Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
Jul 2nd 2010, 10:06 pm
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 45
Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
Hey All,
Just got back from ICBC and managed to swap my UK license for a BC one which is great no testing!
Been in Vancouver for 18months but they were not bothered at all. All I had to do was do an eye test which was fun and easy, pay the money have my photo taken and answer the usual 3 safety questions about a school bus, motorcycle and the flashy green light!
They took my license as they keep it under reciprical agreement (they do not send it back to UK). I checked this with DVLA and they confirmed that this was arrangement and that I can drive in UK for up to one year with BC license and if I require a replacement for my UK one I can just ask, there will be no problem to get one through the usual channels (its all money though isnt it!). I kept a photocopy of the card and paper bit though just in case!
So all done really happy now just waiting for the photocard!
Just got back from ICBC and managed to swap my UK license for a BC one which is great no testing!
Been in Vancouver for 18months but they were not bothered at all. All I had to do was do an eye test which was fun and easy, pay the money have my photo taken and answer the usual 3 safety questions about a school bus, motorcycle and the flashy green light!
They took my license as they keep it under reciprical agreement (they do not send it back to UK). I checked this with DVLA and they confirmed that this was arrangement and that I can drive in UK for up to one year with BC license and if I require a replacement for my UK one I can just ask, there will be no problem to get one through the usual channels (its all money though isnt it!). I kept a photocopy of the card and paper bit though just in case!
So all done really happy now just waiting for the photocard!
Jul 2nd 2010, 10:39 pm
#2
talking Ter Sami
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: hybrid territory
Posts: 1,107
Re: Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
Jul 3rd 2010, 1:12 am
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 49
Re: Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
Would it be cheeky to ask what the 3 questions are, and what the answer to them are? 
Jul 3rd 2010, 2:01 am
#4
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Re: Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
No its not cheeky. I am not sure if the questions change with each applicant so I can only tell you what I was asked.
Something about what you do when you see a school bus with flashing hazards (Dont say overtake!). In fact you sit, wait and have a cup of tea hehe!
Something about why motorbikes are more at risk on road (ie they are least protected and you cant see them!)
Also what the flashing green light is (pedestrian initiated ie slow down check there are no two legged hazards crossing the road then proceed when safe to do so!)
Like I say it was a really easy process they were really friendly with me! Kept laughing at my accent!
Something about what you do when you see a school bus with flashing hazards (Dont say overtake!). In fact you sit, wait and have a cup of tea hehe!
Something about why motorbikes are more at risk on road (ie they are least protected and you cant see them!)
Also what the flashing green light is (pedestrian initiated ie slow down check there are no two legged hazards crossing the road then proceed when safe to do so!)
Like I say it was a really easy process they were really friendly with me! Kept laughing at my accent!
Jul 3rd 2010, 4:11 am
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 49
Re: Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
Heh. Sounds straightforward, except I've been in the country for a week, so have no idea!
What's the best thing to read to know all this stuff?
What's the best thing to read to know all this stuff?
Jul 3rd 2010, 5:28 am
#6
half a century
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Sarf Lundun to East Van :)
Posts: 10,222
Re: Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
read the bc drivers handbook - you can get it free at any icbc office- or download it off the website
Jul 3rd 2010, 6:10 am
#7
Forum Regular
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Posts: 49
Re: Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
Jul 3rd 2010, 6:23 am
#8
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Chilliwack BC
Posts: 559
Re: Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
When did this come into being??? It's so much better than having to sit the ruddy test.
Jul 3rd 2010, 6:58 am
#9
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Joined: Sep 2006
Location: Kelowna
Posts: 2,514
Re: Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
So now the Brits can join all the other BC drivers who have no idea what the rules of the road are and even if they have a vague idea they can just ignore them anyway. 
Jul 3rd 2010, 5:52 pm
#12
West Coast Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Sunshine Coast
Posts: 332
Re: Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
Hi,
I just heard from one of our friends who has been in Vancouver for several years and already has her BC driving license. She went to ICBC and got her UK motorcycle license swapped for a BC motorcycle one!
Not sure if this is a good thing actually but in case anyone else needs to know!
Warmly,
Frank
I just heard from one of our friends who has been in Vancouver for several years and already has her BC driving license. She went to ICBC and got her UK motorcycle license swapped for a BC motorcycle one!
Not sure if this is a good thing actually but in case anyone else needs to know!
Warmly,
Frank
Jul 4th 2010, 1:16 pm
#13
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 10
Re: Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
Hi,
What Id did you have to take to swap the license?
Where did you go?
Regards
Amrit
What Id did you have to take to swap the license?
Where did you go?
Regards
Amrit
Jul 4th 2010, 3:45 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 45
Re: Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
Hi
I went to the one in Metrotown Mall.
Just took my passport and my full driving license. They were confused with the part 2 (paper bit) but told them they will probably see more of them!
I also took my BC health card and proof of address just in case but it wasnt required.
I went to the one in Metrotown Mall.
Just took my passport and my full driving license. They were confused with the part 2 (paper bit) but told them they will probably see more of them!
I also took my BC health card and proof of address just in case but it wasnt required.
Jul 5th 2010, 8:45 am
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: Richmond, BC
Posts: 60
Re: Just swapped UK license for BC easy!
I was wondering what the green flashing light was about. Asked a few people and they didn't have a clue either.