ICBC is rolling out at-home online testing for beginner drivers to take their first knowledge test.
New drivers can now take the learner’s licence knowledge test online, provided the computer has a webcam enabled to ensure they are taking the test without help. Testing is not available on a mobile device.
“This is especially good news for people in rural and remote communities who used to have to commute far distances,” Attorney General Niki Sharma said in a Tuesday news conference.
Passing the written test allows people to begin supervised driving of passenger vehicles and motorcycles, available for Class 5 to 8 licences. Previously, this had to be done in person, and ICBC had to schedule roughly 337,000 knowledge tests per year.
B.C. has contracted the U.S.-based company Neumo to administer the tests, which will be offered in 12 languages. Neumo delivers 86 per cent of these tests across Canada.
Sharma said this change builds on the work that began last year with amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act that allow people to renew licences and B.C. services cards online.