Driving in British Columbia on a foreign licence: visitors and new residents (2026)
According to ICBC, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, checked on 31 October 2026, you can keep driving on your current licence while you are visiting as a tourist for up to six months, and new residents have 90 days to switch to a B.C. licence.
These rules differ from place to place, and they change. We quote the official pages word for word, with the date we checked them; this is information, not legal advice. Car rental companies and insurers can ask for more than the law, for example an international driving permit or a translation: ask them before you book.
At a glance
| Visitors | Up to six months as a tourist |
|---|---|
| New residents | 90 days, then a B.C. licence |
| IDP and translation | Translation by an ICBC-approved translator when ICBC asks for one (licence exchange) |
| UK licence, exchange without tests | Yes, no knowledge test (United Kingdom is on the list) |
| US licence, exchange without tests | Yes, for most US states |
| Checked | 31 October 2026 |
What the official sources say
Visitors and tourists
The 90-day rule does not apply and you may continue to drive on your current licence if you: Are visiting as a tourist for up to six months
Source: ICBC: Moving from outside Canada (ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
If you move there
After moving here, you have 90 days to switch your valid licence to a B.C. driver’s licence.
Source: ICBC: Moving from outside Canada (ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
International driving permit and translation
Translations are requested at ICBC’s discretion and must be done by an ICBC-approved translator.
Source: ICBC: Moving from outside Canada (ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Exchanging your licence
B.C. waives knowledge and road testing with every Canadian province and territory as well as waiving testing for passenger and motorcycle licences with most US states. B.C. will also waive knowledge testing for those exchanging passenger driver's licences and most motorcycle driver's licences from the following jurisdictions:
United Kingdom (includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland)
United States (includes Washington DC and Puerto Rico)
Source: ICBC: Moving from outside Canada (ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Hire a car in British Columbia
Hiring a car in British Columbia? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence rules above before you book: the rental company can ask for more than the law, such as an IDP or a translation.
Compare car hire in British Columbia
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Visiting Canada?
Driving in Canada, do you need an international driving permit? UK licence · Australian licence
Other provinces and territories in Canada
Canada, Australia and New Zealand: every province, state and territory in one table
Questions
Can I drive in B.C. with a foreign licence?
As a tourist, yes. ICBC says: “The 90-day rule does not apply and you may continue to drive on your current licence if you: Are visiting as a tourist for up to six months” If you move to British Columbia, the 90-day rule applies instead.
Can I drive in B.C. with a UK licence?
As a tourist, yes: “The 90-day rule does not apply and you may continue to drive on your current licence if you: Are visiting as a tourist for up to six months” “United Kingdom (includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland)” is on ICBC’s list of licences that can be exchanged without a knowledge test if you move there.
Is this legal advice for driving in British Columbia?
No. We quote ICBC, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia word for word, as read on 31 October 2026. Rules change, and car rental companies and insurers can ask for more than the law: check with them and with the official page before you drive.
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