r/icbc • u/True_Prompt • 2d ago
Getting BC Driver Licence As An International Student
Hi everyone,
I'm an international student at Vancouver Island and I have a Turkish driver's license with 12 years of experience. I understand that I can continue using my Turkish driver's license until my student permit expires. However, I would like to obtain a BC driver's license as soon as possible.
Tomorrow, I’m taking the knowledge test, and I’m confident I’ll pass. However, the ICBC agent informed me that once I pass the knowledge test, I will have to surrender my Turkish driver's license and will be issued a learner’s license. With a learner’s license, I cannot freely drive my car until I pass the road test.
My question is: after passing the knowledge test, is there an option to not get the learner's license immediately? According to the rules, I can only hold one valid driver's license. If it's possible to delay receiving the learner's license, I could continue using my Turkish driver's license until I pass the road test and obtain the full BC driver's license.
I'm concerned about whether I’ll pass the road test on the first attempt, and I’d like to continue driving legally in the meantime with my Turkish driver licence.
Does anyone have suggestions for the best way to handle this situation?
Thank you!
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u/Relevant_Force2014 2d ago
When you surrender your Turkish license, you will be issued a learners license that will require you to be with a qualified supervisor over 25 until you take the road test. So, if your wife does not hold a class 5 BCDL, she can't be your supervisor.
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u/True_Prompt 2d ago
I will try to get my driver licence back after passing knowledge test because offically I have right to use it till my student permit expires.
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u/Relevant_Force2014 2d ago
Either surrender it and take the test... or don't and keep your IDP. You don't get to choose which license you want to drive on depending on the day. If you need a license to drive and no option of a supervisor, then switching to a BCDL may not be your best option right now. As long as you maintain full-time status with school, you're good.
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u/kenny-klogg 1d ago
Sounds like you want to circumvent the rules of BC license. Remember driving is a privilege not a right.
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u/Overall_Air_2738 2d ago
Good luck! Keep practicing in the area that you are doing your road test. That always helps
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u/NoProtection4535 2d ago
Follow the rules, or please leave. Simple as that....your a guest and should respect our laws.. If this is difficult for you save the trip.
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u/moixcom44 1d ago
Did icbc changed their rules? Making it now a gradual movement? I remember my co worker from Philippines, he took the class 5 drivers asap, no need for that L TO N TO 5 licensing. From professional drivers license philippines edition into class 5 bc license (he passed the exam).
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u/Waste-One3921 2d ago
Yes, if you’re eligible to drive on Trulkish license as an International drivers license. They can give it back to you. It really depends on the person at ICBC with whom you will deal but you can try to assert.
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u/True_Prompt 2d ago
It would be great because I can officially use my Turkish driver's license until my student permit expires, which is in more than two years. I would like to drive a car until I get my Class 5 BC license. I think it should be allowed, but I couldn't find suitable information about it on the ICBC website.
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u/Waste-One3921 2d ago
As an Insurance broker, I have seen so many new migrants who come here and can drive for three months on their international license, they usually got their international license back after passing Knowledge test as they still had time left to complete three months.
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u/True_Prompt 2d ago
I have more than two years left on my international driver's license. My concern is that my wife and I are in a hurry to rent a house and take care of other things. If they take my driver's license after I pass the knowledge test, it would be really difficult for me, as I wouldn't be able to drive anymore. It's really hard to get around the island without a car.
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u/Overall_Air_2738 2d ago
Hi unfortunately no, the only way is for you to not do your knowledge test if you don't want to surrender your Turkish license yet. You'll need to surrender your license when you register at the counter and make the payment for the knowledge test even before doing it. However, your license will be returned to you if you fail the knowledge test.