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Licensing for
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Licensing for
Recreational Vehicles
If you are planning on buying or renting a
Recreational Vehicle this year, there are some
Driver Licensing Requirements you should be aware
of.
Q.
What type of vehicle can I operate with a Class 5
(passenger vehicle) or Class 7
(passenger vehicle novice) driver’s licence?
A
Class 5 or Class 7 licence allows you to operate a
passenger vehicle that has two axles, such as a car
or light truck, a limited speed motorcycle or any
motorhome not equipped with air brakes.
Q.
How much can I tow with a passenger licence?
A
Class 5 or Class 7 licence allows you to tow a
trailer weighing up to 4,600 kilograms (10,120
pounds). The maximum weight of 4,600 kilograms will
accommodate most types of trailers that would be
towed behind a passenger vehicle or light truck.
Q.
What if I want to tow a trailer that weighs more
than 4,600 kilograms?
If
your trailer weighs more than 4,600 kilograms and
you have a Class 5 passenger vehicle licence, you
will need to upgrade your licence. A Class 7 licence,
which is for new drivers, cannot be upgraded to
permit towing a heavy trailer.
Q.
Why do I have to upgrade my licence just to tow a
heavier trailer?
The
4,600-kilogram weight limit is similar to the weight
limits in other jurisdictions and was
established as a safety threshold between small and
large trailers. Towing a heavier trailer is more
difficult and requires more skill than towing a
light trailer.
Q.
How do I upgrade my passenger licence so I can tow a
heavier trailer without air brakes?
There are three options available for upgrading your
Class 5 licence.
One
is to apply for a House Trailer endorsement. This
will allow you to tow recreational house trailers of
any weight.
The
second option is to apply for a Heavy Trailer
endorsement (Code 20). This will allow you to tow
any kind of trailer of unlimited weight provided it
does not have air brakes.
The
third option is to apply for a Class 1, 2 or 3
commercial licence.
Q.
What do I have to do to apply for a House Trailer
endorsement, Heavy Trailer endorsement or a
commercial (Class 1, 2 or 3) licence?
Each
of these options involves passing a driver knowledge
test, qualifying to applicable driver medical
standards and passing a road test in an appropriate
vehicle combination for the class of licence being
applied for.
Q.
Does ICBC have study material on driving
recreational vehicles?
Yes.
Towing a Recreational Trailer may be downloaded from
www.icbc.com, or contact your nearest driver
licensing office for a copy.
Q.
Are there costs associated with upgrading my licence?
Yes.
There are fees for the knowledge test ($15.00) and
the road test ($50.00). You will not be charged for
these tests if you are 65 years old or older. There
is also a fee for your new photo driver’s licence.
Your doctor may charge a fee for the completion of a
medical report.
Q.
What do I need if my trailer or RV has air brakes?
You
need an air brake endorsement. If the trailer weighs
over 4,600 kilograms, you will also need a Class 1
driver’s licence.
Q.
Need more information?
Call
1-800-950-1498 or visit
www.icbc.com.
The
information in this fact sheet is intended to
provide general information only. Nothing is
intended to provide legal or professional advice or
to be relied on in any dispute, claim, action,
demand or proceeding. ICBC does not accept liability
for any damage or injury resulting from reliance on
the information in this publication.
For a printable version of this fact sheet, click
here (requires adobe acrobat reader)
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Courtesy ICBC. All rights reserved. |
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