Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA): What Is It?

An Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA) is an on-road driving evaluation required by RoadSafetyBC and administered by ICBC when there are concerns about a driver’s medical fitness or functional driving ability.

The ERA is not a standard road test and is not optional. It is part of BC’s driver safety review process and helps determine whether a driver can continue to drive safely.

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Who Is Required to Take an Enhanced Road Assessment?

A driver may be required to complete an Enhanced Road Assessment if:

• A medical professional reports a condition that may affect driving
• RoadSafetyBC identifies concerns about driving ability
• Previous assessments suggest further evaluation is needed
• A collision, police report, or driving history raises safety concerns

Important:
An ERA is not age-based, although it is commonly required for senior drivers. Drivers of any age may be referred.

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Who Conducts the Enhanced Road Assessment?

The official Enhanced Road Assessment is conducted by ICBC driver examiners, on behalf of RoadSafetyBC.

Driving schools do not conduct the official ERA and do not make licensing decisions. ICBC uses the ERA results as part of its overall review process.

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What Happens During an Enhanced Road Assessment?

An ERA appointment usually lasts about 90 minutes and includes three parts:

1. Pre-Trip Vehicle Orientation

• Basic vehicle safety check
• Demonstration of vehicle controls (signals, lights, wipers, etc.)

2. On-Road Driving Assessment

• Approximately 45 minutes of driving
• Evaluation of:
  • Steering and lane positioning
  • Speed control
  • Observation and hazard awareness
  • Left and right turns
  • Lane changes and merging
  • Parking maneuvers
  • Ability to follow directions
  • Use of secondary controls while driving

The examiner may provide brief feedback during the drive.

3. Post-Trip Review

• Discussion of observed strengths and concerns
• Explanation of next steps in the review process

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Is the Enhanced Road Assessment Pass or Fail?

The ERA is not a traditional pass or fail test.

After the assessment:

• Results are sent to RoadSafetyBC.
• RoadSafetyBC reviews all information before making a licensing decision

Possible outcomes include:

• Licence maintained
• Licence restrictions
• Issuance of a learner licence
• Licence cancellation (in more serious cases)

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Is There a Cost for the Enhanced Road Assessment?

There is no fee for the Enhanced Road Assessment itself. It is provided by ICBC as part of the driver medical fitness process.

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How to Prepare for an Enhanced Road Assessment

While you cannot “study” for an ERA like a road test, preparation can help you feel confident and drive safely.

Helpful preparation includes:

• Practicing basic driving skills on public roads
• Reviewing vehicle controls
• Refreshing knowledge of BC road rules
• Practicing calm, defensive driving habits
• Reducing stress and staying focused

Some drivers choose to take professional driving refresher sessions before their ERA to rebuild confidence and correct habits.

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ERA Preparation Support at Task Driving Academy

While Task Driving Academy does not conduct the official ERA, we do offer professional driving refresher lessons to help drivers:

• Regain confidence behind the wheel
• Review safe driving habits
• Improve observation and decision-making
• Feel more comfortable before an ERA appointment

Our instructors take a respectful, patient, and supportive approach, especially when working with senior drivers.

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Where Enhanced Road Assessments Take Place

Enhanced Road Assessments are conducted by ICBC on public roads across the Lower Mainland, including areas such as:

• Vancouver
• Richmond
• Surrounding communities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)