Obtaining driver's and firearms license while in the army.

[_-ArchAngel-_]

I was wondering if there are ways through the army to obtain either a driver's and/or firearms license while in the army.

I know that at one point or another you get a basic license for certain military vehicles, but I'm talking a civilian license that will allow you to drive a normal every day vehicle. Same applies for a firearms license to say use a civilian rifle for hunting and such.

Do programs such as that exist or is the only way to go through actual civilian channels?

I ask, because I plan on applying to the army this fall (so probably getting in next fall) and do not have a driver's license as of yet and I was wondering if it would be easier to go through the military or normal channels once I was enrolled if I still didn't have those licenses.

Thanks for your help

 

[teltech]

There was a time when military qualifications would translate into equivalent civilian quals, i.e. dvr lic, air brake, motorcycle, etc. but those days are gone. :crybaby: You can be qualified on civ patterned vehicles (staff car, van, etc.) but as for getting your civ licence, you're on your own. Same with firearms lic - you can use your service rife WHILE PERFORMING YOUR DUTIES (on exercise, operations, etc.) but to own and use your own firearm, you have to go through the same hoops as everyone else. Sorry, not much good news here.

 

[_-ArchAngel-_]

Crap.

Thanks for the qucik reply. I guess I'll just do it the normal way then. 

 

[dutchie]

In short, no.

In fact you will need at least a learners licence to take the Driver Wheel course (Army driving course)...... and that was in '98 when I took it.....maybe you need a 'full' licence now?

As far as an FAC (Firearms Aquisition Cert.), you will need to take the civilian course, with no shortcuts or loopholes for soldiers. You won't need a civie FAC to fire weapons in the CF, of course.

 

[AmmoTech90]

As per the previous two posters.  No shortcuts.

But, most bases have a shooting club and they run PAL courses/hunter safety courses fairly regularly, especially around hunting season.  They usually cost less ones run on civvie street.  I know the Gagetown also makes ranges available to zero hunting rifles just before hunting season.  Not sure if this is done by the shooting club, or by Range Control so they can feel a bit safer when patrolling during hunting season. ;D

 

[Armour]

For Drivers License your the same as any other person in the province your attaining it in. As for the fire arms License there is the option of challenging the exam if you are proficient in weapons handling and review the firearms manual. I didn't find the test difficult at all as it is mostly common sense but unfortunately some people lack that as when I was doing my test ther was a guy ther that was on his 4th try.