How Long Does It Take to Get a Class 4 License in BC?

If you’re ready to take your driving career to the next level, getting a Class 4 driver’s license in British Columbia is an excellent step. This license allows you to drive for commercial purposes—whether that’s transporting passengers, working in healthcare transport, or joining a rideshare company.

But one of the most common questions new applicants ask is: How long does it take to actually get the license?

While timelines can vary based on your availability, preparation, and testing appointments, this guide will walk you through a realistic step-by-step breakdown. We’ll also include some tips to help you move through the process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What Is a Class 4 License, and Who Needs It?

Before we talk about how long it takes, it’s important to understand what a Class 4 license allows you to do. In British Columbia, a Class 4 license comes in two categories:

Restricted: For driving taxis, Uber, Lyft, or personal-use vehicles for commercial passenger transport.
Unrestricted: For operating larger commercial vehicles like ambulances or small buses with up to 25 passengers.

You’ll need a Class 4 license if you want to legally drive for:

Rideshare services (e.g., Uber, Lyft)
Shuttle or tour companies
Ambulance services
Taxi companies
School or community transport (with small buses)

Both types of Class 4 licenses require passing knowledge and road tests and submitting a medical exam to ICBC.

Step-by-Step Timeline to Get a Class 4 License

Let’s break down each step of the process and how much time each usually takes.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements (1–2 Days)

Before applying, you must:

Be at least 19 years old
Hold a full Class 5 or Class 6 license (not a learner’s or novice license)
Have 2 or more years of non-learner driving experience
Pass a mandatory medical exam (you’ll need to book this with your family doctor or a walk-in clinic)

The medical form is provided by ICBC and must be completed and approved before you can book your road test. Depending on doctor availability, this step may take a day or up to a week.

Step 2: Study for the ICBC Knowledge Test (3–7 Days)

You’ll need to prepare for a written test that covers driving laws, commercial vehicle regulations, safety protocols, and basic passenger handling.

The test is based on:

The ICBC Driving Commercial Vehicles guide
Your general knowledge of BC driving laws

Some people are ready in a few days, while others may want a week or more to review practice exams and guides.

Step 3: Book and Take the Knowledge Test (1 Day)

Once you’re confident, you can take the ICBC Class 4 Knowledge Test at any driver licensing office. It’s a multiple-choice test done on a computer.

If you pass on the first try, you can move forward right away. If you don’t, you can retake the test (usually with no long waiting period, though some locations may require booking ahead).

Step 4: Book Your Road Test (1 to 4 Weeks Waiting Time)

After passing the written test and submitting your medical exam, the next step is scheduling your Class 4 road test. The waiting time can vary greatly depending on:

Your location (busier cities may have longer waitlists)
Season (wait times are often longer during spring/summer)

On average, expect to wait 1 to 4 weeks for an available slot. This waiting period is the most time-consuming part of the process.

Step 5: Prepare for the Road Test (Time Varies Based on Experience)

You should use the waiting period to practice driving in a vehicle that meets Class 4 standards. If you're applying for the unrestricted Class 4, that includes larger vans or buses.

You may want to:

Book a lesson or two with a driving school for feedback
Practice essential skills like defensive driving, smooth braking, mirror checks, and 360-degree awareness

If you’re already an experienced driver, you may just need a few days. If not, consider spending 1–2 weeks practicing.

Step 6: Take the Road Test (1 Day)

On test day, you’ll complete a driving exam that includes:

A pre-trip vehicle inspection
On-road driving assessment
Passenger safety awareness

If you pass, ICBC will issue your Class 4 license on the spot. If you fail, you’ll need to wait at least 14 days before rebooking.

Total Estimated Timeframe

Here’s a general breakdown of how long the whole process might take:

Medical Exam: 1–7 days (depending on doctor availability)
Studying for Knowledge Test: 3–7 days
Taking Knowledge Test: 1 day
Road Test Wait Time: 1–4 weeks
Road Test Prep & Practice: 3–14 days
Taking Road Test: 1 day

Estimated Total Time: 2 to 6 weeks With good planning and preparation, it’s possible to complete everything in under a month.

Can You Speed Up the Process?

Yes, here are a few tips to help you move through the steps faster:

Book your medical exam early. This step often delays applicants more than expected.
Study in advance while waiting for your medical results to save time.
Check multiple ICBC locations for shorter road test wait times.
Take a Class 4 training course with a local driving school to get road test-ready faster.
Be ready for retakes, but aim to pass both tests on your first try.

Final Thought

Getting your Class 4 license is an exciting move toward a more flexible and rewarding driving career. Whether you’re looking to drive professionally for a living or expand your job opportunities, understanding the process — and how long it takes — can help you plan with confidence.

At Actron Driving Academy, we specialize in preparing drivers just like you. From test preparation to hands-on road training, we’re here to support you at every stage of your journey. Let's get you behind the wheel and on the road to success.