BC Study Topic 1: Your Licence

Independent study summary—not an ICBC publication or official guide chapter. Confirm current rules in ICBC’s Learn to Drive Smart and applicable law.

Driver’s Licence Guidelines

• Always carry your licence when driving. This ensures you are always able to provide proof of your authorization to drive.
• Ensure your driver's licence is always up-to-date. Notify ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) immediately if there are any changes to your name or address.
• Never lend your driver's licence to anyone. Your licence is personal and only valid for your use.
• Do not use a licence that is expired, suspended, or otherwise invalid. Operating a vehicle with an invalid licence is against the law and can result in fines and other penalties.
• Never make any changes or alterations to your driver's licence. Tampering with official documents is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
• To minimize the risk of loss or theft, keep your driver's licence in a secure place. If your licence is lost or stolen, report it to ICBC immediately.
• Engaging in fraudulent activities related to driver's licences is a serious offence. The penalties include fines ranging from $400 to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to six months. Offences include making false statements, using or possessing fraudulent licences, and altering licences.

Penality Points for Unsafe Driving

• If you drive 1–20 km over the speed limit in a school zone, you will get 3 penalty points on your record.
• If you drive 1–20 km over the speed limit in a regular area, you will also receive 3 penalty points on your record.
• Running a red light will add 2 penalty points to your record.
• Making an improper turn at an intersection will lead to 3 penalty points.
• Passing without a clear view will cause you to receive 3 penalty points.
• Failing to yield to a pedestrian will result in 3 penalty points on your driving record.
• If you use an electronic device while driving, you will get 4 penalty points on your record.
• Driving while impaired or with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over .08
• For the 1st offence, you will face a driving prohibition from 1 to 3 years. A minimum fine of $1,000 and up will be imposed. Jail time can range from 0 to 5 years.
• For the 2nd offence, you will face a driving prohibition from 2 to 5 years. There is no maximum fine limit. Jail time ranges from 30 days to 5 years.
• For the 3rd offence, you will face a driving prohibition from 3 years to a lifetime ban. There is no maximum fine limit. Jail time ranges from 4 months to 5 years.
• Impaired driving causing bodily harm will result in a driving prohibition of up to 10 years. There is no maximum fine limit, and jail time can be up to 10 years.
• Impaired driving causing death will result in a lifetime driving prohibition. There is no maximum fine limit, and jail time can be up to life imprisonment.

Vehicle impoundment:

• Reasons for Vehicle Impoundment:
  • Excessive Speeding: Driving at a speed greater than 40 km/h over the posted speed limit.
  • Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Driving While Prohibited or Suspended: Operating a vehicle while under a driving prohibition or suspension.
  • Street Racing: Engaging in street racing or other forms of dangerous driving competitions.
  • Driving Without a License: Driving without a valid driver’s license.
  • Vehicle Not Insured: Operating a vehicle without valid insurance.
• Duration of Impoundment:
  • First Offense: Vehicle is typically impounded for 7 days.
  • Second Offense: Impoundment duration can increase to 30 days.
  • Subsequent Offenses: Further offenses can lead to impoundment for 60 days or more.