I am inquiring about my learners permit. I live in Courtenay BC and have a valid learners from Alberta, can I switch it over to a BC learners permit?! And in the meantime can I drive here with it as long as I have an L on my vehicle?
I grew up in Alberta. I moved here to go back to college. I would like to have it switched over to a BC learners but wasn't sure if it was that easy. I have had my learners from Alberta since I was 16. It is valid still. It has been renewed.
My main question is will I be able to just have it switched from Alberta to BC without having to redo the testing?
If you are a full time student at a recognized post secondary institution here in BC you may retain and use your Alberta driver's licence here in BC during the time that you are actually in school.
If you no longer live in Alberta, you are required to obtain a BC driver's licence within 90 days of becoming resident here. ICBC's web site has more information.
Exemption of non-resident and new resident drivers
34 (1.1) Subject to subsection (1.2), the following persons are exempt, for the period specified, from the requirements respecting the holding of a driver's licence issued to him or her under this Act:
(c) a person who has a validly issued and subsisting driver's or operator's licence or permit issued according to the laws where he or she is ordinarily resident, for the period that the person is registered as a full time student at and attends any of the educational institutions listed in section 21 (2) (b);
(1.2) A person claiming an exemption under subsection (1.1) must carry a valid and subsisting driver's or operator's licence or permit on his or her person while operating a motor vehicle referred to in subsection (1) and must produce that driver's or operator's licence or permit to a peace officer on demand.
(2) A person exempt under subsection (1.1) is also exempt for the same period, while driving or operating in British Columbia a motor vehicle set out in subsection (1) (b), (c) or (d), from the requirements respecting the holding of a motor vehicle liability insurance card or a financial responsibility card, subject, in every case, to his or her giving the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia proof of financial responsibility under sections 106 to 113.
21 (2) (b) by a person for the period that the person is registered as a full time student at and attends any of the following educational institutions:
(i) a university, as defined in the University Act;
(ii) an institution, as defined in the College and Institute Act;
(iii) [Repealed 2004-33-21.]
(iv) the University of Northern British Columbia;
(v) [Repealed 2002-35-9.] (v.1) the Thompson Rivers University;
(vi) Royal Roads University; (vii) [Repealed 2003-48-20.]
(viii) any other educational institution in the Province that is authorized under an enactment to grant degrees or is designated under section 3 (1) (a) of the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act,
The case of R v Shafer contains the courts reasoning on how to determine if a person is ordinarily resident in British Columbia.
So, if you meet all of these requirements, there is no need to obtain a BC driver's licence. If not, then I am sure that ICBC would be pleased to help you with the exchange. You would have to ask them if you need to test or if there would be a straight exchange. You can contact ICBC here.
- Log in to post comments
- Log in to post comments
Answer