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British Columbia Driver's License

saravanaz89

Full Member
May 5, 2015
35
2
Hello,

I'm working in Vancouver. I did my post grad in Toronto, then i moved here for my job. I'm basically from India. when i checked for the details regarding Drivers license in BC, they are saying me to surrender my Indian Driving License to them, as we cannot have two licenses. So can anyone tell me, if i go to India will i be able to get my original License bacK?

Thanks
 

steaky

VIP Member
Nov 11, 2008
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saravanaz89 said:
will i be able to get my original License bacK?
No, you will have to make a request at ICBC and the original doc will mailed from Victoria!
 

saravanaz89

Full Member
May 5, 2015
35
2
Thanks for the reply, So is that, when i apply for BC license, that time i need to request them (ICBC) or when ?

Thanks
 

steaky

VIP Member
Nov 11, 2008
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saravanaz89 said:
Thanks for the reply, So is that, when i apply for BC license, that time i need to request them (ICBC) or when ?

Thanks
Not when you apply for the BC license (in fact, you will have to surrender your Indian License, so that they make sure you only have one driver license). But you can ask them when you can get your Indian license back.
 

saravanaz89

Full Member
May 5, 2015
35
2
I spoke with them, they said we will never get back the INDIAN license back. And when i asked, if i travel to india then how i will drive, then they are saying its not our concern.
 

steaky

VIP Member
Nov 11, 2008
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saravanaz89 said:
I spoke with them, they said we will never get back the INDIAN license back. And when i asked, if i travel to india then how i will drive, then they are saying its not our concern.
You can do your research if you can drive in India using your BC License. Btw, couldn't you get a new license in India. Or you must have your original?
 

Bryanna

VIP Member
Sep 8, 2014
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If you plan to be in India for short stays or up to one year then you can drive if you have an International Driving Permit. You must apply for a permanent license after the IDP expires
 

saravanaz89

Full Member
May 5, 2015
35
2
Yes, im going to have a photo copy of it and use when i go there. May be i can tell them about this and re-apply again. But this policy in BC is little weird, i don't see anything like this in anyother provinces. anyways that's how it works. Else i will get my IDP. Anyways, thanks for the comments and suggestions.

Cheers
 

Buletruck

VIP Member
May 18, 2015
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It's the same in all provinces. It is illegal to hold drivers licences from two or more jurisdictions in Canada. You have to surrender one of them and you aren't (technically) suppose to re-apply. Having said that, I hold a Canadian, Indonesian and Thai drivers license. Just don't show the officer all three if you get pulled over....that would be bad!!!!

Despite having reciprocal agreements for IDP in many countries, local authorities don't recognize them.
 

badar14

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May 5, 2012
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saravanaz89 said:
Yes, im going to have a photo copy of it and use when i go there. May be i can tell them about this and re-apply again. But this policy in BC is little weird, i don't see anything like this in anyother provinces. anyways that's how it works. Else i will get my IDP. Anyways, thanks for the comments and suggestions.

Cheers
Hi
Policy is same all across Canada. If you don't want to surrender your Indian Licence start from scratch. They are considering your driving experience based on your Indian license once you receive Class 5 = G licence. In case they are giving you only N (Novice Licence) = G2 despite showing Indian experience than rethink before surrendering

Good Luck
S.Badar
 

Bryanna

VIP Member
Sep 8, 2014
14,136
3,122
Yes, im going to have a photo copy of it and use when i go there.
One cannot drive in India with a photocopy of a license. An IDP is the best solution. Or maybe someone else can drive you when you're in India
 

andygill11

Hero Member
May 5, 2018
270
100
Hello,

I'm working in Vancouver. I did my post grad in Toronto, then i moved here for my job. I'm basically from India. when i checked for the details regarding Drivers license in BC, they are saying me to surrender my Indian Driving License to them, as we cannot have two licenses. So can anyone tell me, if i go to India will i be able to get my original License bacK?

Thanks
Were you able to apply for a replacement license in India?
 

andygill11

Hero Member
May 5, 2018
270
100
Just go to the RTO office and ask for a replacement. I did that.
Do you know if anyone tried that? I was wondering if Canadian MTO sends info to Indian RTO that this license has been surrendered or something like that, thus causing problems :/
 

AK-1997

Newbie
Aug 18, 2019
6
2
Do you know if anyone tried that? I was wondering if Canadian MTO sends info to Indian RTO that this license has been surrendered or something like that, thus causing problems :/
I can't speak for Canada but it sure wasn't the case for the multiple countries I've had to trade my license in (US included). I doubt the Indian RTO keeps any record of anything to be honest...
 
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