Expect delays as DriveTest centres wade through backlog
Posted Aug 16, 2020 01:00:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
There are long wait times for road tests as DriveTest Centres are dealing with huge backlog stretching into next year.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the shutdown of centres before resuming some services later on. On August 4, road testing resumed for G2, all motorcycle licences and expanded commercial driver road tests. It also includes the G1, M1 and commercial road-testing services that were available since June 22.
The Ontario Government plans to restore full driver testing services by September, but in the meantime, people are complaining of long wait times to take their road tests, with appointments booking into next year.
A statement from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) acknowledges that the “extended closure has resulted in a significant backlog of road tests,” but says it plans to introduce additional road test appointments to address it. Appointments will be on a first-come-first-served basis.
Select DriveTest centres are also offering extended hours and Saturday service to help address the backlog. For now, the province has also temporarily extended the validity of driver licences. Any licences that expired on or after March 1 are still valid past the expiry date.
MTO is also asking that people who “can wait to get a driver's licence to delay visiting” to reduce crowding at centres, and reduce possible spread of COVID-19.
