destinationnovascotia

Back to the original question. When you go to open a bank account it helps if you take your UK credit report with you. You can get it done online for a nominal fee. Equifax is the most widely known and so is the best one to get. In addition you will need a couple of pieces of ID, one of which should be photo ID and one with your address on it.

I hope that you enjoy your year. Where in Canada are you planning to go to?

Judy in Calgary

And so another Wiki is born.
x

Smyth

thanks for the info. i'm going victoria becacse i know some people over there.
what the driving test like?

Silverdragon102

Cost a bit more than expected, paid approx $15 for theory, approx $40 for road and just over $87 for license once we passed and double that with 2 of us

Smyth

whats a SD102?

Silverdragon102

means me instead of writing it all out just used initials

Rob_999

Google ICBC (Insurance Company of British Columbia) - there you will find all the info you need. Insurance is run by the province in BC, it is mandatory to get basic insurance through ICBC.

You have 90 days to take the test & get new licence. Test consists of a theory (multiple choice) and practical (similar to UK test). When you get here drop into a driver services centre and you can pick up all the information you need.
ICBC are very strict on proof of no claims, read the info on their website and come armed with letters from you Insurance company, in the EXACT format they request.

Bank account is easy - you just need some i.d and an address.

Smyth

thank i have no no claims.
i'm just a named driver on my dads insurance.

JonboyE

I just realized that I made a mistake in my post. It should read that visitors can drive between 90 - 180 days on their UK license. In BC, a visitor can driv eup to six months on an out of province driving license.


I have edited the wiki.

Rob_999

In that case, be prepared for big insurance premiums.
It depends on what car you get, but you'll be looking at $2,000+/yr

Smyth

i am planning to stay with a family friend would they be able insure it.and me be a named driver on it?

Smyth

so i will be able to drive 6 months on my uk license then?

Silverdragon102

You may not be classed as a visitor if you have a work visa even if for 12 months

JonboyE

That's right. Smyth will have to take his test and get a BC license within 90 days.

A car must be insured by its main driver. That is, the person who will drive it 50% + 1 of the time. The family friend will be able to insure the car and the OP can drive it so long as the family friend is the main driver.

It is not worth trying to get around this. If the OP has a claim, and it turns out that he is the main driver of a car his friend has insured, then ICBC may not pay the claim leaving him in a big financial hole. His friend will also find their no claims takes a knock.

Silverdragon102

No it is not worth it and he may find his friend isn't willing to make or take that risk.