Please see: Cell phones and driver distractions FAQs.

Visit any driver licensing office in B.C. You will be required to show required ID and pay a licensing fee. Complete information can be found here for driver licensing.

If your Class 7 Novice (N) licence has expired, you must renew it within three years from the expiry date. After that time, you will be required to re-take the Class 7 road test.

You will not have to wait any additional period of time to take your Class 5 road test, provided that you have been prohibition free for the last two years that you drove.

Visit any driver licensing office in B.C. You will be required to show required ID and pay a licensing fee. A driver licence should be renewed within three years of the licence expiry date. There is no penalty for late renewal. After three years, you will need to re-take the vision, knowledge and road tests.

We are unable to renew your driver's licence if you are outside the province. If you know that you will be away when your licence expires, it is best to renew your licence early. You may do this up to six months before the expiry date (which is on your birthday) without losing any time on your licence. You can do this by visiting a driver licensing office.

If you are outside BC and your licence expires, call ICBC for further assistance at 1-800-950-1498 within Canada/US or call collect world wide at 250-978-8300.

Hours
8:00 - 7:00 Monday - Friday
9:00 - 5:00 Saturdays

If you allow your motorcycle Learner’s (L) licence to expire, you will be required to re-qualify by taking the vision, Knowledge Test and Motorcycle Skills Test (MST), provided you have already taken the MST.

B.C. introduced a new driver’s licence in March 2009. These driver's licences look similar to the new EDL except they do not have the word "enhanced" printed across the top. Only the EDL is valid for cross border travel to the U.S. All the licences were redesigned with new high-tech features, making them harder to alter, forge or obtain under different identities.

Driver licensing offices are located throughout B.C.

Knowledge tests at most driver licensing offices are done on first-come, first-served basis.

Check on the hours of the location you wish to go to and make sure you arrive at least one hour before the office closes to allow time to complete the test. Take the test as early as possible in the day.

See hours of operation »

Four driver licensing offices are open Saturdays (and longer hours on some weekdays):

• Burnaby (Metrotown)
• Cloverdale
  
• Guildford
  
• Richmond (Ironwood Plaza)

Note: Road testing is not available at these locations.

Locate a driver Licensing office »

For phone inquiries, call:

• 604-661-2255 in the Lower Mainland.
• 250-978-8300 in Greater Victoria
• 1-800-950-1498 elsewhere in B.C.

In most driver licensing offices, you don't need an appointment for a knowledge test. The tests are conducted on first-come, first-served basis. Check the hours of the location you wish to visit and make sure you arrive at least one hour before it closes to allow time to complete the test.

In most driver licensing offices, you don't need an appointment for a knowledge test. The tests are conducted on first-come, first-served basis. Check the hours of the location you wish to visit and make sure you arrive at least one hour before it closes to allow time to complete the test.

Note: If you take a Class 7 or 8 knowledge test at the Cloverdale, Guildford or Richmond driver licensing office, you need to call ahead to book the test.

If you are in the Metro Vancouver area, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Prince George and Kelowna, book online (it's fast, free and convenient) or:

• Metro Vancouver area: 604-661-2255
• Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Kelowna or Prince George: 1-888-715-7775

If you live in any other part of B.C., call the nearest driver licensing office or ServiceBC centre.

A minimum of 24 months' continuous driving without violations and crashes is required before you can take the Class 5 road test.

If you successfully complete a GLP-approved driver education course, you will be eligible for a six-month reduction in the Novice (N) stage, if you meet certain requirements.

Professional drivers, drivers approaching their 80th birthday, or drivers who may have certain medical conditions affecting driving ability are required to complete a driver medical when instructed. Failure to do so can result in the cancellation of all driving privileges.

You usually do not need a commercial licence to drive a motor home.

However, you may need a special endorsement if your motor home is towing something in excess of maximum permitted weight (see commercial vehicles). This endorsement may require that you take a commercial vehicle licence test.

You will need an air brake endorsement if your motor home has air brakes.

See Towing a Recreational Vehicle guide for more information.

If your address has changed, your driver's licence and insurance policy will both have to be updated. You should let ICBC know within 10 days of moving. The procedures for changing the address on your driver's licence and your insurance policy are not the same.

Changing the address on your driver's licence »

Changing the address on your insurance policy »

You may change the address on your driver's licence one of three ways:

1. Online

The fastest way is to use the provincial government's Multiple Address Change service.

2. Phone

Victoria: 1-250-978-8300
Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-950-1498

When you call, please have your B.C. driver's licence number ready.

Hours

Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

3. In-person

You may change the address on your driver’s licence at any driver licensing office.

To change your address on your insurance policy, visit your local Autoplan brokerright away

Changing your address may affect the terms of your insurance policy. The amount of your insurance premium depends, in part, on the territory where your vehicle is primarily used. Moving to a different territory in B.C. could result in a premium increase, or refund. By going to an Autoplan broker's office, your new territory can be verified. Having the right address also reduces the risk of your vehicle's registration being transferred fraudulently.

You can change your address on your BCID card one of two ways:

1. Go to a driver licensing office. Ask for a change-of-address sticker. Attach it to the back of your BCID card.
2. Order by phone

Phone 1-800-950-1498 (or, if you're in greater Victoria, 250-978-8300). Ask for a change-of-address sticker. We will mail it to you. Attach it to the back of your BCID card.

To notify us of your name change, please go to any driver licensing office. You must bring with you:

1. a legal proof of your change of name. Examples of legal proof are a marriage certificate issued by Vital Statistics or by a religious organization or marriage commissioner; a divorce certificate (both the married and previous names must be on the document, or
2. a Change of Name Certificate. (Photocopies of marriage certificates will be accepted, but only if they are issued and certified to be a true copy.)

Required ID: One piece of primary identification and one piece of secondary identification. These can be in your new name or your old name. This is important to process your application.

If you lose your driver's licence, you should report it to the police and then immediately get a duplicate driver's licence or renewal.

If you are in B.C., go to the nearest driver licensing office to have a duplicate licence issued to you.

If the licence is going to expire within six months, you will be required to renew the licence. In order to renew your licence, all outstanding fines and debts to ICBC and the province must be paid. You will be asked to show required ID.

If you are outside B.C, call ICBC
1-800-950-1498 within Canada/US, or
Collect world wide at 250-978-8300.

Hours
8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday to Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday

If you are a new resident to the province with a valid driver's licence from another jurisdiction, you may drive for a maximum of 90 days in B.C. with your out-of-province driver's licence.

After moving here, it’s best to apply for your B.C. driver’s licence as soon as possible. This will give you more time to meet the application requirements. After 90 days, you can no longer legally drive in B.C. using your out-of-province driver’s licence.

If you are attending a designated educational institution in B.C., you are permitted to drive here with your out-of-province licence. You must be registered as a full-time student. Please note that is important to always carry and be able to show your Student ID card when asked to do so by a Peace Officer.

For more information, contact the Driver Licensing Information line at 1-800-950-1498 or 250-978-8300 in Victoria.

The licence should be cancelled.

To cancel, a copy of the death certificate and the driver licence can be forwarded to:

ICBC Licensing Unit
PO Box 3750
Victoria, BC V8W 3Y5

Alternatively, you can bring the death certificate and driver’s licence to any driver licensing office.

Getting another driver’s licence will cost $131 ($100 reinstatement fee plus $31 for a two-year driver's licence).

All outstanding fines and debts to ICBC and the province must be paid in full. Also, if you have been prohibited for more than three years, you will need to be re-tested.

If you receive a Notice of Intent Letter, you have two options:

Sign and date the letter as indicated and surrender the driver's licence to start the prohibition immediately. Return the letter by mail or take it to a driver licensing office.

You can make a written submission within 21 days of receiving the notice by requesting a review of the prohibition decision. Mail it to:

Reviewing Officer, ICBC
PO box 3750,
Victoria, BC V8W 3Y5

If you receive a Notice of Prohibition Letter, you must stop driving immediately. Sign and date the letter as indicated and surrender your licence by mail or take it to a driver licensing office. You can submit a review of the prohibition to:

Reviewing Officer, ICBC
PO box 3750,
Victoria, BC V8W 3Y5

Please note: You cannot drive during any part of your prohibition. Driving could result in being charged with Driving While Prohibited, which is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Your vehicle will also be impounded for 60 days.

If you have a 7L licence and have been reinstated, you will continue accumulating your 12 months of driving experience to be eligible to take your Class 7 road test.

If you have a Class 7 licence and have been reinstated, you will lose any accumulated driving experience and will need to acquire an additional 24 months before being eligible.

There are several reasons why you could be prohibited from driving in B.C. Examples are an unsatisfactory driving record, 12- or 24-hour prohibitions and court-ordered prohibitions.

ADP applies to any driver who operates a motor vehicle with over .08 blood alcohol content, or who refuses to provide a blood or breath sample. A peace officer can serve a 90-day ADP on the driver, which becomes effective 21 days from date of service.

All Knowledge Tests are $15. When you pass your Knowledge Test you will be issued a Learner’s (L) licence. There is a $10 fee for a Graduated License Program (GLP) Learner’s (L) licence. All other learner licences are free.

All Knowledge Tests are $15. If you are not successful, take the time you need to complete a thorough review. Remember, you do not have to take the test until you are ready.

A Class 7/8 road test costs $35.

A Class 2/3/5/6 road test costs $50.

A Class 4 road test costs $40.

A Class 1 road test costs $60.

Typically, the GLP takes 36 months. You will need to have your Class 7 learner’s licence for a minimum of 12 months before you're allowed to take your first road test. Once you have received your Class 7 Novice (N) licence, you must stay in this stage for a minimum of 24 months' driving without violations and crashes.

During the Novice (N) stage, you may qualify for a six-month reduction by taking an approved driver education course.

The Class 7 Learner’s (L) licence is valid for two years. If you decide not to take a road test in that time, you will need to re-qualify on the Knowledge Test and Vision Test. You may take your road test immediately. You may book your road test after requalifying. Bring required ID. Fees for the Knowledge Test and new photo Learner’s (L) licence will apply.

A new parental consent is only required if you are taking a Knowledge Test for a different class of licence.

If your Class 7 Novice licence has expired, you may renew it at any time within the next three years. After that time you will be required to re-take the Class 7 road test. You will not have to wait any additional time to take your Class 5 road test, provided that you have been violation- and crash-free for the last two years that you drove.

Non-resident drivers who hold a valid driver's licence from their home jurisdiction may drive in B.C. with their out-of-province driver's licence for a maximum of six months. This applies regardless of whether they hold a valid international driving permit. For more information contact the Driver Licensing Information line at 1-800-950-1498 or 978-8300 in Victoria.

If you are a non-resident student, you don't need a B.C. driver’s licence.

To drive in B.C., you must hold a valid out-of-province licence, be registered as a  full time student and be attending one of the specified educational institutions

Please note that it is important to always carry and be able to show your Student ID card when asked to do so by a Peace Officer.

For more information contact the Driver Licensing Information line at 1-800-950-1498 or 250-978-8300 in Victoria.

Go to a driver licensing office with required ID and request a free copy of your driving record. Alternatively, you can call ICBC to request that your driving record be mailed, faxed or emailed to you.

ICBC phone numbers:

Lower Mainland: 604-661-2255
Other B.C. locations and elsewhere in Canada and the U.S.: 1-800-663-3051

Hours:

8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday

Here's some of the benefits of an EDL.

• A convenient wallet-sized card that's your licence to drive and proof of your identity and citizenship.
• The latest security features to prevent fraud and identity theft.
• A less expensive alternative to a passport for business or pleasure travel to the U.S. by land or water.

Your appointment will be approximately 30 minutes. Be sure to arrive 10 minutes early to avoid delays.

We need to schedule appointments to handle the demand for EDLs and ensure specially trained staff are in attendance. This is a different process from what you may be used to with your driver's licence. Also only certain driver licensing offices can issue EDLs.

Your EDL is acceptable for entry at any land and water border crossing between Canada and any U.S. border state.

Remember you still need a passport for air travel into the U.S.

 Your interim driver's licence is good for 60 days and you should receive your EDL within two weeks of your interim licence expiring. If you haven't received your EDL card two weeks before your interim expires, please call the EDL Customer Line at 1-866-972-6888.

Remember to activate your EDL as soon as you receive it in the mail.

The interim driver's licence cannot be used for cross-border travel into the U.S. Be sure to take other acceptable documents if you are crossing into the U.S. by land or water while waiting for your EDL.

If there is an RFID reader in your lane, remove your EDL from its protective sleeve and display it as you approach the card reader in your traffic lane. You'll still need to present your EDL to the U.S. border officer. Remember to return your EDL to the protective sleeve when your card is returned.

Yes. If they meet the identity and citizenship requirements they are eligible for an EDL. If they are under 19 years of age, they'll need to bring a parent or legal guardian to their appointment who will sign the consent form and application documents on their behalf.

If you think you may have difficulty understanding the forms or interview questions, you may have a translator present during your appointment. Your translator must be approved by ICBC to provide translation services prior to your appointment.

If your translator hasn't been approved by ICBC or is unsure if they are approved, they must visit an ICBC Driver Licensing Centre with their acceptable translator credentials to obtain the necessary approval. A translator must be approved before they attend your EDL application appointment with you.

The EDL card looks very similar in size, shape and colour to the new B.C. driver’s licence that was introduced in March 2009. The only difference on the front of the two cards is that an EDL has the word “ENHANCED” printed on across the top of the EDL.

The back of the cards have similar features as well. The biggest difference is three lines of numbers and letters at the bottom of the EDL, called the “machine readable zone” or MRZ. The number in the MRZ is used by the border officer to identify your EDL record when you present your card at the customs booth. It’s not your driver’s licence number. A regular driver’s licence doesn’t have an MRZ on the back.

Yes. Any change to your EDL or EIC card requires you make an appointment and attend one of the EDL designated driver licensing offices in person. Be sure to check the EDL Guide for Renewing or Changing your EDL before your appointment to ensure you bring the required documents. 

At different times and for many different reasons. Some people choose to take a break; some people decide to save money; some even make it part of an environmental choice.

There are lots of factors that can affect your ability to drive. Please review the fact sheet

Commercial drivers might drive a passenger vehicle or carry heavy loads, so it’s important to make sure they can drive safely. The re-examination checks that their driving skills are good enough to drive specific vehicles.

The Superintendent of Motor Vehicles decides when a driver needs a re-examination road test. Occasionally a police officer, doctor or relative can suggest that someone should take the tests, but the final decision is with the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles.

If you have looked through the ICBC re-exam section and still have questions, call the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles: 250-387-7747

Your appointment will be approximately 30 minutes. Be sure to arrive 10 minutes early to avoid delays.

We need to schedule appointments to handle the demand for EDLs and EICs and ensure specially trained staff are in attendance. This is a different process from what you may be used to with your driver's licence. Also only certain driver licensing offices can issue EDLs and EICs.

No, application process is the same.

Your EIC is acceptable for entry at any land and water border crossing between Canada and any U.S. border state. Remember you still need a passport for air travel into the U.S.

The EIC should be mailed out within approximately one month depending on public response and the number of cards being processed. If you haven't received your EIC card within six weeks please call the EDL Customer Line at 1-866-972-6888.

Remember to activate your EIC as soon as you receive it in the mail.

Yes, the EIC is avaible to Canadian citizens resident in B.C. who are 12 years old and over. Anyone applying for an EIC under 19 years of age, must bring a parent or legal guardian with them to their application appointment. The parent or legal guardian must sign all required forms on behalf of the child (minor) applying.

If there is an RFID reader in your lane, remove your EIC from its protective sleeve and display it as you approach the card reader in your traffic lane. You'll still need to present your EIC to the U.S. border officer. Remember to return your EIC to the protective sleeve when your card is returned.

If you think you may have difficulty understanding the forms or interview questions, you may have a translator present during your appointment. Your translator must be approved by ICBC to provide translation services prior to your appointment.

If your translator hasn't been approved by ICBC or is unsure if they are approved, they must visit an ICBC Driver Licensing Centre with their acceptable translator credentials to obtain the necessary approval. A translator must be approved before they attend your EIC application appointment with you.