7 Steps to get your BC Driver's Licence
Getting your BC Driver’s licence can be confusing, specially as a newcomer. If you have driving experience of over two years in your home country, you can benefit from it and bypass some of the hassle.
First thing you need to know is that, after arriving to Canada, you have 90 days to exchange your licence for a BC driver’s licence. After 90 days, you cannot drive with your foreign licence unless:
- You are here as a tourist for UP TO six months.
- You are enrolled full-time in a university on this list.
- You are a temporary worker with a federal work permit under the SAWP. In this case, you can drive for up to 12 months with your foreign licence. If you will be in BC for over 12 months under the SAWP, you MUST obtain your BC driver’s licence.
How do I get my BC Driver’s licence?
- Schedule an appointment to take the knowledge test at the nearest ICBC office.
- Present two official IDs, at least one must be a photo ID.
- Verify that you have at least two years of driving experience.
- Pass the knowledge test.
- Congratulations! You passed the knowledge test! What’s next?
- ICBC will ask you to surrender your foreign licence and will issue a temporary ‘Learner’s licence’ (L) in return. The learner’s licence will be a yellow paper. Please do not discard it! This licence comes with certain restrictions listed on the back. For instance, you can only drive with a supervisor (anyone holding a Class 5 licence).
- The next step is to schedule an appointment online for your road test.
You’ve passed the road test!! Congratulations!! You now have a Class 5 licence without restrictions!!
Here are some Tips to ace your exam:
TIP!
PREPARE FOR THE KNOWLEDGE TEST BY DOWNLOADING THE APP ON YOUR PHONE AND READING THE “LEARN TO DRIVE SMART” GUIDE FROM ICBC. CONTACT US TO OBTAIN THE SPANISH VERSION.
TIP!
PROVING MORE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WILL HELP YOU GET A BETTER PRICE ON YOUR CAR INSURANCE.
TIP!
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT IN ADVANCE, AS WAIT TIMES CAN BE UP TO 3 MONTHS, AND THE ALLOWED DRIVING TIME WITH YOUR LICENCE IS 90 DAYS
TIP!
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECTION! PRACTICE AROUND THE AREA OF THE OFFICE WHERE YOU’LL BE TAKING YOUR TEST TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE AREA, SCHOOL ZONES, PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS, ETC.
TIP!
BOOK THE NEAREST AVAILABLE DATE FOR YOUR PRACTICAL EXAM. THERE ARE OFTEN CANCELLATIONS, AND YOU CAN RESCHEDULE, BUT YOU SHOULD STAY ALERT ON THE ICBC PORTAL.
What about insurance?
- Your insurance premium will decrease each year if you have no accidents.
- ICBC will “validate” up to 15 years of driving experience, so it’s helpful to have your driving record translated by an ICBC-approved translator to make use of all that valuable experience!
- To apply for a Class 5 licence, you must prove AT LEAST 2 YEARS of experience.
- Your driving record will serve to verify your driving experience. If you can’t obtain a driving record in your country, bring any old licences you have, even if they’re expired. They can still help demonstrate the years you’ve been driving. However, remember that you’ll need to provide your most recent licence and it should have not expired for over three years.
Do you need a translation? Please contact us ASAP and we will provide assistance and fair prices.
