British Expats - Licensing question.

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Licensing question.

Hello all. I am in Leeds on a working holiday from Calgary. Me and the girlfriend plan on going back next year. We are looking at a BUNAC visa for her. She has a provisional license and has all the training, but was sidetracked a while back and would need a refresher. At this point in time she doesnt have the time nor funds to get a full UK licence. Would she be able to exchange her provisional for an Alberta "learners licence"? Just to avoid having to wait the year or two before you can take the class 5 test. If not, then we will have to just find the time to get her full UK licence. Just wondering if anyone knew.

Re: Licensing question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by canadianinleeds (Post 8709080)

It wont matter if she gets her license in the UK or not, she will still have to go through the Graduated License process in Alberta.

In order to do a straight exchange for an Alberta Class 5 she must have had her UK license for a minimum of two years.

Quote:

From the service Alberta website: The driver must provide proof of their date first licensed. (If the driver has been licensed for two or more years as a fully licensed driver in their country of origin, the Graduated Driver Licensing program (GDL) conditions do not apply.)

http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/1671.cfm

Cheers
Steve

Re: Licensing question.

Thanks Steve. Kinda unfair though eh? They are letting me drive on mine for up to a year over here.

Re: Licensing question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by canadianinleeds (Post 8709098)

Thanks Steve. Kinda unfair though eh? They are letting me drive on mine for up to a year over here.

The point is it is for road safety not fair or unfair. It would perhaps be unfair though to those on the graduated license program here, if someone can come from overseas with a new license and circumvent the system.

Re: Licensing question.

When I left the UK I changed my paper license over to the new Card/paper.

It stated on the card it was 'issued' in 2008 - when in reality my driving license was issued in 1991.

When we arrived I went into the ICBC office and she stated I would need to do the learning program - which I queried - but she pointed out the date of 2008 and that being under two years of experience. So I fetched my paper copy which states when you took your test - so all was well (I didn't get my license changed over until recently but I remember her saying about the number of yearrs driving experience).

So.....regardless, if you get your license in the UK in the next little while - you will still be treated as a learner if you don't have 2 years plus of driving experience when you arrive.

Good luck with it all