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New to British Columbia? How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's Licence

Welcome to beautiful British Columbia! As you settle into your new life, one of the most important steps for getting around is obtaining a BC driver's licence. The process, managed by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), is mandatory for new residents. This guide will walk you through every step of exchanging your licence from another country, making the process as clear and simple as possible.

The 90-Day Rule for New Residents

When you move to British Columbia, you can use your valid driver's licence from another province or country for a maximum of 90 days. After this 90-day period, your out-of-province licence is no longer valid in BC, and you must have a BC driver's licence to continue driving legally.

Understanding BC's Reciprocal Licence Exchange

The process of exchanging your licence depends entirely on where it was issued. British Columbia has reciprocal agreements with a specific list of "reciprocal countries." If your licence is from one of these places and you have at least two years of driving experience, the process is incredibly simple.

Reciprocal Countries & Regions (Testing Usually Waived)

If you hold a valid, non-learner licence from one of the following jurisdictions, you can typically exchange it for a BC Class 5 licence without taking a knowledge test or a road test.

  • Any other province or territory in Canada
  • United States (including American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands)
  • Austria
  • Australia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey
  • Ireland
  • Japan
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Republic of Korea (South Korea)
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Kingdom

Important Note: To bypass the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) and get a full Class 5 licence, you must prove you have 2 or more years of driving experience. If you have less than 2 years of experience, you will be placed into the GLP.

Non-Reciprocal Countries (Testing Required)

If your licence is from a country not on the reciprocal list (e.g., India, China, Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, etc.), you must apply as a new driver and pass all the required tests. However, your foreign driving experience is still valuable as it can help you get a full licence faster.

Process for Non-Reciprocal Licence Holders:

  1. You must pass the knowledge test and a vision screening.
  2. You must pass a Class 5 road test.
  3. If you can prove you have 2+ years of foreign driving experience, you can take the Class 5 road test directly after passing your knowledge test, bypassing the mandatory waiting periods of the GLP.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exchanging Your Licence at ICBC

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth visit to an ICBC driver licensing office.

Step 1: Gather Your Required Documents

This is the most crucial step. All documents must be original. ICBC does not accept photocopies.

Documentation Checklist for All Applicants:

  1. Your Original Foreign Driver's Licence: You will be required to surrender this.
  2. Required Identification: You need one piece of primary ID and one piece of secondary ID.
    • Primary ID: Valid Passport, Canadian Citizenship Card, Permanent Resident (PR) Card.
    • Secondary ID: Foreign Birth Certificate, Canadian or U.S. SIN Card, Credit Card from a Canadian bank, Student ID.
  3. Proof of Driving Experience: If you want credit for your previous driving history (highly recommended!), you need proof. This can be:
    • Your foreign licence itself, if it shows an original issue date that is more than two years ago.
    • A letter of experience or an abstract from the licensing authority in your home country.
  4. Official Translation: If any of your documents (including your licence or driving record) are not in English, you must provide a translation from an ICBC-approved translator.
  5. Proof of BC Residency: You need one document proving you live in BC. Examples include a utility bill, a bank statement showing your address, or a signed long-term rental agreement.
  6. Applicable Fees: Be prepared to pay the fee for the licence exchange and any tests. You can pay by cash, debit, or credit card.

Step 2: Book an Appointment and Visit an ICBC Office

You must apply in person at an ICBC driver licensing office. It is highly recommended to book an appointment online to avoid long wait times.

Step 3: At the ICBC Office

  • An ICBC agent will review all your original documents.
  • You will be asked to declare any health conditions that may affect your driving.
  • You will take a vision screening test.
  • You will have your photo taken.
  • You will pay the required fees.
  • You will answer questions about your driving history.
  • You will surrender your foreign licence. It will be held by ICBC and will not be returned.

Step 4: Testing (If Required)

If you are from a non-reciprocal country, you will need to pass the knowledge test at the office. Once you pass, you can then book your road test for a later date.

Step 5: Receive Your Licence

After completing all requirements, you will be issued a temporary paper driver's licence, which is valid for 90 days. Your permanent photo licence card will be mailed to your BC address within 60 days.

Exchanging your licence is a key part of settling into BC. By preparing your documents meticulously and understanding the process, you can make your trip to ICBC a success.