Welcome to British Columbia!
Driving in a new country can be a confusing experience. Here are a few important pieces of information to keep in mind and help you along the way…
What you need to know
- Maximum of 90 days – If you are new to our province and hold a valid driver’s licence from another jurisdiction, you can drive for a maximum of 90 days in B.C. with your out-of-province licence.
- After 90 days – You will need to get a full-privilege BC driver’s licence, as you will no longer be able to legally drive in the province.
- Have driver’s licence for two years – To obtain a full licence in BC, you must have had a driver’s licence in your home jurisdiction for at least two years.
- Take the Knowledge Test and Road-Test – Depending on which country you are from, you may need to take and pass a road test or trade your licence for a BC one. See the ‘Where are you from?’ tab to find out if you qualify to take the Knowledge and Road Test.
- Driving for less than two years – If you’ve been driving fewer than two years or cannot prove your driving experience, you can still get a BC licence by going through the Graduated Licensing Program.
Where are you from?
The Province of British Columbia has reciprocal agreements with:
- Austria
- Australia
- France
- Germany
- Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey
- Ireland
- Japan
- Netherlands*
- New Zealand
- South Korea (not motorcycles)
- Switzerland
- Taiwan (not motorcycles)**
- United Kingdom (includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland)
- United States (includes Washington DC and Puerto Rico)
If your country or region is not listed, you will need to apply for a BC Driver’s Licence by taking the Knowledge Test and Road-Test. However, if you do not yet have two years of non-learner driving experience, you will first need to go through the Graduated Licensing Program.
*Except former territories in Antilles: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten.
**For passenger vehicles only; requires additional documentation for Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver
All information listed here is provided by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).
Contact us for assistance
If you need any help deciding which of our programs would be best suited for you based on your previous driving experience, please feel free to contact us!
Greater Vancouver: 604-460-5004
Kelowna: 250-860-1888
Email: info@duacademy.com
Programs we offer to help you through this process:
Graduated Licensing Program
Through training in Impulse Awareness and Hazard Perception, our GLP course is meant to prepare new drivers of all ages for a lifetime of safe driving.
Graduated Licensing Program
Road-Test Package
A coach will pick the student up before his or her Road-Test and provide a coaching session to help hone their skills prior to the exam. The session will cover basic skills, and then focus on any specific concerns that the student may have.
Road-Test Package
Evaluation Lesson
A 90 minute evaluation lesson is available to help new or experienced drivers assess their current skill level. A driving coach will help you to understand your strengths and weaknesses then identify the training options that will help you earn your license or sharpen your skills.