Driving license in BC

[shishirkona]

Hi,

I was researching how to get a driving license and came across the information that I will need at least two years of driving experience before getting a full license. I just got my driving license in Bangladesh and learned to drive only recently. I am moving to Canada as a single immigrant. What are my options? I wont have licensed driver to accompany me to drive with a learner's license.

 

[Buletruck]

Doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get a license, just not a full license. There may be restrictions that you need to meet. You will have to take the test for a learners permit and then book a road test. You should get a Novice license.

Novice stage
When you pass the road test at the end of the Learner stage, you get a novice licence and can drive on your own.

• For the first 24 months, you may have only one passenger unless:
  • there is a licensed driver 25 years or older beside you or
  • your passengers are close family members
• Several other restrictions limit your driving rights.
• After 24 months with a novice licence, you can take a second road test and get a full-privilege licence.

 

[Mauchan]

What are my options? I wont have licensed driver to accompany me to drive with a learner's license.

After getting a Learners license, you'll have to wait for a year to take a Novice license road test.

For the first year, rely on public transport and find accommodation which is close to supermarkets - and transit lines/connection if your workplace is afar.

 

[shishirkona]

After getting a Learners license, you'll have to wait for a year to take a Novice license road test.

For the first year, rely on public transport and find accommodation which is close to supermarkets - and transit lines/connection if your workplace is afar.

Will the fact that I have a foreign full license help to reduce the 1 year waiting?

 

[shishirkona]

Doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get a license, just not a full license. There may be restrictions that you need to meet. You will have to take the test for a learners permit and then book a road test. You should get a Novice license.

Novice stage
When you pass the road test at the end of the Learner stage, you get a novice licence and can drive on your own.

• For the first 24 months, you may have only one passenger unless:
  • there is a licensed driver 25 years or older beside you or
  • your passengers are close family members
• Several other restrictions limit your driving rights.
• After 24 months with a novice licence, you can take a second road test and get a full-privilege licence.

Thanks! How soon can I take the road test in L? I plan to take some driving classes - will that help to reduce my time? Also since I will be living alone, how will I be able to drive with L to get practice and acqainted to BC roads?

 

[shishirkona]

Will the fact that I have a foreign full license help to reduce the 1 year waiting?

Or an international driving permit?

 

[Mauchan]

Will the fact that I have a foreign full license help to reduce the 1 year waiting?

Only if you can prove that you had over 2 years of driving experience on your foreign license. Such experience is generally authenticated by an experience letter or abstract issued by the local (your country's) transport office.

If you cannot meet the above condition, then you'll have to go through the graduated licensing system. Which means you need to have the L license for one year before you can take the N road test. There is no road test for the L permit - just an eye exam and written test.

An international driving permit means little in this case - it is just a translation of the license and not a license by itself.

Technically speaking, you can drive in BC for 6 months with your foreign license but expect to pay extremely high monthly insurance costs.

Taking a ICBC approved driving school lesson will knock off 6 months off the waiting period. Just double check with ICBC office during your L process.

 

[PMM]

Hi

Only if you can prove that you had over 2 years of driving experience on your foreign license. Such experience is generally authenticated by an experience letter or abstract issued by the local (your country's) transport office.

If you cannot meet the above condition, then you'll have to go through the graduated licensing system. Which means you need to have the L license for one year before you can take the N road test. There is no road test for the L permit - just an eye exam and written test.

An international driving permit means little in this case - it is just a translation of the license and not a license by itself.

Technically speaking, you can drive in BC for 6 months with your foreign license but expect to pay extremely high monthly insurance costs.

Taking a ICBC approved driving school lesson will knock off 6 months off the waiting period. Just double check with ICBC office during your L process.

1. No, the OP is coming as an Immigrant, so s/he can only drive for 90 days on a foreign license.

 

[Buletruck]

Whichmeans you need to have the L license for one year before you can take the N road test. There is no road test for the L permit - just an eye exam and written test.

If they have a valid foreign license, they can exchange it for a “Novice” license if they have less than 2 years experience. They don’t need to do the full one year learners permit. They will acquire the L license first and can then do the road test. There shouldn’t be any waiting period to do the road test, other than waiting for an appointment. Strongly suggest using you home country license (and an IDP) for as long as you can to get some practice before you exchange it.

 

[Mauchan]

Hi

1. No, the OP is coming as an Immigrant, so s/he can only drive for 90 days on a foreign license.

You're right. I stand corrected.

If they have a valid foreign license, they can exchange it for a “Novice” license if they have less than 2 years experience.

Interesting. Had no idea. Does the ICBC mention this anywhere on their website?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thanks! How soon can I take the road test in L? I plan to take some driving classes - will that help to reduce my time? Also since I will be living alone, how will I be able to drive with L to get practice and acqainted to BC roads?

You can drive for 90 days on your foreign license. Before that time ends, take the knowledge test and road test. If you pass, you will get a novice license. If you fail the road test, you will get a learner's license. Note that pass or fail, they will take your foreign license from you when you do the road test.

 

[Buletruck]

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.

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

 

[shishirkona]

I don’t think they will take my foreign license. How will I drive in Bangladesh without it? I think what they mean here is at any given point, you can have one procince’s state license.

You can drive for 90 days on your foreign license. Before that time ends, take the knowledge test and road test. If you pass, you will get a novice license. If you fail the road test, you will get a learner's license. Note that pass or fail, they will take your foreign license from you when you do the road test.

obt

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I don’t think they will take my foreign license. How will I drive in Bangladesh without it? I think what they mean here is at any given point, you can have one procince’s state license.

obt

Yes, they will and no, that is not what they mean. BC law does not allow a person to hold more than one license, period. Have you actually looked at the ICBC website yet? This is clearly stated. https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/Pages/Moving-from-another-country.aspx

 

[shishirkona]

Yes i have! It doesn’t say I have to surrender my foreign license. It does say previous license and I was of the impression it would apply to other Canadian license. It’s strange that they will take my valid foreign license.

Yes, they will and no, that is not what they mean. BC law does not allow a person to hold more than one license, period. Have you actually looked at the ICBC website yet? This is clearly stated. https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/Pages/Moving-from-another-country.aspx

j

Yes, they will and no, that is not what they mean. BC law does not allow a person to hold more than one license, period. Have you actually looked at the ICBC website yet? This is clearly stated. https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/Pages/Moving-from-another-country.aspx