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Getting Your Driver’s Licence in British Columbia

by | Jan 23, 2019 | Living in Canada

Driving in Vancouver

Driving is a big part of life in Canada. If you are planning to move to Vancouver or anywhere in British Columbia (B.C), you will need to learn about the process for getting your driver’s licence in British Columbia. The steps to complete will differ depending on your current driver’s licence status. Below we will outline the steps to get your driver’s licence in B.C.

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You Have 90 Days to Switch to a B.C Driver’s Licence

The local licencing authority is called the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Newcomers to the province are allowed to drive using a foreign licence for up to 90 days after arrival. This is referred to as the 90-day rule. After this point, you can only use a driving licence in Canada issued by British Columbia.

How to Apply for a B.C Driver’s Licence

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New residents can apply for a licence at an ICBC licencing offer. For the appointment you will need to bring:

  • Personal identification
  • Your current driver’s licence
  • Proof of previous driving experience (driving record)
  • Funds to pay for licencing fees.

To get a B.C licence you will need to surrender your previous licence to ICBC. Experienced drivers from approved countries can exchange their foreign licence for a British Columbia equivalent right away.

Reciprocal Licence Exchange List

Licencing requirements are based on your current licence and the country it is from. ICBC has licence exchange agreements with the following countries:

  • Austria
  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • France
  • Germany
  • Guernsey
  • Isle of Man
  • Jersey
  • Ireland
  • Japan
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea (not motorcycles)
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan (for passenger vehicles only, not motorcycles)
  • United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
  • United States.

If you hold a license from any of these countries, you will need to bring identification, (including a permanent resident card, or work/study permit). You will also need to surrender your existing licence and answer basic questions about road safety to get a British Columbia licence.

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What if I am Not from a Country on the Licence Exchange List?

If you have a licence from a country that is not on the list, you can still apply for a B.C driver’s licence. You will need to fill out an application and pass a knowledge test and road test.

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  • Complete the knowledge test: Book an appointment to complete your knowledge test. This is a multiple-choice quiz about road rules and road signs. You will need to get at least 40 out of 50 questions correct to pass. You can take the practice knowledge test online here.
  • Take the class 5 road test: Once you pass the knowledge test you can make an appointment to complete your road test. If you pass the test, you will be issued a B.C driver’s licence.

You will have 90 days to complete the process.

Steps to Complete if You Have Less Than Two Years of Driving Experience

If you have less than two years of driving experience in your home country, you will have to take more steps to get a driver’s licence. 

Those with more than two years of driving experience will get a full, Class 5 licence right away as outlined above. People with less than two years of experience will receive a Class 7 novice licence and may then apply for a full Class 5 licence when they have accumulated two years of experience. Foreign experience will be credited towards the two-year total.

You will enter the graduated licencing program. This is also applicable to newcomers who do not have a driver’s licence and want to get a B.C licence. Here’s how it works:

  • Get your learner’s licence – your L: you will need to pass the knowledge test and a vision test
  • Get your novice licence – your N: You will need one year of driving experience with a qualified supervisor. You will need to pass the Class 7 road test.
  • Get your full licence: Complete 2 years of safe driving with your Class 7 licence and pass the Class 5 road test.

What to Know About Driving in British Columbia

Now that you know how to get a driver’s licence, let’s briefly talk about what it is like to drive in British Columbia. Here are some must-know facts:

In B.C. all drivers must:

  • Have car insurance to drive a car
  • Wear a seatbelt when driving (including passengers)
  • Install winter tires in the winter months
  • Be aware of driving conditions that can change quickly – you will experience rain, snow, icy roads at different times of the year
  • Watch for wildlife – wild animals often cross the roadways, especially on highways and in mountainous regions.
  • Obey speed limits and other traffic signs
  • Pay fees to drive on toll roads in the province
  • It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving
  • The legal blood alcohol level is 0.05 in BC.

Also, to ensure your safety, it’s illegal to use your cell phone while driving and the legal blood alcohol level is 0.05 in B.C. However, it’s best to avoid drinking and driving. 

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