A Newcomer's Guide to Getting a Driver's License in BC

Driving in British Columbia as a Newcomer

If you are a newcomer to British Columbia, having a driver's license can make a big difference in your daily life. Public transit is available in Metro Vancouver and some other cities, but many parts of BC require a car to get to work, school, grocery stores, and medical appointments. Understanding how to get your BC driver's license is an important part of your settlement process.

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) manages driver licensing and vehicle insurance in the province. The process you follow depends on whether you have a valid driver's license from another country and which country issued it. WelcomeAide is here to help you understand your options.

Using Your Foreign License in BC

When you first arrive in BC, you can use your valid foreign driver's license to drive for up to 90 days. After 90 days, you must have a BC driver's license to drive legally. If your foreign license is not in English, you should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified translation alongside your original license during those first 90 days.

It is important to start the licensing process soon after you arrive. Wait times for road tests can be several weeks, so do not leave this to the last minute.

Exchanging Your Foreign License

BC has agreements with certain countries and jurisdictions that allow you to exchange your foreign license directly for a BC license without taking the road test. This is called a license exchange.

Countries with Full Exchange Agreements

If you hold a valid, full-privilege license from one of the following countries or regions, you can exchange it for a full BC Class 5 license:

• United States (all states)
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Isle of Man, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland
• Several other countries (check the ICBC website for the full list)

To exchange your license, visit any ICBC driver licensing office. Bring your original foreign license, your passport, and two pieces of identification. You must also provide proof of your immigration status in Canada (such as your permanent resident card or work permit). The fee for a license exchange is approximately $31 CAD, plus the cost of a new license card.

Countries with Partial Exchange Agreements

Some countries have partial exchange agreements, which means you can skip certain steps but may still need to take a knowledge test or road test. For example, drivers from some countries may receive a Class 7 (Novice) license instead of a full Class 5 license, depending on their driving experience.

Starting from Scratch: The Graduated Licensing Program

If your country does not have an exchange agreement with BC, or if you do not have a valid foreign license, you need to go through BC's Graduated Licensing Program (GLP). This is also the process that new Canadian drivers follow.

Stage 1: The Learner's License (Class 7L)

The first step is to get a Class 7L (Learner's) license by passing the knowledge test at an ICBC driver licensing office. You must be at least 16 years old and provide two pieces of acceptable identification.

The knowledge test is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam with 50 questions about BC road rules, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to score at least 40 out of 50 to pass. The test is available in English and French, and ICBC may accommodate other languages in certain cases. Study the official ICBC Learn to Drive guide, which is available free online.

The fee for the knowledge test is $15 CAD. If you pass, your Class 7L license costs approximately $31 CAD.

With a Class 7L license, you must always have a qualified supervisor (someone who has held a full Class 5 license for at least two years) in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 AM. You cannot have more than one passenger (unless they are immediate family). You must display an L sign on the back of your vehicle.

Stage 2: The Novice License (Class 7)

After holding your Class 7L license for at least 12 months, you can take the road test to earn your Class 7 (Novice) license. The road test takes about 45 minutes and covers basic driving skills including turns, lane changes, parking, and driving in traffic.

The road test fee is $50 CAD. You must book your test in advance through the ICBC website or by calling 604-661-2255 (Metro Vancouver) or 1-800-950-1498 (elsewhere in BC).

With a Class 7 Novice license, you can drive without a supervisor, but you must display an N sign on the back of your vehicle. You cannot have more than one passenger (unless they are immediate family or you have a supervisor in the front seat). You must maintain a zero blood alcohol level while driving.

Stage 3: The Full License (Class 5)

After holding your Class 7 Novice license for at least 24 months, you can take the Class 5 road test. This is a more advanced driving test that takes about 45 to 60 minutes. It includes highway driving, more complex intersections, and higher-speed manoeuvres.

The fee for the Class 5 road test is $75 CAD. Once you pass, you have a full Class 5 BC driver's license with no restrictions.

Tips for Passing Your Road Tests

Many newcomers find the road test challenging because driving customs differ from country to country. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Take professional driving lessons with an ICBC-licensed driving school. A package of 10 lessons typically costs between $500 and $800 CAD.
• Practice in the area where you will take your test, so you are familiar with the roads and intersections.
• Always check mirrors and blind spots with visible head movements. Examiners watch for this closely.
• Come to a complete stop at all stop signs. Rolling stops are an automatic fail.
• Obey all posted speed limits. Going even slightly over the limit can result in a fail.
• Signal every turn and lane change, even in parking lots.
• Be courteous to pedestrians. BC law requires you to yield to pedestrians at all marked and unmarked crosswalks.

Getting Car Insurance in BC

In British Columbia, basic car insurance is mandatory and is provided exclusively by ICBC. You cannot drive a vehicle without it. Basic Autoplan insurance covers third-party liability, accident benefits, and underinsured motorist protection.

How Much Does Insurance Cost?

Insurance costs depend on several factors, including your driving experience, claims history, the type of vehicle, and where you live. New drivers and newcomers without a Canadian driving record typically pay higher premiums.

As of 2025, basic Autoplan insurance starts at approximately $1,200 to $1,500 CAD per year, but the total cost with optional coverage can be much higher. If you have a driving record from your home country, bring official documentation of your claims-free years. ICBC may recognize foreign driving experience from certain countries and give you a discount.

Buying Optional Coverage

Beyond basic ICBC coverage, you can purchase optional insurance from ICBC or from private insurers. Optional coverage includes collision, comprehensive (theft, vandalism, weather damage), and increased liability. Shop around for optional coverage, as prices vary significantly between providers.

Important Reminders

• Never drive without a valid license and insurance. Penalties include fines of $598 and vehicle impoundment.
• BC has strict distracted driving laws. Using a phone while driving results in a $368 fine and 4 penalty points.
• BC has zero tolerance for impaired driving. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to a 90-day driving prohibition and vehicle impoundment.
• Winter tires are required on most BC highways from October 1 to March 31.
• If you are involved in a collision, report it to ICBC within 24 hours.

How WelcomeAide Can Help

Getting your driver's license is a practical and important step in settling in BC. WelcomeAide's programs connect newcomers with the information and resources they need to navigate life in Canada.

Have questions about the licensing process or other settlement topics? Our AI chat assistant is available around the clock in multiple languages. Visit our about page to learn more about our organization, check out the impact we are making, or browse more articles on our blog.

Whether you are exchanging your foreign license or starting from scratch, plan ahead, study the rules, and practice your driving. A BC driver's license opens up opportunities across the province.