Class 5 Mastery: What to Expect on Your Full License Test

Beyond the Basics: The Class 5 Difference

1. The Pre-Trip Check (The First 5 Minutes) 

Before leaving the Richmond ICBC lot (Lansdowne Centre, 5300 No. 3 Road), you must demonstrate:

• Lights & Signals: High/low beams, signals, and brake lights.

• Interior Controls: Horn, wipers, defroster, and parking brake.

• Safety: Standard ICBC hand signals.

2. Core Manoeuvres & Road Skills 

You must handle Richmond’s unique traffic flow at key spots like No. 3 Rd, Alderbridge Way, and Garden City Rd:

• Highways: Merging and exiting at higher speeds (e.g., Russ Baker Way).

• Technical Skills: Parallel parking, 3-point turns, and hill parking.

• Parking: Usually ends with a Reverse Stall Park at the Lansdowne lot.

3. Real-Time Hazard Perception 

While driving, the examiner will ask you to verbally identify hazards (pedestrians, cyclists, or blind driveways). You must scan ahead and use mirrors to identify risks in all directions.

Expert Tip: We practice the "Richmond Script" for hazard perception and the tricky Russ Baker merge in our sessions. Book a Lesson here.

Important: International & 2026 Rules

• Overseas License (2+ Years): You must pass the Class 5 Road Test, unless from a reciprocal country. https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/moving-from-another-country

• Overseas License (<2 Years): You must take the Class 7 Road Test first.

• 2026 Update: Local Class 7 (N) drivers with a clean 24-month record may qualify for an automatic upgrade. Note: International drivers are NOT exempt from this test in 2026.

• Check below ICBC link for details. https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/new-drivers/graduated-licensing-program-changes.

>>Richmond ICBC Road Test FAQ