Obtaining BC Driver Licence before PR? Even possible??

[jomz]

ICBC is comical.

For someone with an American license, it says for Primary ID to us only Canadian issued ID. Ponga is right ICBC and CIC may have a strong family relation. hehe

 

[GREAKLY]

To clarify, the COPR isn't accepted to get the actual photocard license but it is accepted to get a paper license, which allows you to drive just the same. You need to then bring in the PR card for ICBC to issue you the photocard licence.

Do you know where this info comes from? I wasn't able to find anything about it on ICBC's web site.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Do you know where this info comes from? I wasn't able to find anything about it on ICBC's web site.

It isn't on the website. I called ICBC after they refused to give my partner a license with the COPR. The call centre agent stated that was incorrect and emailed the ICBC office to let them know. We went in a day or 2 later and my partner received a paper license. When the PR card arrived, they swapped it for a card license.

 

[Taddy]

I have both a UK and a UAE driving licence but as yet no COPR, only SA.

Can anyone advise on whether I would be able to get a licence please?


I'm assuming the UAE one isn't worth much in Canada.

 

[MiriamT]

Re: Obtaining BC Driver License before PR? Even possible??

Geez...I guess the ICBC call centre must be the first cousin (twice removed) from the CIC call centre. LOL!

LOL, best comment. (I fully agree with it)

 

[GREAKLY]

It isn't on the website. I called ICBC after they refused to give my partner a license with the COPR. The call centre agent stated that was incorrect and emailed the ICBC office to let them know.

Did the call center agent refer to any sort of publication or manual that deals with that? I mean, I hate to go to the ICBC office empty handed

We went in a day or 2 later and my partner received a paper license. When the PR card arrived, they swapped it for a card license.

Was the paper license that you partner got some sort of short-term temporary one? I mean, was its expiration date within a moth from the date of issue? Or you could have used it longer in case your PR card got delayed?

 

[Scotmoose]

I was unable to swap my UK driving licence in New Brunswick without my COPR. They also wanted copies of 2 bills with my address in Canada.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Did the call center agent refer to any sort of publication or manual that deals with that? I mean, I hate to go to the ICBC office empty handed

Was the paper license that you partner got some sort of short-term temporary one? I mean, was its expiration date within a moth from the date of issue? Or you could have used it longer in case your PR card got delayed?

As I already said, it's not stated on the website. If the office says no, stand there while they contact the call centre and confirm that the COPR is acceptable.

The paper license is not short-term or temporary.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I have both a UK and a UAE driving licence but as yet no COPR, only SA.

Can anyone advise on whether I would be able to get a licence please?

If you have a visitor record and the requisite UK driving history, I believe that ICBC will swap your licence.

 

[Amalthea]

A member here was able to get her BC Driver's licence after SA, with her visitor record and passport. However she had to fight a year for it. :/

When you go in.. INSIST. If at first they tell you no, don't back down. Their rules say that an immigration record is acceptable primary ID. They should honour this.

 

[Taddy]

Thanks canuck.

Should I ask for a visitor record when I land soon or will I be given one when I explain that I want to wait for my PR in Canada? (we already have SA)

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thanks canuck.

Should I ask for a visitor record when I land soon or will I be given one when I explain that I want to wait for my PR in Canada? (we already have SA)

A Visitor Record is not automatic; it is given on entry when CBSA wants to more strictly monitor a person's status in Canada or when a person already in Canada applies to CIC to extend their visitor status.

Entering as a visitor, you are able to drive on your UK license for 6 months anyways, so I wouldn't bother asking for a VR and swapping the license at this point. If you are still waiting for PR 6 months down the road, then you can apply to extend your stay; you will receive a VR, which you can then use to swap for the BC license.

 

[Taddy]

Perfect, thank you for the clarification. I would never have found this information otherwise.

 

[Taddy]

We went into ICBC to get my husband's licence and we asked the question. I was told I can drive on my UK licence for 6 months. By this time I should have an extension to my visitor visa and therefore a Visitor Record. I was told they will issue me with a licence with a VR.

I was able to purchase, register and insure a vehicle in my name without PR or a BC licence.