Moving from within Canada

How to apply for a B.C. licence

Book an appointment to apply for a B.C. driver’s licence at an ICBC driver licensing office. You’ll need to bring:

• required ID

• your current driver's licence

• fee for your licence

• Proof of driving experience

Changes for new B.C. residents

New B.C. residents will only be required to provide their driver licence history — proof of insurance is no longer required. However, their premiums will be adjusted for the first three years of driving in B.C. due to the increased risks associated with driving in a new area.

Each year you remain crash-free, your discount increases.

ICBC will credit you with up to 15 years of driving experience (up from eight years) upon receipt of a driver's abstract showing the original date that you received your licence.

When obtaining your B.C. licence, you can provide your original driver's abstract in person at a driver licensing office.

Driving experience requirement

If you don't have two years' driving experience (with a full-privilege, non-learner licence) or can't prove it, you can still get a B.C. licence by going through the graduated licensing program. You'll get credit for however long you have been driving.

Commercial licences

Please note that subject to review of your driving record(s), B.C. testing may be required before you can be issued a B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence. This may include mandatory entry-level training (MELT).

Some commercial licences may not be equivalent. To check, visit a driver licensing office or contact us.

More information on Class 1 MELT can be found in the MELT FAQs .

Just visiting or going to school?

If you are just visiting here up to six months or are a full time student at a designated institution you can drive on your out-of-province licence. For more information, please contact us.

Giving up your previous licence

Please note than when you qualify for your new B.C. licence, you'll need to surrender your previous licence to ICBC. B.C. law requires that you only have one driver's licence.

More information

If you're unsure about your driving experience or have other questions, contact us. It could save you an extra trip to a driver licensing office.