Vehicle Registration, Licensing and Transportation
Vehicle Registration
Vehicle registration rules differ from province to province. The following section will provide you with information on the rules that apply in British Columbia. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is a provincial crown corporation that provides universal auto insurance in B.C. as well as licensing and registration. Check out their website at www.ICBC.com for the most current information or phone 1-800-663-3051 if you have any questions. You are required to register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to B.C. Before registration, you must have your vehicle inspected by a designated inspection facility in British Columbia. Please refer to the ICBC website to get the most up-to-date list of facilities. Once you have successfully passed the safety inspection, you can proceed to one of the many Autoplan Brokers listed on their website.
You will need to bring:
- Your current registration
- Completed safety inspection
- Your vehicle
- Proper ID (you will need to refer to the ICBC website for accepted ID)
Vehicle Insurance
ICBC provides insurance discounts if you can provide a claim-free insurance history. You will need to have a “Claim History” letter from your previous insurer on official letterhead with the driver’s name, policy number, and period of coverage and the dates of any fault claims. If this letter is not in English, you will need to get a certified, ICBC-approved translator to translate the letter. A list of translators is available online.
Driver’s License
You must get a B.C. Drivers License within 90 days of moving to B.C. To get a full privilege driver’s licence, you must provide proof of having held a driving record for two years (not a learner’s license). If you cannot provide proof, you will be required to complete the B.C. graduated licensing system outlined in detail on the ICBC website.
Storage of Recreational Vehicles
There are storage facilities provided by PSP located at Work Point in Esquimalt and near the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre in Colwood. Space is severely limited with precedence being given to deployed members, so military members are encouraged to call PSP Recreation at CPAC at 250-363-1009 to be placed on a waitlist.
Park and Ride
Park and ride lets you park your vehicle or lock up your bicycle, and take the bus.
McTavish Park and Ride On the corner of McTavish Road and Canora Road in North Saanich
Sooke Park and Ride Corner of Sooke Road and Sooke River Road
Colwood Exchange Park and Ride On the corner of Island Highway and Ocean Boulevard
Visit bctransit.com for a list of the number of parking spots and bike lockers available plus the bus routes that can be accessed from these park and ride locations.
Traffic
A large percentage of people live outside the city of Victoria in communities such as Sooke, Colwood, and Langford but commute to work in downtown Victoria. Some people even make the long commute from the Cowichan Valley into Greater Victoria. Traffic tends to back up for several kilometres as vehicles enter the downtown core. A large number of military families live in Sooke, Colwood and Langford, and experience similar backups as military members make their way to CFB Esquimalt. Traffic delays are common during rush hour on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). Admirals Road in Esquimalt, and the Old Island Highway in View Royal and the Island Highway in View Royal/Colwood all experience increases in traffic volume during peak periods.
Biking, Walking, Jogging
The Galloping Goose Trail moves through urban, rural and wilderness settings. The trail is 60 km long and begins at the south end of the Selkirk Trestle, at the foot of Alston Street in Vic West and goes both out to Sooke and Sidney. Access points and parking are found along the entire trail route. Visit www.gallopinggoosetrail.com for additional information.
