How to Convert Your Foreign Driver’s License to BC
Where is your current Foreign License from?
If you just moved to British Columbia, your driver licensing requirements will vary depending on where your current license is from. BC has reciprocal licensing agreements with certain countries. If your license is from one of these jurisdictions, you will be able to exchange it without taking a road test.
- Austria
- Australia
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey
- Ireland
- Japan
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- South Korea (not motorcycles)
- Switzerland
- Taiwan (not motorcycles)
- United Kingdom
- United States
If your country is not on the approved list, you will need to go through the ICBC Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) and complete testing.
Steps to Convert your Foreign License
The process to convert your foreign license depends on the country your license is from.
Foreign licenses from approved jurisdictions
1. Visit an ICBC Driver Licensing Office
Bring your original driver’s license and required identification documents.
Foreign licenses from other locations
1. Take the knowledge test at any driver licensing office
Bring your original driver’s license and required identification documents.
2. Take the Class 5 Road Test
Complete an in-car road test to assess your driving ability
How to Prepare for the ICBC Road Test
If you’re required to take a road test, the fastest way to prepare is with structured, local training from a trusted driving school.
Professional driving lessons can help you:
- Learn BC-specific driving rules
- Practice real ICBC test routes
- Fix habits that could cause you to fail
- Build confidence quickly
For drivers converting a foreign license, even a few targeted lessons can make a significant difference.
Prepare to convert your license:
Road Test Package
Rent our driving school car for your road test, with a pre-test warmup lesson
Class 4 Licenses
Learn how you can get your commercial license to drive profesionally and for rideshare