How to Get a BC Driver’s License

For many people, getting a driver’s license is a critical thing. You’re in the right place if you live in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and are trying to get a BC driver’s license. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process of obtaining a driver’s license in British Columbia. All things you should know about the BC driver license, including the different types, requirements, cost, etc., will be mentioned here in detail. Let’s get started with this thorough tutorial if you’re prepared to obtain your BC driver license.

What is a BC Driver’s License

A BC Driver’s License refers to the driver license of British Columbia, Canada. As for different province in Canada, they will issue different licenses. Therefore, if you want to drive around in British Columbia, then you need to get a BC driver license in the first place.

image resource: British Columbia

Different Levels of BC Driver’s License

To decrease the risks new drivers may face, British Columbia set three different levels of the driver license. For different levels, there are different regulations and limitations.

These are the three levels of the BC driver’s license:

1. Learner’s license

In British Columbia, obtaining a learner license, popularly known as “Get your L,” is the initial step towards becoming a driver. Applications from applicants under the age of 19 require a parent or legal guardian to sign on their behalf. You must be at least 16 years old to apply. Meanwhile, you need to practice with a supervising driver for at least a year after passing the multiple-choice knowledge exam. After that, you can move on to the next level by passing a driving test. 

There are several limits of this level of driver license, including:

• While driving, you must put a red “L” sign on the back of the automobile using a magnet.
• Drive with a passenger in the passenger seat who is supervised and has a valid full license and is at least 25 years old.
• No drug use or alcohol use in their system. 
• One passenger only, in addition to the supervising driver. No driving from five in the morning until midnight.
• Avoid handholding any portable electronics. 

2.  Novice license

Getting a novice license, or “Get your N,” is the next step. You need to pass a 45-minute Class 7 road test to obtain a novice license. By enrolling in professional driving courses and/or gaining a lot of experience driving as a L driver in various road conditions, you can become ready for the road test. The test will evaluate your abilities to drive sensibly and defensively. You will be issued a novice license and be able to drive independently after passing the Class 7 road test.

There are also limitations of the Novice license:

• While driving, place a reflective green N sign in the back of the car.
• Limit of one passenger (immediate family members are exempt) unless accompanied by a supervising driver who is at least 25 years old and has a valid driver’s license.
• No handheld electronics.
• No alcohol consumption and drugs in the system.

3.  Full license

The last need in British Columbia’s graduating program is a complete Class 5 driver’s license. After passing the Class 5 road exam and driving safely for two years as a novice driver, you can apply for a full license. If you have fulfilled all the prerequisites and finished an ICBC-approved driver training course in the L stage of your license, you can be qualified to take the Class 5 road test after 18 months. Your driving skills, including outstanding vehicle control, merging and driving on highways, parking, and danger awareness, will be put to the test during the 45-minute Class 5 road exam.  

The driving limits of a full driver license:

• The car you drive must have basic auto insurance.
• Blood alcohol content (BAC) cannot be more than 0.05 percent.

Requirements to Get a BC Driver’s License

For different groups, there are different regulations to get a BC driver’s license.

As for those who are born in Canada, they can apply for a license at 16. However, if they are under 19, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you and sign the application. They will need to pass the knowledge exam, then get the L and N license, and finally receive the full license. 

video resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEPMir5jDKk from Canadian Driver’s Knowledge Tests

As for international students in BC that hold a driver’s license from their hometown, they are permitted to use it here if they are enrolled full-time. But it is recommended that you contact ICBC for confirmation if you are international students in British Columbia.

As for foreign visitors with a temporary visa, they may continue using their previous driver’s license for 90 days after moving to British Columbia. However, they’ll need to obtain a British Columbia driver’s license after three months. Individuals from the United States of America, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and South Korea can apply immediately for a road test without having to complete the knowledge test. The same is true for every other Canadian province. Since the fundamental laws of the road may differ greatly between nations, individuals from all other countries must first pass the knowledge exam before taking the driving test.

How to Get a BC Driver’s License

To apply for a BC driver’s license as a beginner, you can follow these steps:

Step 1. Review the Learn to Drive Smart handbook to get ready for the knowledge test ahead of time.

Step 2. Make an appointment at the driver license office of ICBC. $15 CAD will be charged.

Step 3. You will need to present one primary and one secondary piece of ID. You will also need to have your eyes examined. 

Step 4. Bring a consent form that your parent or legal guardian has signed and witnessed if you are under the age of 19. 

Step 5. Complete the multiple-choice knowledge test, making sure at least 40 correct answers out of 50.

Step 6. After passing, you’ll get your learner’s permit and be regarded as a beginner driver. 

Step 7. Wait a full year to apply for a novice license.

Step 8. Attend the road test to obtain the full license after driving safely for two years as a novice driver.

Cost of Applying for a BC Driver’s License

The one-time cost of the knowledge test is $15, whereas the road test is $50. And the 5-year license renewal fee is $75. For the most recent information, please visit ICBC‘s website to check the detailed fees.

How to Apply for a New BC Driver’s Licence Based on Previous Driving Experience in Your Home Country?

In order to verify your prior driving experience for a new British Columbia driver’s license, schedule an appointment with an ICBC Driver Licensing office and provide documentation of your whole driver’s license experience. The required documents are:

• The current driver’s license
• An original record of the driver’s license history or abstract.
• A letter of recommendation from the licensing authority that first granted you a license (not a learner’s license).
• Electronic records downloaded or emailed from the issuing province or state, solely for experience in the United States and Canada. Your driving record can also be faxed directly to your local driver’s license office by your jurisdiction. 

FAQ:

How long does it take to get a bc driver’s license?

A driver wishing to obtain a new Class 1 driver’s license as of October 2021 must finish the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) at a driving training institution that has been approved. The whole course takes 140 hours. It is insufficient to merely possess theoretical knowledge. You need to gain a lot of actual driving experience. As for a novice license, it takes 12 months. To get a full driver license in BC, it costs at least 24 months.

Can I convert my US driving license to a Canadian one?

Yes. You can convert your driver’s license to a complete Canadian license if you just immigrated to Canada from another nation or are getting ready to do so. Your original license must be higher than a learner’s permit or beginner class, and it must come from a nation with which Canada has an exchange agreement. If you have a valid US driving license, you are allowed to exchange your driver license to a Canadian one.

The Bottom Line

We explained how to get a BC driver’s license in this complete guide. For people with different identities, there are different regulations and requirements. By following the instructions above, you can learn how to obtain a BC driver’s license in your situation. Hope you can successfully get the driver license with your effort.