British Columbians can now take the knowledge test for a learner’s licence online.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) said Tuesday the online knowledge test is available for Class 5 to 8 driver’s licences for passenger vehicles and motorcycles. Knowledge testing for a commercial driver’s licence will still take place at an ICBC office.
ICBC said the online test is the same as the in-person version and is offered in 12 languages. It said to take the test online people would need a computer with a camera set up in a private area, with a secure internet connection.
After passing the knowledge test, drivers would still need to visit an ICBC office to confirm their identity, take a vision test, have their photo taken and pick up their Learner’s licence.
ICBC president Jason McDaniel said moving the test online is expected to reduce wait times for other types of in-person appointments, such as road tests.
“If you’re unsuccessful when you take that test, it’s going to save you a trip into one of our offices,” said McDaniel.
ICBC said it is using a platform called Neumo to deliver the online tests. It said Neumo is currently used for various online testing purposes in close to two dozen other jurisdictions in North America, including several Atlantic provinces.
McDaniel said there is monitoring built into the testing software that is intended to detect cheating. He said test-takers will need to take a well-lit photo of themselves before starting the online test.
“There’s video monitoring the whole time,” said McDaniel. “It monitors the mouse clicks, you have to stay within the screen, and it monitors that no one else is in the room.”
ICBC said the $15 fee for the knowledge test remains the same whether it is online or in-person. For people who fail the test, the 24-hour waiting period before they can take the test again is unchanged.
McDaniel said it will cost ICBC less than $10 per test to offer the online testing option.
ICBC said it conducts more than 337,000 knowledge tests across B.C. each year.
“By offering this test online, we’re giving new drivers more choice and convenience, especially people in rural and remote communities who used to have to commute far distances to take the test,” said B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma.
The change comes after B.C. amended the Motor Vehicle Act this year to allow people to renew or replace driver’s licences, B.C. identification, and photo B.C. Service Cards online.
