AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
OTTAWA
MEDIA RELEASE
AUSTRALIAN DRIVERS' LICENCES NOW RECOGNISED IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
30 August 2010 Australian residents of British Columbia are now able to exchange their Australian driver’s license for a B.C. licence, without having to undergo a driving test. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), which is responsible for driver licensing and vehicle registration in the province, explains the new requirements for Australian drivers on their website. http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/other-country/australia Drivers from Australia who are residents of British Columbia can exchange their Australian licence for a B.C. licence, provided that they have two years of driving experience and meet eligibility requirements as set down by the ICBC.
The licences can be exchanged at any ICBC licensing office for a cost of C$31.
The Australian Government welcomes the recognition of Australian driver’s licenses by the Government of British Columbia. Such arrangements are valuable in facilitating the two-way movement of skilled personnel between Australia and Canada and promoting commercial links.
The Australian Government is seeking to put in place similar arrangements with all other Canadian provinces and territories. Currently, Australian licences are recognised only in Ontario and British Columbia. Driver’s licenses from all Canadian provinces and territories have been fully recognised in all Australian jurisdictions for some time.