Am I correct in thinking that a UK licence can simply be exchanged for a Canadian licence, and you are then legal to drive, buy and insure a car?

Do you have to complete a driving test as such?


A quick legal query: In the UK, we have a points system for endorseable offences.

I have an endorsement, which lasts for 3 years on the UK licence, for an offence committed in March 2010. The offence was 'talking on a mobile phone whilst driving', which resulted in a fine and 3 points on my licence.

What happens with the points when you surrender your UK licence for a Canadian licence?


I have also applied to my previous insurers in the UK, to obtain as much official information on my insurance record as possible. I think I can obtain the past 11 years out of 20 years, would this be sufficient for Canadian insurance companies?

BTW, I am trying to relocate from the UK to Vancouver Island.

I never have a had a paper licence?

They didn't ask me that but I'm not sure how old my paper counterpart actually was. I'd say it was definitely more than 6 months though.

Even though the UK driving licences changed to a plastic credit card style Some Years ago for some stupid reason they still issued a paper counterpart to go with the plastic style which shows any convictions etc

I thought all 'new style' UK licenses were that way now.

Canada has 13 provinces and territories, and each one has it's own rules about the exchange of foreign licences.

Here are the rules for British Columbia.

I have only ever had the green paper licence, mine expires in 2042!

i think the photocard licence was introduced in the late90's?

It may only expire in 2042 but ALL UK licences must be in the photocard format by 2033. Few years to go yet

If you ever change address or your personal details you'll get the photocard one

Plus the ukcard ones only last 10 years!

Provided you have held a full license for more than two years a British License (but not necessarily a Northern Irish one) can be exchanged for a BC license. The points do not transfer so you start with a clean license in BC.

Getting a B.C. driver's licence when moving from certain countries
United Kingdom**
** Includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Thank you guys for your answers, i am very grateful for all the advice....regards....Alan.

I didn't realize they are included now. Good to know.

i took my UK paper and card DL and they gave me the paper part back and sent me an Ontario DL easy, i kept my no claims bonus insurance records and my company took them into account because i had proof

Just on a side note, am I able to drive my girlfriends car (she is canadian, car fully insured) on a UK license? I haven't swapped my UK license for a BC license yet, but was wanting to now if I would be covered. Given they insure the car out here (and don't usually specify individual drivers), I presume I would be?

Best bet is to check with her insurer, but my Dad drives my car when hes here visiting. Some policies may have a problem with non local licensing. The caveat is that if there is a claim, its my premium that will reflect that...