Moving from outside Canada
Welcome to B.C.! After moving here, you have 90 days to switch your valid licence to a B.C. driver’s licence.
The 90-day rule does not apply if you:
- are visiting as a tourist for up to six months
- are temporary foreign worker with a federal work permit designating that you are in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). Workers in the SAWP may drive for up to 12 months on a valid licence from their home jurisdiction. If you’re staying longer than 12 months under SAWP and want to continue driving then you will need to get a B.C. driver’s licence.
Requirements for new B.C. residents
New B.C. residents will only be required to provide their driver licence history — proof of insurance is no longer required. However, their premiums will be adjusted for the first three years of driving in B.C. due to the increased risks associated with driving in a new area.
Each year you remain crash-free, your discount increases. ICBC will credit you with up to 15 years of driving experience (up from eight years) upon receipt of a driver's abstract showing the original date that you received your licence.
Book an appointment to provide your original driver’s abstract at an ICBC driver licensing office to get your B.C. licence.
If you've previously held a B.C. driver's licence and are returning to the province, you will not be considered a new resident.
Driving experience requirement
If you don't have two years' driving experience (with a full-privilege, non-learner licence) or can't prove it, you can still get a Class 7 or Class 8 licence with graduated licensing restrictions.