Exchange Your Driver's Licence in BC: 90-Day Limit and Chinese Licence

Exchange Your Driver's Licence in BC: 90-Day Limit and Chinese Licence

After moving to BC, you have 90 days to exchange your licence. The 90 days start from the day you become a resident of BC. After 90 days, your original licence is no longer valid for driving in BC.

If you are from China, you cannot directly exchange your licence for a BC one. You need to pass a knowledge test and a road test. However, you can use your Chinese licence to prove your driving experience, which may waive the waiting period for new drivers.

Steps

1. Prepare documents: Bring your Chinese licence, passport, immigration documents (e.g., permanent resident card or work permit), and proof of BC address (e.g., rental agreement or bank statement).
2. Visit a Driver Licensing Office: Find the nearest office on the ICBC website and apply in person.
3. Knowledge test: Pass a vision test and a written test on traffic rules. The test is available in Chinese.
4. Road test: After passing the knowledge test, book a road test. Once you pass, you will receive your BC licence.

What to Bring

• Original Chinese licence (if not in English or French, you need an official translation from an ICBC-approved translator)
• Passport
• Immigration documents (e.g., permanent resident card, study permit, or work permit)
• Proof of BC address (e.g., rental agreement, bank statement, utility bill)

Common Pitfalls

• Translation: Your Chinese licence is in Chinese, so you must get a translation from an ICBC-approved translator. Self-translations or translations from non-approved agencies may not be accepted.
• 90-day calculation: The 90 days start from the day you become a resident, not the day you arrive. If you travel first and settle later, the time may be shorter.
• Driving experience proof: Always bring your Chinese licence, as it proves your driving experience and may waive the new driver waiting period. If you lose it or don't bring it, you may be treated as a new driver.
• Address update: After moving to BC, you must notify ICBC of your new address within 10 days, or it may affect your insurance.

Other Situations

• If you move from another Canadian province, the exchange process is different, but you still have 90 days.
• If you leave BC, your BC licence remains valid for 90 days after you stop being a resident.

Official Sources

• Moving and your licence