Driving
Last updated: September 10, 2025Driving in British Columbia may be different from the place or country you come from. For example, in B.C., people drive on the right side of the road, and extreme cold weather such as snow and ice can affect driving conditions.
Driving laws and driver licensing may also be different. In B.C., every motor vehicle must be insured, and every driver must have a licence before operating a vehicle.
Learn about driving in B.C. by reading the topics below.
It is against the law to drive a vehicle without insurance. Every vehicle registered in B.C. must have ICBC Basic Autoplan insurance. If you cause an accident, insurance will pay for the damage to the other driver’s car. It also covers medical costs for anyone hurt in the accident.
You must buy insurance before you drive the vehicle.
Basic insurance
You can buy basic insurance at any ICBC Autoplan broker’s office. Autoplan brokers are independent businesses that sell ICBC insurance. Find an Autoplan broker near you.
Many things affect the cost of your car insurance. These include who drives your car, where you live, if you use your car for work, and your driving history.
It is important to list the name of every person who will drive your car. Autoplan insurance only covers costs for the people who are named on the insurance policy. If a driver who is not named on your insurance policy causes an accident while driving your car, you might have to pay more money. Talk to your Autoplan broker about who you should list on your insurance policy.
If you prove you have driving experience in another province or country, your insurance may be cheaper and cover more things. ICBC will recognize up to 15 years of your driving history in another country. You must make an appointment and bring your driving documents to an ICBC driver licensing office. You can book an appointment online.
Extra insurance
If you have an accident, basic insurance may not be enough to cover all the costs. You can buy extra insurance to protect yourself, such as collision insurance to pay for damage from a crash. Ask your ICBC Autoplan broker about extra insurance.
Insurance for vehicles from outside B.C.
If you import (bring in) a vehicle from another country or province, you must pay to have it inspected (checked for safety) before you can register it and get insurance. Ask an Autoplan broker what you need to do to import a vehicle into B.C. You can also visit the ICBC website.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is owned by the B.C. government. ICBC Services include:
- providing basic vehicle insurance
- handling insurance claims if you have an accident
- testing new drivers who want a B.C. licence
- helping drivers who have moved from other countries to get a B.C. licence
- confirming a person’s identity when they get a BC Services Card or driver’s licence
Information is available in more than 170 languages. Learn more about getting started with ICBC.
There are different ways to get a B.C. driver’s licence. If you don’t have a licence from your country, you will need to apply for a new licence in B.C.
Using a driver’s licence from outside B.C.
If you have a licence from your previous country, it is valid for up to 90 days after you move to B.C. You should apply for your B.C. driver’s licence as soon as you arrive. You may have to wait for your new licence to arrive in the mail.
If your driver’s licence is not in English, you will need to provide a translation by an approved translator. Learn about language services at ICBC.
Students do not need to get a B.C. driver’s licence if they meet both of the following requirements:
- they have a valid driver’s licence from another country
- they are registered as a full-time student in a school listed on the website
Temporary foreign workers in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program can use a valid driver’s licence from another country for up to 12 months. After 12 months, you will need a B.C. driver’s licence.
If you are visiting B.C. instead of becoming a resident, you can use your driver’s licence for up to 6 months. After 6 months, you need a valid B.C. driver’s licence to drive here.
When you drive, always carry your driver’s licence with you. A police officer may ask to see it. You must show your licence if a police officer asks.
Learn the driving rules and road signs in British Columbia. Some may be different from where you learned to drive. Learn to Drive Smart has information about rules, signs, signals, and road markings in B.C.
You can take a practice knowledge test online to see how well you understand driving laws in B.C. The practice test is available in several languages. Learn about the practice test before you take it.
You can also do the practice test on your smartphone. Download the ICBC Practice Knowledge Test app from the iOS or Android app stores.
Applying for a new B.C. driver’s licence
Depending on where your driver’s licence is from, you may need to pass knowledge, eyesight, and road tests before you can get a B.C. driver’s licence. If you have a licence from a country with a special agreement with B.C., you may be able to get a B.C. licence without taking knowledge and road tests. See the list of countries.
If your licence is not from one of these countries, you will need to take a knowledge and road test. Book an appointment for your knowledge test online. You will need to bring identification, your current driver’s licence, the fee, and proof of your driving experience. For more information, visit these links:
When you get a B.C. driver’s licence, you will need to give up your old licence. Learn more about getting a driver’s licence after moving to B.C.
People applying for a B.C. driver’s licence must be 16 years of age or older. If you are between 16 and 19 years old, you will need consent (permission) from your parent or legal guardian. They can come to the driver licensing office with you, or you can bring a signed consent form (letter). Learn more about parental consent for driver’s licence applications.
You can apply for a driver’s licence by booking an appointment at an ICBC driver licensing office. Find an office and book an appointment online.
This appointment is for your knowledge test. You can prepare by studying driving laws in B.C. ICBC’s guidebook, Learn to Drive Safe, is available in several languages. Visit ICBC’s website to download the guidebook.
Take a practice test to see how well you understand the laws for driving in B.C.
You must show 2 pieces of ID each time you go to an appointment. See what kind of ID you can use.
You need different types of licences to drive different types of vehicles in B.C. Cars, motorcycles, buses, large trucks, and taxis each have a different driver’s licence.
B.C.’s Graduated Licensing Program
B.C. has a Graduated Licensing Program. There are 3 licence levels: Learner (L), Novice (N), and full licence (Class 5). Learner and Novice licences have some restrictions. You must pass these levels to get full driving rights. The program aims to make sure all drivers on the road can drive safely, even if they are new drivers.
If this is your first driver’s licence, you must learn basic driving knowledge and traffic rules first. After passing the knowledge test, you can graduate to the Learner level. Learn more about the Graduated Licensing Program on ICBC’s website.
Learner stage
The first step in getting a B.C. driver’s licence is getting a learner’s licence. You must take a knowledge test to show that you know B.C.’s driving rules. You must also have your eyesight tested.
You can take a knowledge test in English, Arabic, Croatian, Farsi, French, Punjabi, Russian, simplified and traditional Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. If you need a translator, check with the ICBC driver licensing office.
The Learner’s licence is valid for 2 years. You must practise driving with your learner’s licence for at least 12 months before you can take your road test. There are some things you are not allowed to do with a Learner’s licence, like drive between midnight and 5 am. You can find a list of all the rules for the Learner’s licence online.
Novice stage
After you have been driving for 1 year with your Learner’s licence, you can take a road test to get your Novice licence. You need to make an appointment to take the road test. You can book your appointment online. Learn more about the Novice stage. You can book your road test appointment online on ICBC’s website.
After 24 months with a Novice licence, you can take a second road test and get a full Class 5 licence. There are fees for the knowledge and road tests. After you pass the road test, you will pay another fee for your driver’s licence. Learn about driver’s licence fees.
Full licence stage
The full licence stage is called a Class 5 driver’s licence. You can take the road test after you have been a Novice driver for 24 months in a row and have never had your licence taken away.
You might qualify to take your Class 5 road test in 18 months if you:
- took an ICBC-approved driver training course in the L stage
- have not caused any crashes
- did not get any traffic violation tickets or lose your licence while in the Novice stage
You might also qualify if you moved to B.C. with a licence from a country with a licence exchange agreement with B.C. See the list of countries here.
Safe driving
Road conditions
British Columbia has good highways. However, mountains and weather can make driving difficult in any season. Driving a short distance can take longer than you might think. Many places will have snow when the weather is cold. It can be dangerous to drive on roads when there is snow and ice. You may need to buy special tires and carry chains to wrap around the tires to be sure you can drive on top of any snow or ice. Before a long drive, check weather conditions and prepare your car.
DriveBC has lots of information, including driving times, weather warnings, snow tire requirements, and road conditions. You can see real-time videos of some highways. You can also find printable driving routes and directions.
ICBC has information about staying safe while you are driving, including road conditions, winter driving, preparing for emergencies, and what to do if there is a wildfire or a flood.
Seatbelts
Seatbelts can protect you from being hurt or killed if you are in an accident. The law in B.C. says all drivers and passengers (other people in your car) must wear seatbelts. If you or your passengers are not wearing seatbelts, the police can give you a ticket. You will have to pay a fine.
Child car seats
In British Columbia, there are special rules to keep children safe in cars. Children need to use a special car seat until they are at least 9 years old or weigh 40kg (about 88 lb.). Adult seats are too large to protect small children. If you are in an accident, a child car seat can save your child’s life. It is illegal to drive with a small child in an adult seat or in your lap.
There are 3 types of child car seats. There are rules for what kind of car seat your child should use. These rules are based on the child’s age and size.
Infant (baby) car seats:
- Infant car seats must be used for babies under 12 months old and weighing less than 9 kg (20 lb.)
- The seat must be rear-facing (face the back of the car)
Child car seats:
- Child car seats must be used for small children over 12 months old and weighing between 9 and 18kg (20 and 40 lb.)
- They must be properly installed (attached) to the car according to instructions
- They can be rear-facing or front-facing
- Front-facing child car seats must have a strap that ties the seat to the frame of the car
Booster seats:
- Booster seats are for children who are too big for a child car seat, but who still need extra height to use the seatbelt safely
- Booster seats must be used for all children over 18 kg (40 lb.) until they are 9 years old or are 145 cm (4’9”) tall
The child car seat must meet certain requirements:
- It must have the National Safety Mark on it to prove that it meets Canada’s safety standards.
- It must be new, or almost new. Child car seats have an expiry date (a date when you can’t use it anymore). The date is usually on the side or back of the seat. If you buy a used child car seat, check the expiry date first. When you are using a child car seat, remember to replace it before the expiry date passes. Do not use a child car seat that is too old. It might not be safe for your child.
- It must be from Canada. If you buy a child car seat outside of Canada, it may not meet Canada’s safety regulations.
There are also rules about how to use child car seats:
- The car seat must always be in the back seat. It must never be in the front seat. This is because the front seat has an airbag. If the airbag hits the car seat, it can seriously hurt a child.
- You must make sure the car seat is installed correctly. The straps should be tight. The seat should not move when you push or pull on it.
There are other safety rules for children who are too big for car seats:
- Children between 9 and 13 should sit in the back seat, not the front.
- All children 9 years or older must use regular seatbelts.
The BC Automotive Association (BCAA) has child safety information. You can find the right car seat for your child’s age and size, watch videos on how to install your car seat safely, and learn the correct way to buckle your child into the seat.
BCAA may have car seat clinics in your community. Trained volunteers will check your car seat and the owner’s manual of your vehicle.
ICBC has information about child car seats. Transport Canada also has information about child car seats.
Dangerous driving
Impaired driving
It is illegal to drive if you are impaired (affected by alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs). The police can block roads and stop traffic to see if drivers have been drinking or using drugs. If they think you have been drinking, they will ask you to do a breath test. You will breathe into a machine that measures alcohol in your blood. You may also be asked to provide a sample of blood for testing. Learn more about impaired driving in B.C.
If you are caught driving after drinking or using drugs, you will have to pay a fine. You may lose your car and your driver’s licence. You may even go to jail. Find information about fines and losing your licence.
Learn information about driving while using alcohol and drugs.
Distracted driving
It is against the law to use an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, while driving in B.C. This is called distracted driving. Distracted driving is a main cause of car crashes in B.C. If you get caught using a mobile phone or other electronic device while driving, you may get a ticket and have to pay a fine. Learn more about distracted driving.
Speeding
Speeding is driving faster than you are allowed to. In most cities and towns, the speed limit on main roads is 50 km/h (kilometres per hour). This can be lower in some streets, neighbourhoods, or towns or cities. The speed limit is usually 30 km/h near parks and schools. Outside towns and cities, and on highways, the speed limit is usually higher.
Always look for and obey speed limit signs or street markings. If you are caught speeding, you may get a ticket and have to pay a fine. These fines can be very high. If you do not pay the fine, you may not be able to renew your driver’s licence. Learn more about speeding.
Special lanes
In some cities, there are special lanes on the roads for bicycles. There may also be special lanes for buses and vehicles with 2 or more people. These are called high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Electric vehicles and motorcycles may be allowed to use some HOV lanes. Some highways also have HOV lanes.
Pay attention to special lanes. You can get a ticket if you drive in the wrong lane.
Traffic tickets
If you get caught speeding, driving through a red light, or using a mobile phone or other electronic device while driving, you may get a ticket and have to pay a fine. Your driver’s licence and your car may also be taken away for some time.
If the police stop you while you are driving, stay in your car. The police officer will come to your car to talk to you. Do not get out of the car unless they ask you to.
If you get a ticket, don’t pay the police officer. You can pay the ticket:
- by making an appointment at any ICBC driver licensing office
- at most Autoplan brokers
- at any ICBC claim centre
- at a provincial court registry
Learn more about paying tickets.
You can also pay through the B.C. government’s PayBC website.
If you think you should not have been given a ticket, you can ask to cancel it. You will go to court and explain why you think the ticket is wrong. If the judge agrees with you, you will not have to pay the ticket.
If you get a ticket for a driving offense (breaking the law), you may have to pay more for vehicle insurance. You may also lose your driver’s licence. If you do not pay your tickets, you may not be allowed to renew your driver’s licence or insurance.
Driving schools
If you have never had a driver’s licence, you may want to take lessons. ICBC has a list of training schools. You may be able to find a driving instructor (teacher) who speaks your language. Learn more about choosing a driving school.
Driving resources
There are online resources you can use to prepare for driving in B.C.:
- Find current road conditions and driving tips for B.C.
- Learn more about driving safely in winter
- Check DriveBC to find out the road conditions on your planned route. For example, it can tell you where the road is in bad condition, or where traffic is slow because of an accident
- Hello BC has maps for cities and regions across British Columbia
If you have an accident, take the following steps:
- Dial 9-1-1 if anyone is hurt.
- Move your vehicles off the road, if it is safe to do so.
- Do not talk about who or what caused the accident.
- Write down this information:
- name, address, and phone number of each driver
- driver’s licence number of each driver
- licence plate number on each driver’s vehicle
- insurance information for vehicles not insured by ICBC
- date, time, and location of the accident
- weather conditions
- the direction you and any other drivers were travelling
- where you and any other vehicles were when the accident happened
- If possible, take photos of the vehicle damage and the accident site.
- Give your information to the other driver.
- Get the name, address, and phone number of anyone who saw the accident (a witness).
- If you have a dash camera in your vehicle, you can save the video from before, during, and after the accident.
Reporting to ICBC
If you have an accident, report it to ICBC. This is called making an insurance claim.
If your claim is accepted, ICBC will pay to repair the damage. It will cover your medical treatment if you are injured. ICBC will tell you how to get a damage estimate (how much it will cost to fix your car) and where to get your car fixed.
You can call ICBC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also report some types of claims online. ICBC offers free interpretation for 170 languages over the phone. They also have phone lines for service in Chinese and Punjabi.
Buying a vehicle from a licensed dealer
A company selling vehicles is called a dealer or dealership. Dealerships sell new and used vehicles. In B.C., dealers selling vehicles to the public must be licensed by the Vehicle Sales Authority (VSA). Licensed dealers must have a VSA licence on their door. They must have a certificate in their office that is easy to see. Licensed salespeople have a VSA licence card. You can find out if a dealer or salesperson is licensed by checking online.
Search online to find a licensed dealer in your community. Most dealers have a website with prices and information about their vehicles. Dealers might also advertise in newspapers and on other websites. The law says dealers must show the full price in the advertisement.
There may be extra costs, like a fee for the cost of preparing the documents. Car dealers must show all the extra fees in their advertisements—they should not hide the fees. Be sure you ask about extra fees before you agree to a final price.
The Vehicle Sales Authority can help you learn about buying vehicles. Information is available in English, Chinese (simplified & traditional), French, and Punjabi.
A licensed dealer must tell you the history of the vehicle. They must make sure the vehicle meets the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Act. If you bought or leased a vehicle from a licensed dealer in B.C. and you have questions or problems, visit My Self-Help. It can help you understand your legal rights and car dealers’ responsibilities. Get answers to many vehicle-related questions on the website.
Buying a used vehicle from another person
You do not need to go to a dealership to buy a car. You can also buy a car directly from the owner. Vehicles for sale by owner are usually advertised online.
Be careful—some people who say they are selling their own vehicle are “curbers”. Curbers are people who do not have a licence to sell cars. They often pretend to be private sellers. Curbers may have lower prices, but they often hide problems with the cars they sell. Buying from a curber can be risky because the car may not be safe, or it may belong to someone else. Curbers do not have the same legal requirements as licensed dealers. If you have a problem with a car from a curber, you won’t be able to get help from the Vehicle Sales Authority.
Know what to do before buying a used vehicle from VSA or ICBC.
- Research cars and learn what kind of car is the best for you. Think about vehicle safety, gas mileage, the costs to take care of the vehicle, and extra features such as air conditioning or a back-up camera.
- Know how much money you can afford to spend. If you change your mind, you may not be able to return the car or get a refund.
- Compare cars and prices by looking on the internet or visiting several dealers. You can negotiate with (ask) the salesperson for a lower price.
- When you find a used car you like, check its history to find out if it has been in an accident or has other problems. There is a fee to check the car’s history. If you are buying from a licensed dealer, ask them to show you the car’s history report. Get a report on the vehicle’s history.
- Before you buy a used car, you should pay a qualified mechanic to inspect (check) the car and make sure it is safe.
- Always take the vehicle for a test drive before you buy it. Check the tires and try every feature (for example, the lights and windshield wipers). If you are not comfortable buying a car alone, bring a friend with you who has experience buying cars.
- Do not pay a deposit (part of the payment in advance) unless you are sure you will buy the vehicle. If you do pay a deposit, ask what it is for and if you can get your money back. Make sure important information is written down on paper. For example, you should get a printed receipt that says you paid the deposit. You should also get a list of the terms and conditions for the sale.
- People often get a loan (borrow money) to buy a car. Sometimes a person may sell their car before they’ve finished paying their loan. If you buy the car, you might have to pay the seller’s loan. This is called a “lien”. Some companies can check to see if there is a lien on a car before you buy it. You will need to pay a fee and tell them the year, make (model name), and vehicle identification number (VIN). Licensed dealers are not allowed sell vehicles with liens.
For more information about liens, visit the BC Registry Services website. You can search a lien through Service BC. Find a Service BC outlet near you.
Having a vehicle warranty
Having a warranty means the dealer will replace or repair certain parts for free or at a lower price. A new car has a warranty from the company that made it. A used car may have a warranty from the dealership that sold it. There are many types of warranties, and they cover different things. Warranties also have an expiry date. After the warranty expires, it won’t cover any costs. Before you buy a car, find out if there is a warranty, what it covers, and when it expires.
Getting a car loan
You may need to borrow money to buy a vehicle. You can ask a bank or credit union for a car loan. A dealership may also lend you money. This is called “in-house financing”. Compare interest rates at several places. Before you take a loan, be sure to read and understand all terms and conditions. If you need help, contact your settlement agency.
Before you sign the loan contract or leave the dealership with your new car, be sure that any promises made by the salesperson and dealer are written in the purchase agreement. Get copies of everything you sign. Keep these documents in a safe place. Do not leave the dealership with a vehicle if the loan or the purchase agreement are not final. Do not read or sign legal documents when you are in a hurry. Take your time and read everything very carefully. If you don’t understand something, ask questions. If you miss something, it could cost you a lot of time and money in the future.
It can be expensive to own a car. You must pay for the car, the insurance, the gas or electricity, and maintenance (taking care of the car). If you don’t need to drive very often, it may be cheaper to rent a vehicle.
You can rent cars, trucks, and vans from a rental company. Vehicle rental companies are private businesses. Most vehicle rentals charge a daily fee. You must also pay for your own gas and insurance. You cannot rent a vehicle without insurance.