Driver training
ICBC's Instructor Challenge Program
Driver training instructor applicants must complete an instructor training course at an ICBC-authorized training facility. You may be able to by-pass this if you meet the eligibility requirements.
The Instructor Challenge Program provides an alternate way for experienced driver training professionals to become a licensed driver training instructor.
Eligibility
The Instructor Challenge Program is not suitable for most applicants. The program is only intended for applicants who already have substantial driver training experience in British Columbia.
To apply for the Instructor Challenge Program, you must:
Be at least 19 years of age
Have a valid driver’s licence in the licence class you intend to teach
Have at least three years driving experience for the specific class of vehicle you intend to teach
Have less than 10 points on your driving record within the past 2 years
Have no affiliation with ICBC that is a conflict of interest
Additionally, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:
You are reinstating a B.C. driver training instructor licence that has been expired for more than 2 years but less than 10.
You have an equivalent instructor's licence in another jurisdiction and have recent and extensive experience providing driver training in the same class of licence being applied for.
You have a combination of relevant education and experience.
Other considerations
Right-hand traffic experience is required. Training and experience exclusively from left-hand jurisdictions (e.g. London, England) does not meet requirements.
Applications from those whose experience comes from outside B.C. are rarely approved. This is due to differences in traffic laws, instructional standards, curriculum requirements and driving environments. Contact a driver education programs advisor (DEPA) for guidance before applying.
Verifiable documentation is mandatory. Applications with unverified or incomplete documentation will not be approved.
Steps to apply
1. Request an instructor challenge application package.
Email [email protected] or phone 1-866-339-0363 (toll-free) or 250-978-8370 (Victoria) to request an application.
You may be referred to a driver education programs advisor (DEPA) to prove your eligibility to apply. This would involve providing documentation, such as your instructor licences from other jurisdictions, proof of experience and other relevant education or experience.
2. Complete and submit the application package.
If you are eligible, ICBC will email you the application package, which includes:
The instructor challenge instructions
The standard application form
The application for exemption of instructor training course form
A medical evaluation form (to be completed by your doctor or nurse practitioner in B.C.)
A police information check request letter (to be submitted to your local RCMP or police for completion)
A copy of the Driver Training Code of Conduct (for reference)
Submit the completed application package (original documents only).
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ICBC Driver Training Industry Support | ICBC Driver Training Industry Support |
All documents should be submitted together, but if additional documentation was requested, you can include it in the application package or email it.
Note: it can take up to 4 weeks to review an application.
3. Complete the instructor evaluation.
If your application is approved, we will mail you an approval letter and you can arrange your evaluation with one of our driving school inspectors (DSI). Evaluations must be successfully completed within 2 years of receiving your approval letter. Extra fees apply to complete the evaluation.
If you do not successfully complete the evaluation, you must successfully complete the process to become a driving instructor to receive a valid driver training instructor's licence.
4. Pay the licence fee.
If you are successful, you can pay the $30 licensing fee by phone at 1-866-339-0363 (toll-free) or 250-978-8370 (Victoria).
5. Receive your licence and start teaching.
Once you have received your driver training instructor licence, you can teach driver training at a licensed driver training school.
Note: it can take up to 4 weeks to receive your licence.
If you have any debts owed to ICBC, your instructor’s licence will not be issued until they are paid.
Questions?
If you have questions about the instructor challenge program, email [email protected].