How do I get a BC Motorcycle License?
A Class 6 License is required to ride a motorcycle, or a scooter which is 51cc or bigger. You must first obtain a Learner’s License from ICBC before you can start learning how to ride. Once you have a learner’s license, ProRIDE can help take you the rest of the way.
Continue reading for more on getting your Learner’s License, or click the button to view our course calendar!
- UPDATE - Starting April 27th, ICBC will begin taking appointments for Knowledge tests. Call ICBC's Driver Licensing Info Line and leave a voicemail; one of their agents will call you back to book your appointment.
The first step to getting your motorcycle/scooter license is to stop by your local ICBC Driver Licensing office and take the Class 6/8 Knowledge Test. There is no appointment required, just drop in at your convenience. Passing this test gets you a Learner's License for Motorcycles & Scooters.
You are permitted just 1 attempt every 7 days so it’s a good idea to study the information first before taking the test, even if you are an experienced driver. There have been many changes over the years which you may not have learned when you last studied for a driving exam. ICBC’s “Learn to Ride Smart” publication is free at the Driver Licensing Office, or you can view and study it online.
Learner's License Restrictions
- You may ride only between the hours of Sunrise and Sunset
- You may not carry any passengers
- You may not exceed 60km/h
- You must be accompanied by a qualified Supervisor who is > 19yo and holds a valid and current Class 6 license. A friend or family member can function as your supervisor at a ratio of 1:1.
- Applicants must be 16yo or older
- Applicants must have another class of driver's license, OR:
- Applicants who do not have another driver's license must also complete the Passenger Vehicle Knowledge Test (Class 7L) in order to apply for a Motorcycle Learner's License.
- ICBC will not administer this test before the “Earliest Test Date” printed on your learner’s license.
- Not all ICBC locations offer this test; the offices that do are generally open for testing weekdays during business hours, and you're required to make an appointment for testing.
- If you ride to the test location you must be accompanied by a qualified supervisor.
- ICBC may waive this step upon successful completion of an ICBC-Approved Rider Training Program at a licensed facility such as ProRIDE.
- ICBC will not administer a road test any sooner than the 2nd “Earliest Test Date” printed on your learner’s license.
- Completing the Class 6 Road Test will remove all remaining restrictions on your license, with the following exceptions:
- Testing on a scooter will earn you a Scooter License, but you won’t be licensed to ride motorcycles. However, testing on a motorcycle will also license you to ride scooters.
- Testing on a Trike, Spyder, or a bike with a sidecar will earn you a license for 3-wheeled vehicles, but you won’t be licensed to ride any 2-wheeled vehicle.
- Testing on a bike with a small-displacement engine (200cc or smaller) will earn you a permanent passenger restriction.
- Testing on an automatic-shift or electric motorcycle will earn you a clutch restriction.
If you have a full Driver’s License (Class 1-5) then you will be eligible for a Class 6 or LDL Learner’s License, and therefore this section would not apply to you.
If you have a Class 7L or 7N Driver’s License then you are a GLP driver, meaning you have less than 3 years experience on the road, and so you will be eligible for a Class 8 Learner’s License.
How can we help?
You must complete the 1st step on your own, but let ProRIDE Motorcycle Training help you with the last two steps! Click the green button to learn more about our Survival Rider Training Program for motorcycles and scooters!
Or check out our complete list of Programs & Courses to see how ProRIDE can help get you on the road to a BC Motorcycle/Scooter License!
Register: Survival Rider Training
Please Note:
- During registration, your spot will be held for 10 minutes before it is released. Please complete your booking within this time in order to secure your spot;
- Please note you must obtain a Motorcycle Learner’s License in order to attend our training course. At this time ICBC is offering Knowledge Testing for Learner’s Licenses By Appointment Only. If you do not yet have a learner’s license at this time, we encourage you to wait until you have a Knowledge Test Appointment booked with ICBC *before* booking in for the ProRIDE course. More info on Licensing and booking the Knowledge Test:
www.proride.ca/licensing
- The last course for 2022 begins on October 27th; the next course after this will be Spring of 2023;
- Courses may book up to 8 weeks in advance;
- New courses appear every week at the bottom of the calendar;
- Please continue to monitor this page for on any new or sudden openings that come up;
- Subscribe to our newsfeed on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter) to be notified instantly when we announce new classes and courses;
- Courses in 2022 may be postponed or delayed depending on restrictions and directives for group gatherings issued by the Public Health Authority.