By Ka Hing Cheung

Moving to British Columbia is exciting, whether you’re arriving for work, school, or a fresh start. But once you settle in, one of the first things you’ll need to address is your driver’s licence and vehicle insurance. ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is the province’s licensing and insurance provider, and the rules for new residents depend on where you’re coming from. Much of the process can now be started online, but you’ll still need to visit a driver licensing office for certain steps. Here’s what you need to know.

The 90-Day Rule—and Who It Applies To

Most new residents have 90 days to switch their existing licence to a B.C. driver’s licence. During this time, you can legally drive your vehicle using your current licence.

The rule does not apply in certain situations:

• Tourists: You can drive for up to six months on your home licence.
• Students: If you’re enrolled full-time at a designated educational institution, you can keep driving with your current licence.
• Non-residents: If you ordinarily live outside B.C. but spend time here, you may continue using your licence.
• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): Workers with a federal work permit under SAWP may drive for up to 12 months on a valid home licence. After that, you’ll need to switch to a B.C. licence.

f you’re unable to meet the 90-day timeline due to travel or document delays, you should request guidance directly from ICBC before driving past the deadline. Appointments often book up quickly, especially on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.

Applying for a B.C. Licence at a Driver Licensing Office

When you’re ready to switch, book an appointment at an ICBC driver licensing office. On the ICBC services page, you can check available times and even start your application online. Bring the following:

• Accepted identification (primary and secondary)
• Your current driver’s licence
• Licence fees
• Proof of driving experience

ICBC requires that you surrender your old licence once you qualify for a B.C. licence. You can only hold one valid licence in the province. If you’re required to take a road test and don’t pass, ICBC will issue you a B.C. learner’s licence, and your old licence will not be returned.

If your licence or documents need verification, your application may be placed on hold until ICBC can confirm them. In that case, you may be unable to drive until the verification is complete. ICBC may also email you an update if more information is required.

Can You Exchange Your Licence with a BC Services Card?

B.C. has agreements with certain countries and jurisdictions that allow you to exchange your licence directly for a B.C. licence—no knowledge or road test required. The full list is available on ICBC’s driver licensing services page, which you can access online.

You may qualify if your licence is from:

• All Canadian provinces and territories
• Most U.S. states (including D.C. and Puerto Rico)
• Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea (not motorcycles), Switzerland, Taiwan (not motorcycles), United Kingdom, and the Crown Dependencies (Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey)

If you’re from Taiwan, you’ll need extra documents such as a verification certificate and a translation from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver.

If your country is not on the list, you’ll need to pass both a knowledge test and a road test before you can receive a full B.C. licence.

Taking the Tests

If you can’t exchange your licence, here’s the process:

1. Knowledge Test: A multiple-choice test on road signs and driving rules. You’ll need 40 out of 50 correct answers to pass. Practice tests are available online through ICBC’s learning services.
2. Road Test: Once you’ve passed the knowledge test, you can book a road test. Bring a qualified driver with you in case you don’t pass.

If you’re unable to book a test immediately due to long wait times, monitor ICBC’s online services page for cancellations and earlier appointments.

If you have less than two years of full-privilege driving experience, you’ll enter B.C.’s Graduated Licensing Program (GLP). This means starting with a Class 7 or 8 licence, which comes with restrictions like passenger limits and zero blood alcohol tolerance.

Proof of Driving Experience and Auto Insurance Costs

Providing proof of your driving experience is important for two reasons:

• GLP Exemption: If you can show at least two years of full-privilege driving, you may bypass the GLP.
• Insurance Premiums: ICBC credits you with up to 15 years of driving experience, which helps reduce your insurance costs. Each year you remain crash-free, your discount increases.

If you’ve previously held a B.C. licence and are returning, your premiums will be calculated from the date of your first B.C. licence. If your past driving record is hard to access, contact your old jurisdiction’s licensing services to obtain a confirmation letter.

In some cases, you may need to email your previous licensing authority directly to request this information.

Identification and Language Services

Most immigration documents issued by the Government of Canada are accepted as primary ID when applying for your B.C. licence. You’ll also need a secondary piece of identification.

To support newcomers, ICBC offers:

• Knowledge tests in 12 languages
• Free interpretation services in over 170 languages

If your documents or licence are not in English, ICBC may require an official translation from an approved translator before processing your application. Once you hold a B.C. licence, you can renew it easily through ICBC’s online services page, or at a driver licensing office.

Commercial Drivers

If you’re coming to B.C. with a commercial licence, you may face extra steps. In most cases, you’ll need to complete knowledge and road tests before being issued a B.C. commercial licence. Some applicants must also complete Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) to qualify for a Class 1 licence. Additional details are available on ICBC’s commercial licensing services page.

Key Takeaways for Newcomers

• Most new residents must switch their licence within 90 days.
• Some licences can be exchanged directly; others require testing.
• Proof of driving experience reduces insurance costs and may exempt you from the GLP.
• ICBC offers multilingual support and online services for easier access.
• Commercial drivers may need additional training and testing.

Final Word

Adjusting to life in a new country takes time, but getting your B.C. licence and insurance in order is a key step to independence and peace of mind. By preparing the right documents, using ICBC’s online services, and understanding the steps laid out on each ICBC page, you’ll make the transition smoother.

At King Insurance, we’re here to help you understand your insurance options as a newcomer to British Columbia. From navigating ICBC’s rules to finding the right coverage, we’ll ensure you have the protection you need as you start your new journey in Canada.

Located at the northwest corner of Marine Drive and Main Street, King Insurance proudly serves not only the South Vancouver communities of Marpole, Sunset, Oakridge, Victoria–Fraserview, and nearby areas like Marine Gateway and Marine Landing, but also clients across Richmond and the entire Lower Mainland. 

Ka Hing Cheung is proud to work in the insurance company industry, helping people manage risk and protect what matters most. Ka Hing is committed to ongoing learning and enjoys helping clients find the right coverage at the best available rate, while making sure they understand their options clearly.