ICBC says Class 4 licenses usually have shorter wait times for tests; says it'll be ready for the demand

The insurance provider says increases in applications for Class 4 licenses around B.C. could start this September

There could be a spike in Class 4 license applications this fall with the introduction of ride-hailing legislation: ICBC

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – As British Columbia gears up for ride hailing this fall, ICBC says there could be a spike in Class 4 license applications.

The insurance provider says increases in applications could start this September. Last month the province announced ride hailing companies like Uber and Lyft can start operating Sept. 16, once they get permission from the Passenger Transportation Board.

ICBC president Nicolas Jimenez says that’s when drivers will likely feel comfortable going for the required class 4 license.

“I think people are going to start to see companies applying for licenses, and as soon as they see that, they’re I think they’re going to say ‘Ok, well this is happening, it’s real, these companies are coming into the market, time for me to get ready,'” he said.

However, prospective drivers may want to start booking road tests sooner rather than later. Wait times have spiked since ICBC made its test more challenging in 2016. The insurance provider blames the increase on the number of people failing the test.

Class 4 licenses usually have shorter waits, according to Jimenez, and he believes ICBC will be ready for the demand.

“We’re ready operationally for any increase in volume, and will adjust according to make sure that there’s a really smooth roll out,” he said. “That’s the whole point, is to make sure that we get this roll out right, and make sure it’s smooth.”

With files from NEWS 1130’s Tim James