ok..here is the deal..i am moving to canada early next year.. ..i am coming from Oz as visitor to be married to my fiance......no probs there...
then i read through the ICBC site that i can drive for 6 months on my aussie licence..no probs there...then it says all new BC citiznens have to get there BC licence after they have *moved* to BC.....
when i get married..? am i classified as moved there..?..or when i have my PR..? it may take 6-12 months for me to get it...how do i get keep driving in the meanwhile and stay legal....
seee driving me nutzzzzzzzzzz LOL :scared:

Provincial residency is usually a distinct matter from Canadian residency, although some provinces now link the two for some purposes. For most purposes, you are considered a resident in the province from the day you take up residence there. This can be -- and often is -- different from the time you become an official Canadian resident.

What I'm saying, basically, is that yes, you should become a resident in B.C. from the day you moved there and your intent became to remain there as a resident.

For the purposes of a driving license I expect that you will be required to provide some proof of legal status in Canada and of your residency in B.C. Residency in B.C. will likely be established using different documents (like a utility bill in your name, for example) to those establishing your legal presence in Canada. You would be best advised to contact the authorities in B.C. directly to establish what proof is satisfactory.

Good luck.

Hi Maple Leaf,
If you are correct you are actually quite fortunate to be given 6 months to drive on your Auzzi licence. As a Brit going to Nova Scotia (each province has it's own rules) I will have only 90 days and will have to take the full Nova Scotian driving test!
I think that you will find that the 6 months relates to you being classed as a visitor (tourist) and once you take PR then you too will have 90 days once 'landed'.
I would contact ICBC directly for clarification but what is stopping you getting the BC licence as soon as you are there to stay? If you need to take a test I don't think they are too difficult!
Good Luck.

Hi Maple Leaf!

Good to see ya! You are good to drive for 6 months in BC when a visitor. If you leave for a period of time and then return to the province, you essentially are good for another 6 months, but that can become a "gray area". The cops aren't too concerned about it (provided it's not years without BC DL), but the insurance companies may see it differently should you have an accident.

After 6 months... it may be a good idea to get your BC driver's licence. You go to Driver's Services at ICBC and if necessary take the knowledge test. If you pass, they'll book your driver's road exam. While you are waiting to take the driving test, you can drive on your current licence.

Good luck! Cheers!

Oggy

Thanks everyone for responses *S*...

I will call them when i get there to get some clarity on the matter.
It does all seem a bit of a gray area in some regards doesn't it. hmmmmmmm.......well the main thing is i am willing to do whatever is required to stay a legal driver. And lets face it ..last thing i need is to be BOOKED in Canada before i even get my PR..... :scared: ...i think i will be taking the bus a lot!!!
and also....my fiance...doesnt' trust my driving....why i don't know..? just cos they drive on the wrong side of the ROAD over there...and we drive on the right side.....LOL~...hahahaaaa

Not sure if this helps, but it's a link to ICBC where you can practice the written test online:

http://www.icbc.com/Licensing/opkt.html