Getting a B.C. driver's licence when moving from most countries

Here is how to get a B.C. driver's licence if you're from any country except the following:

 

Prepare for a driving knowledge test
Before you can get a regular B.C. driver’s licence…

you need to get a learner’s licence.

To qualify, you must pass a knowledge test (and a vision test).

To prepare for the knowledge test, study one of these guidebooks:

To drive a	You must study
passenger vehicle	Learn to drive smart
motorcycle	Learn to ride smart
commercial vehicle	Driving Commercial Vehicles

We recommend taking our online practice knowledge test, too.

 

Take the knowledge test
When you feel ready, go to a driver licensing office to take the knowledge test…

In the test, you answer questions based on the study guide for your vehicle type (see above).

When you go to the driver licensing office, be sure to bring

• required ID
• your current driver’s licence, and
• $15 for a test fee.

If you hold an international driving permit, please bring it, too.

Non-English documents: If your licence and ID are in a language other than English, they have to be translated by an ICBC-approved translator. 

 

Take a road test
After passing the knowledge and vision tests, you will have to take a road test…

You may take the road test as soon as you feel ready. There may be a long wait for an appointment to take your test. So, be sure to book your test well in advance.

Book your road test now »

You should bring a qualified driver to the office with you when taking your road test. If you don't pass your road test, they can help you get home.

If you pass the road test, you will qualify for a regular B.C. driver’s licence.

If you don’t pass, you can keep practising and take the test again.

Licensing requirements

90-day time limit

To drive legally, you must switch to a B.C. driver’s licence within 90 days of moving here. During this time, you can keep driving with your existing licence.

Two years' driving experience

To be eligible for a full-privilege B.C. driver's licence, you must have held a driver’s licence (not a learner's) for at least two years.

If you can't provide proof of two years' driving experience, you can still get a B.C. licence. However, you will have to go through our graduated licensing program.

Proving your driving experience »

Non-English documents

If your licence, driving record and ID are in a language other than English, they have to be translated by an ICBC-approved translator. (PDF)

The fees and services vary for each translator—please contact them for more information.

Giving up your previous licence

Need more information?

Visit any driver licensing office in B.C. or call:

• Greater Victoria: 250-978-8300
• Elsewhere in B.C. Canada and the U.S.: 1-800-950-1498
• Other countries: 250-978-8300 (We accept collect calls.)