You need to explore for a BC license through ICBC, surrender your Ontario license, and pass a vision test — you do not need to retake the written or road test

When you move to British Columbia, you must exchange your Ontario driver's license for a BC one within a set timeframe. ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) handles all BC driver licensing. The process is straightforward: you visit an ICBC office or approved service provider, bring your Ontario license and proof of BC residency, pass a vision screening, and pay the fee. Your Ontario license becomes invalid once you receive your BC license, so you cannot hold both at the same time.

You will not retake the written knowledge test or the road test. ICBC recognizes your Ontario license as proof that you have already passed those exams. The vision test is the only assessment required, and it takes a few minutes. Most people complete the entire transaction in under an hour.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit an ICBC office or approved private service provider with your Ontario license, proof of BC residency, and proof of identity to start the exchange.
  • You must pass a vision test but do not need to retake the written or road test because ICBC recognizes your Ontario license as valid proof of driving knowledge and skill.
  • Your Ontario license must be surrendered to ICBC when you receive your BC license; you cannot keep both.
  • The fee for a BC license varies depending on the class and validity period you choose, and you can request a five-year or ten-year license.
  • If you move to BC but your Ontario license has expired or is suspended, you will need to resolve that status before ICBC will issue a BC license.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your valid Ontario driver's license, one piece of proof of BC residency, and one piece of proof of identity. Your Ontario license counts as identity proof, so you technically need only the residency document in addition to it.

Proof of BC residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice dated within the last three months. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and current BC address. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent lease signed by both you and the landlord.

If your Ontario license is damaged, expired, or suspended, tell the ICBC staff member before you sit down. An expired license can still be exchanged, but a suspended license cannot. If your Ontario license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension through Ontario's Ministry of Transportation before ICBC will issue a BC license.

Where to go and how long it takes

ICBC operates driver licensing offices in most BC communities. You can find the nearest office and check current wait times on the ICBC website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go, because wait times vary widely depending on the location and time of day.

Private service providers — usually insurance brokers or driving schools — also handle license exchanges in many areas. They charge a service fee on top of the ICBC fee, but they often have shorter wait times. If you go to a private provider, confirm they offer license exchanges before you visit.

The vision test and paperwork usually take 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive your BC license on the same day in most cases, though some offices mail it to you within a few business days. Ask the staff member which applies at your location.

Vision test requirements and what happens if you fail

The vision test checks whether you can read a chart from a standard distance and whether you have adequate peripheral vision. You do not need to study or prepare. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them and wear them during the test — ICBC will note on your license that corrective lenses are required.

If you fail the vision test, ICBC will not issue your BC license that day. You will be told what the issue is and given options. In most cases, you can visit an optometrist or eye doctor, have them complete a vision report form, and return to ICBC with that form. Once ICBC receives the report showing you meet the standard, they will issue your license. This process usually takes a few days to a week.

License class and validity period options

BC offers driver licenses in different classes depending on what you drive. Class 5 is the standard license for cars and light trucks. If your Ontario license is Class G or G2, your BC equivalent is Class 5. ICBC will issue you the correct class automatically based on your Ontario license.

You can choose a five-year or ten-year license when you exchange. The ten-year license costs more but is valid longer. Both are equally recognized; the choice is yours based on cost and how long you plan to stay in BC. If you are unsure, ask the ICBC staff member what the current fee difference is.

What happens to your Ontario license

You must surrender your Ontario license to ICBC when you receive your BC license. Do not try to keep it as a backup or for identification purposes — it is no longer valid for driving in BC or anywhere else once you hold a BC license. ICBC will take it from you and destroy it.

If you need a second form of photo identification after the exchange, you can use your BC license or explore for a BC identification card through ICBC. The BC ID card is not a driver's license but serves as proof of identity and age for non-driving purposes.

If your Ontario license is expired or about to expire

An expired Ontario license can still be exchanged for a BC license. ICBC does not require you to renew it first. Bring the expired license to your ICBC appointment, and the staff member will process the exchange normally. You will pass the vision test and receive your BC license.

If your Ontario license expired more than a certain period ago — typically several years — ICBC may ask additional questions about your driving history or require you to provide more documentation. This is rare, but if it happens, the ICBC staff member will tell you what they need. In almost all cases, the exchange still goes through without a new test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a written test or road test to get a BC license?

No. ICBC recognizes your Ontario license as proof that you have already passed both tests. You only need to pass the vision screening. If you have held your Ontario license for at least two years, you are may be able to access for a full BC Class 5 license with no additional testing.

What if I have an Ontario G2 license instead of a full G license?

A G2 license is a probationary license in Ontario. ICBC will convert it to a BC Class 5 Learner license, which has restrictions similar to the G2. You can upgrade to a full Class 5 license after holding the Learner license for a set period or by passing ICBC's road test. Ask ICBC staff about the upgrade path when you do the exchange.

Can I exchange my license by mail or online?

No. You must appear in person at an ICBC office or approved service provider. ICBC requires you to pass the vision test in person and surrender your Ontario license face-to-face. There is no remote or mail-in option for license exchanges.

What if my Ontario license is suspended or has a restriction on it?

ICBC will not issue a BC license if your Ontario license is currently suspended. You must resolve the suspension through Ontario's Ministry of Transportation first. Once the suspension is lifted, you can exchange your license. Restrictions (such as "corrective lenses required") will carry over to your BC license automatically.

How much does the BC license cost?

The fee varies depending on whether you choose a five-year or ten-year license and your age. Check the ICBC website or call your local ICBC office for the current fee. If you use a private service provider, add their service fee on top of the ICBC fee.