Juliet C

Hi

We're moving to Vancouver from England in June as a permanent resident, I know this has probably been posted before but when searching there seemed to be conflicting reports on this.

Is BC part of the driving licence exchange program or will we need to take our test after 3 months?

If BC is part of the exchange program do we have to have our permanent resident card as primary ID before we can swap?

Thanks

el_richo

Yes you can exchange, and you'll need a permanent address, PR card, and your UK driving license (i had to provide both paper and photo id card).

Juliet C

Did you exchange at BC or in Newfoundland and Labrador? I ask because I have read that different states have different rules, and BC won't do it, sorry to be pedantic I just want to be very sure before I give my stressed hubby the news either way!

JonboyE

You exchange licenses in BC.

Steve_P

Juliet, el richo is playing games with his location he is actually in BC or is moving to BC. Either way the information he gave is correct.

Just as a heads up we do not have states in Canada they are provinces, but you already knew that didn't you.

el_richo

Sorry, my location on here isn't entirely accurate. I'm based in BC and you can exchange your license but you'll need the information i mentioned

Juliet C

Thanks to you both, of course I new that Steve, head is a bit muddled today as I'm a bit hot, not used to the sun up north!

karen1972

we moved to bc as permanent residents 2 and a half years ago, we could use our licence for 3 months and then you have to have a small driving test. If you fail that you have to start at the beginning like all the learners. Which stinks as my husband has been driving since he was 17 and if he failed the test here he would have to start at the beginning like all the learners which means he would not have had a full licence for 3 years. Unless it has changed in the time we have been here, but that is how it worked for us 2 and a half years ago.
But I do know some provinces you can just exchange them if you have a address in that province, ie: someone that you know that lives in that province that doesnt mind you useing their address to do it I hope it helps.You could go on ICBC and it will give you some advice I think yo can also email them and they will tell you.Good luck

JonboyE

No need for the shenanigans. BC changed its rules last year and now you can just swap your license.

scrubbedexpat091

Canada has provinces not states....

Steve_P

Oh do keep up...see post #5

rivingtonpike

When I swapped mine over the lady behind the counter took both parts of my licence. I know some people have managed to keep hold of the paper part but she was most emphatic that I surrendered it.

hpka

To be clear: there is no need for retesting. It's just paperwork.
Also, before you go, get photocopies/scans/photos of the UK Photocard and Paper Counterpart (although I still have my paper counterpart, wasn't asked for it)

scrubbedexpat091

Doh, read through the replies too fast...

zRichi

Is alberta part of a straight swap for license?