By The Canadian Press

Province considers taking road tests back from private sector

Jul 12, 2018 | 7:15 AM

EDMONTON –  Service Alberta Minister Brian Malkinson says the government might take driver road tests back from the private sector due to concerns about oversight and high fees compared with the rest of Canada.

He says all options will be discussed in the coming months and changes could come as early as January.

Alberta is believed to be the only jurisdiction in North America that delivers road tests through privately-operated registry agencies.

An independent consultant’s report has found that the approach is failing to deliver projected cost savings to consumers and is open to collusion and abuse.

An in-house study by Service Alberta from 2014 to 2017 found there were more than 40 investigations of improper behaviour on tests.

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Complaints ranged from improperly scored exams and poor customer service to sexual harassment.

The province estimates the average Alberta price for a basic Class 5 licence is 90 dollars a test — double or triple the cost for similar tests in other provinces.

(The Canadian Press)