However, ICBC and the police hope that international students who cannot apply for an "International Driving Permit" must prepare the ICBC-approved translation documents, a British Columbia Student ID Card, a photocopy of the Canadian student visa (IMM 1442), and proof of full-time student registration, among other documents, for police inspection. Previously, ICBC's guidelines for international students driving only included preparing translation documents and a student visa; now, two additional proofs are required: the British Columbia Student ID and proof of school registration.
International students find it troublesome to carry four proofs when holding a Chinese driver's license, but they express their willingness to comply with the regulations to avoid fines.
Adam Grossman, spokesperson for ICBC, pointed out on the 23rd that ICBC and the police have reached several agreements, including that the police will no longer issue tickets to drivers holding valid licenses from outside British Columbia, including those with Chinese driver's licenses, provided they comply with the Motor Vehicle Act of British Columbia; ICBC will continue to provide the police and various police departments with the technology and tools to identify the authenticity of licenses.
Other agreements include that the police agree that new residents moving to British Columbia should apply for a provincial driver's license within 90 days, and until they obtain the provincial license, they may continue to hold their original country or region's license; while tourists who are only temporarily staying may drive with their original license for up to 6 months.
The Motor Vehicle Act has special provisions for international students driving; as long as they are enrolled in an accredited school and are full-time students, they may drive with their original country or region's license.
ICBC reminds that although international students can drive with their original country or region's license, to assist the police in saving investigation time, it is recommended that international students, if able to apply for an "International Driving Permit" (International Driving Permit), should obtain it simultaneously; for those who cannot obtain an "International Driving Permit," such as Chinese international students, it is advised that they prepare the ICBC-approved translation documents, and they must always carry a photocopy of their student visa, the British Columbia Student ID, and proof of registration at an accredited school.