Q&A: Can a Tourist Drive in B.C. With an Out-of-Province Licence?

Question: My 18-year-old daughter is planning a trip to Victoria. She holds a valid Washington State driver’s licence. Is she legally allowed to drive by herself here in British Columbia, and can she carry passengers?

Your daughter is legally allowed to drive alone or with passengers in B.C. using her Washington State licence, provided she complies with two major requirements:

• Abide by Home Restrictions: Any restrictions printed on her Washington State licence (such as passenger limits, curfew times, or geographic boundaries) remain legally binding while she drives in B.C.
• Produce on Demand: She must carry her physical licence at all times and present it immediately if stopped by a police officer.

B.C. Graduated Licensing Rules Do Not Apply

Because she is a visiting tourist and does not hold a B.C. driver's licence, she is not regulated by B.C.'s local Graduated Licensing Program (GLP). She does not need to display a local "L" (Learner) or "N" (Novice) sign on her vehicle. Her driving privileges are dictated solely by her home state's licensing classification.

The 6-Month Time Limit for Visitors

Tourists are permitted to drive on a valid out-of-province or foreign licence for a maximum period of 6 months from the date they last entered Canada.

• The Reset Rule: If she exits Canada and re-enters as a tourist, this 6-month window resets from her newest date of entry.
• Change of Status: If her status changes from a tourist to a resident, the rules shift drastically. New residents must legally exchange their licence at an ICBC Driver Licensing Office within 90 days of moving.

International Driving Permits (IDP)

While this does not apply to a visitor from Washington State, tourists visiting from countries where licences are not printed in English should consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) before their trip.

An IDP is not a standalone driver's licence. It is an official translation document that may be presented in addition to the original foreign driver's licence when requested by law enforcement.