Question: My husband and I are planning to take the 14 hour drive from Peace Country down to the Okanagan, on to Vancouver and back to Alberta for the long weekend in May. I'm a learner driver and am super excited to visit my small home town and be able to drive around in it.
We got to talking and I can't find anything anywhere stating I'm not allowed to drive in B.C. with my learners, and we still have an L from when my husband had his class 7 in B.C. so I guess my question is, am I even allowed to drive in BC? Do I need to bring that L? is there additional rules I should brush up on and follow?
Learner Driver from Alberta in BC
I'm inferring that you have a valid Alberta learner driver's licence from your question.
Yes, if you have a valid driver's licence from Alberta you are allowed to drive here in BC. This applies to all properly licensed drivers from reciprocal jurisdictions when they are driving in our province.
You Must Follow Your Licence Restrictions
You do not have to display an official BC new driver sign when you drive here in BC. However, you are subject to any restrictions on your Alberta licence when you are here. Failing to follow them will land you in trouble here in BC:
- Must be accompanied by a fully licensed (non-GDL probationary) driver who is 18 years of age or older and who is seated next to the driver
- Not permitted to drive from midnight to 5 A.M.
- Not permitted to have more passengers than seat belts
- Have a zero alcohol level
Brushing Up Resources
Our provincial driving manuals are available for download on ICBC's website. In general the rules are uniform across Canada and the US, but this is not always the case. You are wise to think about investigating the differences before driving in a new jurisdiction.
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