Canadian Drivers' License

[BeShoo]

It seems that in B.C., 6 months is the limit, IDP or not: http://www.icbc.com/csDelPrd/Satellite?c=ICBC_FAQ_C&cid=1225925777251&pagename=ICBC%2FICBC_FAQ_C%2Ficbc_FAQQuestion&proxied=true#1225925777251, so I guess after that they will issue you a B.C. license. As I said, these things vary by province. It would simplify things greatly if my partner could get a Quebec license right now, but we have been told by two different officials that he can't.

[BenderS]

Why did he have to turn in his old licence? What if he needs it in NZ?
Also.. he did not have to undergo a new driving test? They will just trade him a NZ licence for a BC one?

I wonder if this applies to all countries? My partner bought his licence as is the general custom in the country where he is from, he never had to do any tests at all, just handed over some money for it. If he could just trade it for a BC licence it would scare me a bit..  I sure wish he could at least learn to parallel park first!

Hi He can only get it back if he proves 100% that he is moving perm back to NZ. Which sucks, they already sent his DL to New Zealand!!!!   - he didn't have to get a drivers test, they asked him a few questions - and he answered them and they gave him a littel yellow piece of paper.  The guy next to us though, answered them wrong then had to take the written test. Then probably his drivers' test.

Also [forgot about this thread hha] When we went back in they said they couldnt get him picture ID license until he gets landed imigrant status, well thanks a lot jerkfaces, he would have just kept his NZ license! ugh

So they renewed his yellow paper until his visitor visa runs out sept 1st, then hopefully we'll have a renewal by then ...

[doctorkb]

I'm not going to argue this any further, as it's of little relevance.

Some things to consider:
1. a US license holder has special privileges that are different from other countries.  In fact, there are reciprocal agreements that allow for any passenger car license to be traded between a state and province without further testing.  This doesn't apply to CDL or motorcycle licenses, however.

2. there is a clear and distinct difference between "residing in" and "visiting".  A visitor typically can't get a drivers license.  A resident can (and usually must, within 6 months of residence).

3. It pays to actually go to the police station or provincial government office to ask these questions -- that page is not specific on residents vs. visitors, nor whether the US is actually foreign enough to need the IDP.  

4. Considering that BCAA IDP's page states "IDP's issued by BCAA are only valid outside North America," it would be evident that an IDP from the U.S. would not be necessary in Canada -- and perhaps not even valid.

[can_usa_97]

Flashing green lights?!? We don't have those here. Eek!

[BenderS]

Flashing green lights?!? We don't have those here. Eek!

well to help you out, It's a pedestrian controlled crosswalk 'Proceed with caution - prepare to stop'

Cuz it's a light if you look and there is a pedestrian waiting to cross, once they press that button - the light will go yellow, and you'll have to abruptly stop, it's basically telling you 'i can change any second now' lol

[can_usa_97]

well to help you out, It's a pedestrian controlled crosswalk 'Proceed with caution - prepare to stop'

Cuz it's a light if you look and there is a pedestrian waiting to cross, once they press that button - the light will go yellow, and you'll have to abruptly stop, it's basically telling you 'i can change any second now' lol

Thank you I guess I might have to study! We are moving to Ontario, wonder if it is the same there.

[CrazyLucy]

I was wondering what the procedure is for getting a learner's permit while on AIP? Does anyone know? I'm moving to Ontario.

[mercur]

Thank you I guess I might have to study! We are moving to Ontario, wonder if it is the same there.

The only place where I've seen the flashing green lights is in BC. I was confused as well. In Ontario is the same as in the states but in Quebec they have these strange horizontal lights.

On another note, does anyone know how to exchange my wife's European license for Quebec one?

[Baloo]

The only place where I've seen the flashing green lights is in BC. I was confused as well. In Ontario is the same as in the states but in Quebec they have these strange horizontal lights.

On another note, does anyone know how to exchange my wife's European license for Quebec one?

Start here.

http://immipedia.ca/Driving_in_Canada

[gigi1612]

It depends where your regular license is from. There is a pretty good list here:

http://www.drivers.com/article/207/

Thanks BeShoo