By The Canadian Press

Province considering taking road tests back from private sector

Jul 12, 2018 | 5:23 AM

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

Service Alberta Minister Brian Malkinson 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.

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

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)