Driving without a valid driver's licence

On this page

• Driving offences
• Drivers licensed outside of B.C.
• Apply for a driving prohibition review

Driving without a valid licence is an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act. Penalties for unlicensed driving are serious.

Driving offences

First offence

Police will issue you a violation ticket the first time they find you driving unlicensed. They will not permit you to continue driving.

Second offence

With a second offence, police will:

• Impound the car you were driving for 7 days, whether or not you own it
• Prohibit you from driving until you have a valid B.C. licence, meet all licensing requirements and pay your fines

Future offences

If you continue driving, police will charge you with "driving while prohibited." This offence is punishable by a $500 fine and up to 6 months in jail for a first offence.

Drivers licensed outside of B.C.

Visitors

If you are a visitor to B.C., you can drive for up to 6 months if you hold a valid foreign or out-of-province licence. Any restrictions on your licence apply in B.C.

Visiting students

If you are a foreign or out-of-province student, you can drive with a valid foreign or out-of-province driver’s licence for longer than 6 months. You must be a registered, full-time student at a recognized institution. You must also carry your student ID to show police you’re a student.

New residents

If you hold a valid driver's licence from outside B.C., you can continue to use it for 90 days. After 90 days, your out-of-province licence is not valid in B.C.

It's best to apply for a B.C. licence as soon as you move here. If you have a valid licence from elsewhere, you must show it when police ask for it or they’ll give you a Notice of Driving Prohibition.

If you do show a valid licence, police will allow you to continue driving unless they have evidence that you must hold a B.C. licence.

Apply for a driving prohibition review

You can apply online for a review of an unlicensed driving prohibition.