Acquiring a drivers license

[till]

Hello!

I'm in BC and currently a temporary resident (spousal sponsorship pending).

I'd like to get a drivers licence here, but an employee at the city hall told me that I have to surrender my European (German) drivers licence in order to get one here.

Is that correct and if so, is there a smart way around that?

Thanks a lot,
Till

 

[PMM]

Hi

Hello!

I'm in BC and currently a temporary resident (spousal sponsorship pending).

I'd like to get a drivers licence here, but an employee at the city hall told me that I have to surrender my European (German) drivers licence in order to get one here.

Is that correct and if so, is there a smart way around that?

Thanks a lot,
Till

1. If you want a BC DL, then you have to surrender your German license, it is against the law to hold 2 licenses. If you return to Germany, you surrender your BCDL and are re-issued a German one.

 

[till]

Okay, thanks!

Can I use an International Drivers Licence in Canada? If so, for how long?

What happens if I lose my German drivers licence before I apply for one locally in BC?

 

[PMM]

Hi

Okay, thanks!

Can I use an International Drivers Licence in Canada? If so, for how long?

What happens if I lose my German drivers licence before I apply for one locally in BC?

1. With no drivers license to surrender, BC won't issue you a license. It isn't an International Diver's license, it is a translation of your DL, you require you DL to drive with it. Once you are a PR you have 90 days to change over.