Driver's License info

Hi there,

I couldn't find a similar post on this topic, so thought I'd post my own question:

I'm moving over to Scotland in 2 months and am wondering about driving over there. I have a valid BC license and am wondering if I can obtain a UK license without taking a test? If so would I have to surrender my BC license and then have to re-apply for it once I return home? What about just driving on my BC license without getting a UK license at all? Is that illegal? Has anyone else gotten a UK license while over there and has any info they can pass along?

Thanks!

Don't quote me on this but I recall reading somewhere that you can drive with your canadian license for up to a year after which time you would be expected to apply / test for a uk license.

This restriction *may* vary depending on the type of visa you have.

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/

May have some more information for you.

Depends on the Province, they enter into an agreement with the DVLA in the UK. I know that Alberta and Ontario have agreements whereby they recognise UK licenses and the UK recognises those licenses, so essentially it's a straight swap and you don't have to take the UK test. The Alberta agreement is quite recent, 2006 I think.

Not sure if BC has an agreement, you'll have to check with them.

It does depend also on how long you plan on staying.

Regardless of what the law says though if you're staying for any length of time I'd definitely do it, regardless of the situation in the UK you may want to visit other European countries and the laws vary there, especially the eastern European countries.

Plus you're going to have a very hard time getting car insurance without a UK licence, at least at any sensible price.

Moving from anywhere in Canada you can drive legally on your Canadian Licence for 1 year. After that (coming from Ontario at least) you can exchange your Canadian Licence for a UK Licence which allows you to drive Automatic Transmission only. If you would like a UK license that allows you to drive standard transmission or automatic you must do the written test, and a driving test. You are then issued with a UK license (and don't have to turn in your Canadian).

It was a bit strange having to take a driving test after 20 years of driving in Canada, and almost a year in the UK (on a standard transmission no less). When I took my test I was still driving on my Canadian Licence. I drove to the Test Centre in my standard transmission car, and even if I had failed (which luckly I didn't even though I was a bit nervous) I could have driven off home.

I have read that a Canadian license is valid for 12mos since the last time the individual enters the UK. I moved here in September but left and traveled through Europe over Christmas and therefore got a new stamp on my visa. does this mean I now have 12mos from the most recent time that I entered the UK? Anyone know anything about this?

Oh my goodness, thanks so much for this information! I've been ripping my hair out trying to figure out (with the help from my British boyfriend) how I'd deal with getting a license over there. This info helps SO much.

One question though: Do you have to be driving for a minimum length of time in Canada already to do this, or does it matter?

Also, Alberta has a GDL now, and would that affect it? Could you still do this on the GDL, or should I finally buck up and spend the extra cash for my second test?


And this thing about Alberta. Does that mean I just walk into any auto center place (like AMA) and just switch up my license, or is there something else involved? I understand only being able to drive an auto, because of the two separate licenses. but I'm curious.

Not sure on the other points but when you exchange your Canadian Licence it involves filling out a form and posting that along with proof of id, photo etc (and of course your Canadian Licence) to the DVLA (Government Dept that deals with driving licences) and they post you back the new licence (usually in a couple of weeks)

Also, Alberta has a GDL now, and would that affect it? Could you still do this on the GDL, or should I finally buck up and spend the extra cash for my second test?


And this thing about Alberta. Does that mean I just walk into any auto center place (like AMA) and just switch up my license, or is there something else involved? I understand only being able to drive an auto, because of the two separate licenses. but I'm curious.

You need a full Class 5 Alberta licence (i.e. two-axle passenger vehicle) to qualify for a UK licence. You have to apply in the UK, i.e. send in your Alberta licence to the DVLA. I'm not sure if there is an amount of time you have to be driving, I'd guess not as there is no way of the DVLA establishing that from your Alberta licence.

I didn't realise you only got a provisional licence for a manual transmission though. This could be a problem as Europeans are not big on automatic transmission cars. So apparently this still means you have to take a test if you want to drive a car with a manual transmission. But I think that is something you will have to check with the DVLA on, as the Ontario and Alberta agreements may be different in that regard.

Check at www.dvla.gov.uk

Bear in mind the way the system works is totally different in the UK from Alberta. You do not walk into an office and talk to anyone face-to-face. It's all done by mail, on-line or over the phone. You have to get the picture done yourself and mail it in. Your licence is valid until your 70th birthday once you get it, but you have to have the picture updated every ten years.

The only time you will ever actually see anyone in person is if you renew your tax disc at the Post Office or you have to take a test, then you will have to go to the nearest test centre.

The DVLA website seems to say it is any Canadian license (not just Alberta/Canada). From the DVLA website Steven posted, I followed it to this link: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Dr ... DG_4022562

Following the Interactive Guidance provided the following:

You can only exchange your current driving licence for up to five years from when you become resident, provided your licence remains valid. If your licence is lost or stolen you will need to obtain written confirmation of your driving licence from the issuing licensing authority to send with your application.

Canadian driving licence

When exchanging your Canadian driving licence you will only be able to drive automatic vehicles. To be able to drive manual vehicles, you will need to provide acceptable proof from the issuing authority or an approved driving school showing that a manual car test was passed.

What you need to do

* complete the application form D1, available from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) form ordering service or from Post Office® branches
* enclose original identity documentation confirming your identity
* enclose one passport sized colour photograph
* enclose the fee of £45.00, cheque or postal orders made payable to ‘DVLA, Swansea’
* enclose your current driving licence (this will be returned to the issuing licensing authority)
* send your completed application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT or you may be able to use the premium checking service

What happens next
Your new driving licence will normally be issued within 15 working days from the day the DVLA receives your application

Note that while you have 5 years to exchange your license, you can only drive on your Canadian one for 12 months - so it is worth doing it.

My other tip is that while you are on your Canadian license, you can rent Manual cars - so you may want to take advantage of this, so you can practice driving Manual over here, if you're going to take the test.

The other thing is that I don't know anyone who's been able to prove they did their test on a Manual.

I didn't realise you only got a provisional licence for a manual transmission though. This could be a problem as Europeans are not big on automatic transmission cars. So apparently this still means you have to take a test if you want to drive a car with a manual transmission. But I think that is something you will have to check with the DVLA on, as the Ontario and Alberta agreements may be different in that regard.

Please note: GDL is not an automatic only license (if that is what you mean by 'provisional license for a manual transmission). It is a new scheme by the government to have new drivers 'under watch', so to speak. You can get your learners license, but must have it for a year before taking your drivers test for your GDL. GDL stands for Graduated Drivers License. You have this for two years, and in the case that you pass all prerequisites (up to a certain number of demerits, never caught driving under the influence, and a few other things) you can go for your second drivers test. The GDL IS a full license (I believe, at least), you're just under certain rules for it. My two years have been up for nearly a year, but it costs an extra $100 to do the second driving test. It's basically just to make sure that new drivers don't. screw up, because most of the statistics out there say a lot of accidents are caused by new drivers. It's also to make sure you can actually drive and follow the rules of the road.



If this is not what you meant, sorry! Haha.