Driving tests booked up until 2024, says Sudbury driver
The backlog of in-vehicle road tests resulting from COVID-19 restrictions and closures continues to take its toll on drivers across the province, but especially here in the north.
With a car she purchased on her own and with lots of places to go, Joanne Richer said she’s feeling a lot of pressure to complete the road test and get her G licence.
“I went for my G a couple weeks ago but I didn’t pass," Richer said. "You have to wait 10 days to rebook, and within those 10 days and a little bit, everything is booked up until June 2024.”
CTV reached out to the Ministry of Transportation about Richer’s situation and received a statement that said, in part:
“DriveTest only posts road test appointments up to six months in advance. For example, if a user’s licence expires in 2025, they will see a calendar that includes dates in 2025. The user may see a fully greyed out calendar into 2025, but that does not mean there are no tests until 2025.
"As measures to address capacity are implemented, additional road test appointments will be made available at both existing and temporary testing centres across the province. New road test appointments are added throughout the week and we encourage customers to check www.drivetest.ca regularly for new appointments as they are released.”
Richer said it’s likely she will be able to complete her test before her G2 license expires in three years, but she's feeling a lot of anxiety and uncertainty.
“I believe there’s a bylaw where I can go for my G1 again and then immediately get my G2 (and) not have to wait the five to eight months, but because there’s so much backlog in the booking, I don’t think I’d be able to just get my G2 right after re-getting G1 and I drive to school every day, so I would have to depend on a ride.”
Sudbury MPP Jamie West said he’s heard many stories like Richer's and said he knows how important it is for northerners specifically to be able to drive.
“A lot of places in the north, they have no transit at all," West said.
"Your way to get to place to place, to work to school, is to drive and so when you have these delays -- and we’re talking about long delays you know months maybe even years -- when you have a long delay in order to get your licence, that cuts you off from being able to work, being able to go to school, bring your kids to child care.”
West said temporary road test centres were set up by the Ontario government in recent months, but only in southern Ontario, not the north.
Officials with the ministry said that is just one part of the plan to clear the backlog. Temporary driver examiners have been hired and operating hours have been extended, including weekends.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.