I am inquiring about my learners permit. I live in Courtenay and have a valid learner's licence from Alberta, can I switch it over to a BC learners permit? And in the meantime can I drive here with it as long as I have an L on my vehicle?
I grew up in Alberta. I moved here to go back to college. I would like to have it switched over to a BC learners but wasn't sure if it was that easy. I have had my learners from Alberta since I was 16. It is valid still. It has been renewed.
My main question is will I be able to just have it switched from Alberta to BC without having to redo the testing?
Student Exemption
If you are a full time student at a recognized post secondary institution here in BC you may retain and use your Alberta driver's licence here in BC during the time that you are actually in school.
New BC Resident
If you no longer live in Alberta, you are required to obtain a BC driver's licence within 90 days of becoming resident here. ICBC's web site has more information.
The case of R v Shafer contains the courts reasoning on how to determine if a person is ordinarily resident in British Columbia.
So, if you meet all of these requirements, there is no need to obtain a BC driver's licence. If not, then I am sure that ICBC would be pleased to help you with the exchange. You would have to ask them if you need to test or if there would be a straight exchange. You can contact ICBC here.
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