Just passed my UK driving test, which B.C driving license can I get?

[jamezmoran]

As in the subject, I'm moving to B.C soon although I've only just passed my driving test last week. I originally received my UK provisional learners licence over 10 years ago, but since I only just passed my test, I presume I will have to enter the B.C graduated licensing programme. My question is will I receive a Class 7L license (learner) or a Class 7N license (Novice)? It would really suck if I had to turn in my full UK license for another learners licence and have to do 12 months or whatever of mandatory supervised lessons when I'm actually fully qualified.

Thanks!

 

[zardoz]

As in the subject, I'm moving to B.C soon although I've only just passed my driving test last week. I originally received my UK provisional learners licence over 10 years ago, but since I only just passed my test, I presume I will have to enter the B.C graduated licensing programme. My question is will I receive a Class 7L license (learner) or a Class 7N license (Novice)? It would really suck if I had to turn in my full UK license for another learners licence and have to do 12 months or whatever of mandatory supervised lessons when I'm actually fully qualified.

Thanks!

Because you don't have 2 years driving experience as a full licence holder, it doesn't look like you are eligible for the reciprocal exchange. http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/Pages/Moving-from-another-country.aspx

Reciprocal licence agreement

To exchange your reciprocal licence for a B.C. driver's licence, go to any driver licensing office in B.C.
Bring the following to apply for your licence:
required ID
your current driver's licence
fee for your licence
proof of two years’ driving experience


Don’t have two years of driving experience?

If you don’t have two years’ driving experience with a non-learner licence or can’t prove it, you can still get a B.C. licence by going through the graduated licensing program (GLP). You will receive credit for any time you have driven.

 

[jamezmoran]

Because you don't have 2 years driving experience as a full licence holder, it doesn't look like you are eligible for the reciprocal exchange. http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/Pages/Moving-from-another-country.aspx

I understand this and that's fair enough, I'm not expecting to get a full licence straight off the bat since that wouldn't make sense, I was just wondering if I'd be exempt from any of the time restrictions in the GLP, specifically the 12 months before I can take the class 7 test. The website says "you will receive credit for any time driven", but I don't know if holding a provisional licence for ten years exempts me from having to wait those 12 months.

 

[zardoz]

I understand this and that's fair enough, I'm not expecting to get a full licence straight off the bat since that wouldn't make sense, I was just wondering if I'd be exempt from any of the time restrictions in the GLP, specifically the 12 months before I can take the class 7 test. The website says "you will receive credit for any time driven", but I don't know if holding a provisional licence for ten years exempts me from having to wait those 12 months.

My understanding is that only time on a full licence is credited. In your case, this is effectively nil. There is a contact link through that site. It might be worth asking them directly but my feeling is that you will start off with an "L" because you don't have at least one year.

 

[jamezmoran]

So I just spoke to a guy at ICBC and he told me that I wouldn't have to start on a learner's licence, I'd be placed into the novice program in the GLP meaning I can drive on my own unsupervised, which is a huge relief!

 

[badar14]

My understanding is that only time on a full licence is credited. In your case, this is effectively nil. There is a contact link through that site. It might be worth asking them directly but my feeling is that you will start off with an "L" because you don't have at least one year.

No, you will get "N" Licence in BC. You have to display Green "N" sign on car and certain restrictions will apply to you. two important one are blood alcohol level and passenger age.

Good Luck and welcome to BC.
Syed B