The planned updating of Alberta's driver testing system is a welcome and needed change.
Starting in March, all driver examinations will be conducted by government employees, replacing the current system, which the province says has been plagued by inconsistent fees, reduced access, a lack of integrity and overall poor service.
Whether the changes will lead to safer roads remains to be seen. What is known is that if the initiative succeeds in reducing collisions, and the many costs associated with them, it will be good for the community at large.
For his part, Transportation Minister Brian Mason calls the changes good for Alberta.
“Albertans deserve a system for road tests that meets high standards for being fair, consistent, accessible and trustworthy,” Mason. “We are taking action to change the way road tests are conducted to restore public confidence in the program. A government-run road test system will ensure high standards for safe, consistent, reliable service across Alberta.”
Brian Malkinson, minister of Service Alberta, echoes Mason’s comments.
“We are taking steps to ensure Alberta’s driver examination model is safe, transparent and secure,” said Malkinson. “These changes maintain the vital role that registry agents play in our system and ensure that the important front-line services they provide will continue to be available to Albertans in their communities.”
They say benefits of the new testing system will include standardized fees to ensure everyone pays the same price for the same service, enhanced oversight to ensure road test services are conducted fairly, consistently and professionally, the creation of a call centre to receive complaints and coordinate responses effectively, and mobile driver examiners using tablet and GPS technology to enhance accessibility across the province, especially in rural areas.
Ensuring that Alberta motorists are properly trained and qualified is in everyone’s best interest, including in rural communities.
Of course, in the end it’s up to individual drivers to make sure when they get behind the wheel they put safety first – and that includes driving sober and distraction free.
Dan Singleton is the editor of the Mountain View Gazette, a Great West newspaper.
