Can a Designated Driver with an N Licence Carry More Than One Passenger?

Question: Can someone with their N licence have more than one friend in the car if they are the designated driver?

Answer: No. A designated driver with a Class 7 Novice (N) licence must still obey BC's passenger restrictions. While volunteering to drive friends home is responsible, it does not create an exemption from BC's Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) rules.

Being the Designated Driver Does Not Change the Rules

Choosing not to drink and driving friends home is the responsible thing to do. However, BC's Graduated Licensing Program does not provide a legal exemption that allows a novice driver to carry extra passengers simply because they are acting as the designated driver. These restrictions continue to apply even when the goal is to prevent impaired driving.

The passenger restrictions exist because inexperienced drivers are more susceptible to distractions created by passengers. Friends who have been drinking can increase those distractions, making the restrictions even more important.

Plan Ahead

If your group needs more than one passenger to get home safely, make arrangements before you go out. Ask another sober driver, use a taxi or rideshare service where available, or split into more than one vehicle. Friends should never pressure a novice driver to break the passenger restrictions.

What the Law Allows

A Class 7 Novice (N) driver may normally carry only one passenger unless one of the following exceptions applies:

• A qualified supervisor who is at least 25 years old (or a licensed driving instructor), holds the appropriate driver's licence, and occupies the required seating position.
• Immediate family members are exempt from the one-passenger limit.
• For Class 8 motorcycle licences, passenger restrictions depend on the motorcycle used for licensing and any restriction shown on the driver's licence.

Immediate family members include a spouse, parent, grandparent, child, sibling, step-parent, step-grandparent, step-child, step-sibling, foster parent, foster grandparent, foster child or foster sibling.

There are no other exemptions to BC's novice driver passenger restrictions. Acting as the designated driver is not one of them.

These restrictions are established in Division 30 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.

Check the Restrictions on Your Driver's Licence

Any class of BC driver's licence may be subject to licence restrictions. The easiest way to find out which restrictions apply to you is to read your driver's licence. All applicable restrictions are listed on the front of the licence.

Learn More

• "N" Drivers Forever!
• Motorcycle Licensing in BC
• Impaired Driving
• Q&A - Older L Driver Issue

Knowing the passenger restrictions before you head out can help you avoid a ticket, comply with BC's Graduated Licensing Program, and ensure everyone gets home safely.