BC Driving Blog

What is a BC Class 4 License?

The Class 4 License in BC is a driver’s license that has two options: Restricted Class 4 for driving vehicles with up to nine passengers (taxi, limousine, ambulance, Uber, Lyft), and Unrestricted Class 4 for driving vehicles and buses with a seating capacity of no more than 25 people including the driver (school buses, Handy Dart, etc.)

How Much Does it Cost to Get a BC Class 4 License?

• $15 for a Class 4 knowledge test
• $40 for the road test
• $28 for the commercial medical processing fee
• The cost of replacing your current driver’s license with a Class 4 credential ($17, or $75 for a new license if the current expiry date is within 6 months)
• The cost of Class 4 driving lessons (unless you’re good friends with the right person)

What Does a BC Class 4 License Cover?

BC Class 4 Restricted

What you can use it for:

• Taxis (up to 10 people in total including the driver)
• Limousines (up to 10 people in total including the driver)
• Driving for Uber or Lyft
• To drive ambulances
• Special vehicles with a seating capacity of not more than 10 people (including the driver) used to transport people with disabilities
• You can still drive any vehicle within Class 5

BC Class 4 – Unrestricted

What you can use it for:

• To drive buses – maximum seating capacity of 25 people (including the driver)
• School buses
• Special activity buses
• Special vehicles used to transport people with disabilities (like Handy Dart)
• Taxis
• Limousines
• To drive for Uber or Lyft
• To drive ambulances
• To drive any vehicle in Class 5

What is the Requirement for a BC Class 4 License?

The requirements to be able to get your BC Class 4 are as follows:

• A full-privilege B.C. driver’s license (Class 5 or 6) or an out-of-province equivalent
• You must be 19 years of age or older
• You need a minimum of two years of non-learner driving experience
• Your driving record needs to show less than four penalty point incidents in the past two years
• No driving-related criminal convictions within the past three years
• If you have any fines and debts owed to ICBC, these must be paid

How to Get Your Class 4 in BC

First, you’ll need to get your Class 4 learner’s license

1. Pass the Class 4 knowledge test
2. Take a vision test at one of the ICBC Driver Licensing Offices
3. Disclose any medical conditions or physical disabilities that may affect your ability to drive
4. A driver’s medical exam report may be required
5. If you have no known medical conditions, you will get a medical exam report at the road test, to complete and submit after that appointment

The existence of a medical condition does not necessarily mean you will not be able to get your commercial license.

Visit an ICBC Driver Licensing office and bring with you:

• Accepted primary and secondary ID
• Any glasses or contacts you need for the vision screening
• Payment for the knowledge test ($15)
• If you moved from another province or country less than three years ago, bring your three-year driving record

When you’re ready to get your full Class 4 license, you’ll need to:

• Pass a Class 4 road test, including a pre-trip inspection test
• Provide your driver’s medical exam (fees are charged by the doctor’s office) after the road test
• Upon passing your road test, you’ll then hold a full Class 4 license

What to Bring for your Class 4 Road Test

• Accepted ID
• Glasses or contacts
• Payment
• Your current license and your commercial learner’s license
• A safe, reliable vehicle for your road test
• If you pass your test using a vehicle with a seating capacity of up to 10 (including the driver), you will get a restricted Class 4 license (the minimum required for ride-hailing)
• If you pass your test using a vehicle with seating for 11-25, you’ll get an unrestricted Class 4 license