from our archive page.