Enhanced Road Assessment in BC: Purpose, Who’s Referred & How to Prepare

BC’s Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA): What It Is, Who Needs It, and How to Prepare

The Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA) is an on‑road driving evaluation used by RoadSafetyBC to determine whether a Class 5 or Class 7 driver can continue to drive safely. Unlike the standard ICBC road test that grants a licence for new drivers, the ERA is ordered only when concerns arise about a current driver’s fitness to drive—typically because of medical, cognitive, or performance‑related red flags. Below is a comprehensive guide covering the purpose of the ERA, who can be referred, what to expect on test day, and practical tips to help drivers prepare. The following is a summary and explanation based on the official policy.

1  Purpose of the ERA

• Functional Safety Check  |  The ERA assesses real‑world driving skills—observation, judgment, speed control, hazard response, multitasking—under growing traffic complexity.
• Medical Fitness Tool  |  It complements medical reports by giving RoadSafetyBC objective evidence of how a driver manages any health‑related limitations behind the wheel.
• Not Age‑Based  |  While many older adults are referred, the ERA can be required for drivers of any age if there is reason to doubt their safe driving ability.
• No Traditional “Pass/Fail”  |  The examiner provides a detailed performance summary. RoadSafetyBC considers that report—plus medical data and crash history—before deciding to maintain, restrict, or cancel the licence.

2  Who May Be Required to Take an ERA?

You cannot volunteer for an ERA; you must be referred by RoadSafetyBC. Typical referral triggers include:

Important: Receiving an ERA letter does not automatically cancel your licence. You keep all driving privileges until the assessment is completed and RoadSafetyBC makes a decision. Failure to attend, however, results in automatic licence cancellation.

3  Booking & Logistics

1. Letter of Referral  |  RoadSafetyBC mails an ERA referral with a deadline—usually 60 days—to book and complete the assessment.
2. No Cost to Driver  |  The ERA itself is free. Private refresher lessons, if you choose them, are extra.
3. How to Book  |  Call the ICBC Driver Licensing information line or visit an ICBC office with your referral letter and driver’s licence.
4. Assessment Vehicle  |  Bring a safe, insured passenger vehicle you are comfortable driving (no commercial trucks). It must have functioning lights, signals, brakes, and windshield wipers. Adaptive equipment is allowed if it is already noted on your licence.
5. Location & Duration  |  Assessments occur at select ICBC centres around BC and take about 90 minutes:

• 10 min pre‑trip orientation
• 45 min varied‑route drive (residential, urban, highway) with a midpoint feedback stop
• 10 min post‑trip review
  Remaining time covers administration and examiner scoring.

4  Assessment Components

5  Possible Outcomes

1. Licence Maintained (No Change)
2. Licence Maintained with Conditions – e.g., daytime driving only, automatic‑transmission vehicles, geographic area limits.
3. Further Monitoring – another ERA or additional medical information requested.
4. Licence Cancellation – if RoadSafetyBC deems driving unsafe even with restrictions.

Decisions typically arrive within 7–10 days after the ERA. You will receive a formal notice outlining next steps or appeal options.

6  How to Prepare

• Review BC Road Rules & Signs – Study ICBC’s Learn to Drive Smart and Tuning Up for Drivers manuals.
• Take Professional Coaching – A refresher lesson with Let’s Go Driving (flexible scheduling available) helps you practise the exact manoeuvres the examiner will assess.
• Practise Hazard Scanning – Consistently check mirrors, shoulder‑check, and anticipate risks.
• Drive Familiar Routes – Confidence in your own vehicle and neighbourhood boosts performance.
• Rest & Focus – Get adequate sleep, bring required eyewear/medications, and avoid distractions.

Quick Checklist for Test Day

1. ICBC referral letter & current driver’s licence
2. Safe, insured vehicle with fuel
3. Glasses or hearing aids (if needed)
4. Calm mindset—view it as a skills demonstration, not a typical pass/fail exam

7  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the ERA only for seniors?
No. Age alone does not trigger an ERA. Any driver whose medical or driving record raises safety concerns can be referred.

Do commercial‑class drivers take an ERA?
Commercial‑class (1–4, 6) drivers are usually sent for the Commercial Road Test Re‑Exam. However, some may be required to complete an ERA after downgrading to Class 5.

Can I appeal the result?
Yes. You may request a review by RoadSafetyBC or provide new medical evidence. Legal advice can help if you believe the decision was unfair.

How often can I be re‑assessed?
RoadSafetyBC may order another ERA at its discretion—typically after medical treatment, a collision, or if you appeal and are granted a new assessment.

Key Takeaways

• The ERA is an on‑road evaluation (about 90 minutes) used by RoadSafetyBC to confirm whether a driver with potential medical or performance concerns can continue driving safely.
• Only drivers referred by RoadSafetyBC—often after a medical report, collision, or police recommendation—must take the ERA.
• Failing to attend cancels your licence; completing it does not automatically mean failure—you could keep your licence with or without conditions.
• Thorough preparation, refresher training, and honest self‑assessment greatly improve your chances of keeping your driving privileges.

Need personalized practice before your ERA? Contact Let’s Go Driving for one‑on‑one coaching and flexible lesson times tailored to your needs.