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Driving is becoming increasingly common in a growing area such as Metro Vancouver. Although other modes of transportation are popular and encouraged here, lengthier distances and commutes make driving a vehicle the primary mode of transit for many.
Many questions may emerge on this topic for someone who is new to BC or has just begun their driving journey and the purpose of this article is to alleviate your mind and offer you a starting point for your driving experience.
Side Note: Before purchasing a vehicle in BC, consider car sharing, which can be a wonderful choice if you don't require a vehicle all the time and want to avoid the additional costs of owning your own vehicle.
First things first: What do you need in order to drive in BC?
In order to be able to drive in BC, you must hold a driver's license that you can get through the GLP (Graduation License Program) on ICBC, and although it can take a bit of time, it is pretty straightforward.
If you hold a drivers license from another province and recently moved to BC, you will need your old license and your driving history to, in most cases, exchange your old drivers license for a new BC license.
If you hold a drivers license from another country, you can use it in BC for up to six months from the time you landed; after this time, depending on which country your driver license is, you can exchange it for a BC drivers license or start the GPL Program.
Who can apply for a BC driver's license?
Any BC resident can apply for a driver's license at the age of 16. Also, any newcomers to BC who hold a foreign license and wish to transfer their existing driving experience to Canada or start the GLP altogether
How do I get a driver's license through GLP in BC?
Step One, Getting Your Learners:
Locate an ICBC office near you and book a knowledge test appointment; this will be your first step. Keep in mind that you will need to get 40 out of 50 questions right in order to pass the test. The test is multiple choice, and it is easy if you understand the rules of the road.
ICBC has lots of resources for you to learn and prepare for the knowledge test, so take advantage of them and use them.
Once you pass the knowledge test and get your Learners, you will need a year of driving experience with a supervisor (depending on your situation, the time frame can vary) before booking a class 7 road test to get your novice license.
Step Two, Getting Your Novice:
After practicing on the road for a year and keeping yourself prohibition-free, you are ready to book an appointment for a class 7 road test. Consider taking an ICBC-approved driver training course so you can soak up more knowledge and gain confidence on the road. This can also shorten your time period to get your full license to 18 months instead of 24. Check the ICBC website to learn what to expect on your class 7 road test.
Final Step: Getting Your Full License:
After practicing on the road for two more years (the time frame can vary depending on your unique situation), keeping yourself prohibition-free, and learning the skills you need, you are ready to book an appointment for a class 5 road test. Check the ICBC website to know what to expect on your class 5 road test.
How long does it take to get a driver's license in BC?
In BC, it can take up to three years to get your full license: twelve months as a learner and two years of safe driving as a novice driver. This expected time can be shortened by six months if you take an ICBC-approved driver training course as mentioned above and are a safe driver with no prohibitions, violations, or at-fault crashes.
Insurance
Insurance is mandatory in BC, which means that all vehicles are required to have a basic car insurance plan called Autoplan to help protect one another on the road.
If you hold a learner's license, you can be added to the insurance policy of your driver supervisor. Just visit an Autoplan broker office, where you will need your driver's license number and date of birth.
Learn more about the costs and check out premium and enhanced policies, as well as third-party liability and more to your convenience in ICBC and BCAA.
If you are new to BC, don't forget to show the insurance broker your driving record (if existent), whether from another country or province. If you have a prohibition-free record, you can reduce your policy costs according to the years of driving experience that you have.
Safety on the road
Learning how to drive, getting your driver's license, familiarizing yourself with the rules and laws on the road, and finding the best insurance coverage for your needs are all good and important steps to a safe driving experience. In BC, we are blessed with four distinct seasons, which can bring different challenges to the road. Snow and rain can make the roads slippery and dangerous regardless of knowledge, but being prepared for the conditions can make all the difference. Here are some important links for you to learn how to be safe on the road.
It is important to note that you can play an important role to keep yourself and those around you safe. According to the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators:
"On average, one person dies every five hours on Canadian roads. More than 150 people lose their lives in a month. 37 people are killed (on average) each week; 5 people die on Canada's roads on average per day.
Each year in Canada, over 1,800 people are killed in road crashes and over 150,000 are injured."
Although the reasons for this vary widely, distraction is a big factor, so please leave the phone alone.
Conclusion
Being a first-time driver can be daunting, and driving in a different country, even if you have prior road experience, can be difficult due to different rules, language, and weather. All of these factors can play a role in the way we manage to understand and move around on the road. Just know that practice and resources will make all the difference for you to gain the confidence needed to hit the road like a pro.
You got this!