driver's licence

[marta cocchi]

I am an Italian citizen living in BC, currently waiting for my common law visa papers to be approved.
I have an Italian driver licence and I have been driving in Canada with an International driver permit obtained in Italy.
Such permit is now expired and I will not go back to Italy for a year or so.

Can I drive in BC?
If not, what would you recommend me to do?

Thank you.

 

[Marlee]

You have 90 days from your date of arrival to apply for a BC driver's license. However, Italy does not have an agreement with B.C., meaning you will have to take a knowledge and a road test. You are not able to merely exchange it.

http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/Pages/Moving-from-another-country.aspx

 

[marta cocchi]

Thank you.
The link you posted says I have 90 days to apply, except if I am a visitor. If my visa has not been processed yet and I entered Canada with a 6 months visitor visa, am I technically allowed to drive for 6 months with my italian driver licence?

Thank you.

 

[MiriamT]

You have 90 days from your date of arrival to apply for a BC driver's license. However, Italy does not have an agreement with B.C., meaning you will have to take a knowledge and a road test. You are not able to merely exchange it.

http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/Pages/Moving-from-another-country.aspx

This is partially incorrect. In BC if one is only visiting, that person can drive for up to 6 months with their foreign licence. 3 months only apply to new residents of the province (students not included).

 

[MiriamT]

Thank you.
The link you posted says I have 90 days to apply, except if I am a visitor. If my visa has not been processed yet and I entered Canada with a 6 months visitor visa, am I technically allowed to drive for 6 months with my italian driver licence?

Thank you.

As a visitor you're allowed to drive for 6 months since the last time you crossed the border.

 

[Marlee]

That is correct but since she said she is currently LIVING in BC, I assumed she would most probably not be here on a tourist visa but on a work permit. If that is the case, the 90 day rule applies. Of course, if she has a tourist visa it is a different story and she can use it to up to 6 months after crossing the border.

 

[marta cocchi]

Thank you so much everyone.

 

[Msafiri]

I am an Italian citizen living in BC, currently waiting for my common law visa papers to be approved.
I have an Italian driver licence and I have been driving in Canada with an International driver permit obtained in Italy.
Such permit is now expired and I will not go back to Italy for a year or so.

Can I drive in BC?
If not, what would you recommend me to do?

Thank you.

At what stage is this seemingly inland sponsorship process? Have you received an AOR or did you just apply etc. Knowing this is useful in clarifying your options.