Q&A - Operating an LSM with Class 7L

image of Class 7N and Class 7L Driver signs for BCQuestion: I just bought a 50 cc scooter and was really hoping you could help me with two questions: First, can I drive it with my Class 7L? Second, can I take two people with my Class 7L?

I am turning 16 in a week, and know many people who ride them around with they're L, or so they say, but I can't find any for sure legislation.

Class 7 and Class 7L Licences

Class 7 licence, subject to the applicable conditions and restrictions under sections 30.10 (4) and 30.11 (1), permits operation of a limited speed motorcycle, all terrain vehicle, all terrain cycle or utility vehicle,

Class 7L licence is a learner's licence that, subject to the applicable conditions and restrictions under sections 30.06 (1) and (2), 30.07 (3), 30.09 (3), 30.10 (2) and 30.11 (1), permits operation of a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles for which a Class 7 licence is required;

Supervisor Requirement & Passenger Limits

Accompanying adult conditions and passenger restrictions for learner's licence

30.06 (1.1) A person to whom a Class 7L licence is issued on or after October 6, 2003 must not operate a motor vehicle of a category designated in section 30.01 (2) for that class of driver's licence unless the person is accompanied by another person who

(c) occupies

(i) the seat beside the operator, or

(ii) the seat or area immediately behind and to the right of the operator, in the case of a motor vehicle of the category designated for the class of licence issued in which there is no seat beside the operator.

ICBC Advice

ICBC is our provincial driver licensing authority. It's web site advises that an LSM requires a class 7 licence and a class 7L is not sufficient.

Class 8L Licence

The class 8L does have an exemption:

(5) For the purposes of subsections (4) and (4.1), "direct supervision" means that the person supervising can, at all times, see the other person while the other person is operating the motorcycle.

Perhaps you should consider getting both a class 7L and a class 8L licence.

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