Reliable daily movement
Work, school, appointments, and childcare all depend on knowing the fastest and safest routes.
Transportation essentials for newcomers
Plan daily transit, understand driving rules, and choose cost-effective transportation options for life in Canada.
Why this matters
Transportation can be a major monthly cost
Transit passes, insurance, fuel, parking, and maintenance can quickly affect your household budget.
Licensing steps affect your options
Understanding your province's licensing process helps you avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Safety and legal compliance
Knowing road and transit rules helps protect your family and prevents tickets or penalties.
Core setup paths
Public transit setup
Use route tools, fare cards, and pass options to reduce commuting stress and costs.
- Set your common routes in a trip planner and save backup options for peak times.
- Get a fare card and compare monthly pass vs stored value based on your commute frequency.
- Check service alerts before important trips and leave buffer time for transfers.
Driving and licensing
Follow the correct process for knowledge tests, road tests, and document exchange.
- Check whether your current license can be exchanged or if graduated steps are required.
- Prepare identity and residency documents before booking your licensing appointment.
- Study local rules early and schedule tests before your first deadlines.
Car ownership decisions
Compare total ownership cost before buying, leasing, or delaying car purchase.
- Estimate all-in monthly cost: insurance, fuel, parking, maintenance, and financing.
- For used cars, verify accident history, liens, and open recalls before purchase.
- Use traffic and weather tools to plan safer long-distance travel.
Used car purchase checklist
Before payment, verify vehicle history, legal status, condition, and transfer paperwork to reduce risk.
History, liens, and recalls
Confirm legal status and past records before negotiating the price.
- Match VIN on the vehicle, registration, and transfer form without any mismatch.
- Review ICBC/CARFAX history and ask for maintenance and repair records.
- Check lien status through BC Personal Property Registry and review recall notices.
Inspection and test drive
Do not skip independent checks for mechanical and safety issues.
- Test drive on local roads and highway, and check engine, brake, and warning lights.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic before final payment.
- Inspect tire wear, rust, leaks, frame condition, and signs of major repair.
Paperwork, tax, and payment safety
Complete transfer steps correctly to prevent ownership or tax disputes.
- Complete APV9T with signatures from both sides and register promptly via an Autoplan broker.
- Confirm PST calculation and total transfer costs before you commit to the final price.
- Use traceable payment methods and keep signed copies of all related documents.
Useful sites and official resources
Use official transportation and vehicle-purchase resources for route planning, licensing, used car checks, and road safety updates.
TransLink rider guide
Learn fare rules, rider tips, and service basics for Metro Vancouver transit.
Visit siteTransLink trip planner
Plan bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and transfer routes with real-time schedule tools.
Visit siteCompass Card
Manage reloads, card settings, and fare payment options for TransLink services.
Visit siteICBC driver licensing
Official BC licensing information for new and experienced drivers.
Visit siteICBC learner licensing (Get your L)
Prepare for learner licensing steps, eligibility, and test requirements in BC.
Visit siteICBC auto insurance
Review BC vehicle insurance basics, optional coverage, and claims guidance.
Visit siteDriveBC
Check incidents, road closures, and weather impacts before intercity driving.
Visit siteGo Electric BC
Explore EV rebates, charging resources, and electric vehicle program updates.
Visit siteBC Ferries
Find sailing schedules, fare information, and service notices for coastal travel.
Visit siteBC driving and cycling safety
Official provincial guidance for road safety, shared roads, and cycling rules.
Visit siteICBC used vehicle buying guide
Official checklist for buying a used vehicle in BC, including transfer and due diligence steps.
Visit siteVehicle history report options
Compare available history reports and what each report type can tell you before purchase.
Visit sitePST on vehicles in BC
Understand provincial sales tax rules that apply when purchasing a used vehicle.
Visit siteTransfer/Tax Form (APV9T)
Official transfer and tax form used to register ownership changes in BC.
Visit siteBC Personal Property Registry
Search for registered liens to reduce risk when purchasing a used vehicle.
Visit siteCARFAX Canada
Access vehicle history reports with accident, registration, and service information.
Visit siteTransport Canada recalls
Check active safety recalls before buying or driving a vehicle.
Visit siteBC Vehicle Sales Authority support
Guidance and complaint support for vehicle purchase issues in BC.
Visit siteKey links verified on February 6, 2026 from official BC transportation, federal safety, and vehicle-purchase resources.
First-month transportation plan
- Decide your default commute method first: transit, mixed mode, or driving.
- Set up fare tools and, if needed, start your licensing process early.
- Track monthly transportation spending and adjust your plan after 2 to 4 weeks.
What to prepare
- Home and workplace/school addresses for route planning
- Government ID, current license, and residency documents
- Transit budget and backup travel options for delays
- Emergency roadside and travel support contacts
Need local route planning support?
Settlement advisors can help you choose practical commute options based on your neighborhood, schedule, and budget.