President's Perspective

Over the past decade, the Canada Safety Council has been a strong advocate for graduated licensing. Implementation of graduated licensing systems for new drivers in several provinces has led to a decline in vehicle crashes and associated deaths and injuries.

Over a year ago, unreasonably long waiting times for testing started to threaten the outstanding success of this program in Ontario. At that time, CSC urged the province to expand its delivery system by privatizing driver examinations. During 2000, the backlog reached urgent proportions. The long waiting lists are a result of young drivers reaching the end of their probationary license under Ontario's new graduated licensing system.

On November 2, 2000, Ontario Minister of Transport David Turnbull announced that the province will privatize driver testing. The announcement was good news for Ontario drivers and for all involved in road safety. Alberta, Michigan and some European countries have already privatized this function, with good results.

Privatizing driver testing makes a lot of sense and will improve safety by providing testing when it is needed. It should not take long for the backlog to be addressed, in view of the fact that there are agencies who already have the administrative structure in place. For example, most of Ontario's community colleges examine motorcycle riders through a Recognized Authority given by MTO. Many offer testing for other types of licenses. Indeed, the only testing in which they are not already involved is the G license, which was the subject of the Minister's announcement.

Driver testing is a government function which we believe can and should be privatized in the interests of safety.

Emile-J. Therien
President, Canada Safety Council

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