I am inquiring about my learners permit. I live in Courtenay and have a valid learner's licence from Alberta. Can I switch it over to a BC learners permit? 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?
Student Exemption
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.
Display of L or N Sign
The requirement to display a new driver sign comes from the conditions imposed on your licence. If you are required to display a sign, you would display the sign appropriate for the province your licence is issued in.
New BC Resident
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.
The case of R v Shafer contains the courts reasoning on how to determine if a person is ordinarily resident in British Columbia.
Effective January 1, 2022 the province has made changes to the definition of ordinarily resident.
Exchanging a Learner's Licence
If you cannot show 2 years of driving experience with a full privilege driver's licence, you will be issued either a learner or novice BC licence as appropriate. You will move through the GLP here by passing the necessary tests.
You can contact ICBC for more information.
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