davedba

Hi all,

I called ICBC and was told I would need a drivers abstract from DVLA in order to exchange my UK licence for a BC one.

https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...888_260214.pdf

I no longer have a UK address/bank account. Any ideas how to pay for the service and whether I can put use my Canadian address? Thank you.

rivingtonpike

I'm pretty sure they're wrong. You don't need a dvla abstract. I doubt many people at icbc even know what the dvla even is.

Aviator

If you have your old drivers license to exchange, you don't need an abstract. If you don't and have your drivers number, you can get the infor from DVLA online for free.

beckiwoo

That's not right when I excanged I just handed in my photocard and counterpart

The only reason you would need an abstract is if you wish to take another class (eg class 4) driving test

Aviator

or if you don't have your original drivers license.

withabix

Just turn up and present your UK licence at the ICBC office.

Answer 3 questions about driving.

Have photo taken.

Pay fee.

Walk away with yellow temporary licence and plastic card will turn up after a week or two.

They may even try to give you a licence for something you aren't qualified for, like a motorbike!

One interesting thing I have recently discovered is that ICBC does actually contact DVLA to cancel your UK licence - I checked my old UK one online a few weeks ago and it came back with 'You do not currently have a UK driving licence, as it has been exchanged for a licence in another jurisdiction' or something along those lines.

Juggernaut1064

Just wondering if they assume the UK counterpart as an "abstract" ? It's the same thing really with details of tickets on it etc ? I hear they did away with it now though.

beckiwoo

No its different as a counterpart will only show endorsements on it forthe set amount of time until you can have them taken off.

The abstract is a full driving history - mine has when i applied for my learners, when i passed and dates that I changed my address

Juggernaut1064

More detailed than an AB one then, it only shows last renewal date, or at least a commercial one does.

ExpatCanadian

I just did this about 4 weeks ago. I had the DVLA history with me, but was told they would only refer to it if my licence had been issued within the past 2 years as they want to see 2 years driving experience.

What they DID make a big deal about what the fact that I did not have my paper counterpart to exchange along with my photocard. I totally forgot about it as it lives in my filing cabinet, always has... I barely remember what it even looks like. Hell... I've hired many a car in the UK and abroad without being asked for it. Anyway, my filing cabinet is in storage in the UK awaiting shipment in our container, so not accessible. I explained this to them and was able to get an exception... thankfully!

Juggernaut1064

Some agencies here do view it the same as a canadian abstract, I heard they just did away with it in the UK so its going to be fun for people coming over here without it unless you can request one from the DVLA before you leave the UK

Goodbhoy

I got this online at the DVLA website and the insurance company were happy to accept this.

Juggernaut1064

Thats good because when i saw online they are doing away with the paper part i was thinking truckers coming here will have issues as most want to see that paper part too.