With commercial road tests resuming this week, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia says the testing process will see some changes because of COVID-19.
Spokesperson Joanna Linsangan tells NL News says people are being told to reschedule their tests, if they feel sick or have symptoms of the virus.
“[As well, we’re telling them] to arrive on time, if not earlier, and we also ask them to bring their appropriate ID,” she said. “Once they do come in, we are going to be asking them a series of health questions, and then after that, we will be providing each applicant with a mask that must be work for the duration of the test.”
Linsangan adds people are also being told to keep their vehicles as clean as possible when the come for a road test.
“We decided to move forward with commercial road tests and prioritizing Classes 1 through 4 because many of the customers are directly involved in supporting our province, whether they are a paramedic, a bus driver or a truck driver,” she added. “We felt it was important that we do support that industry.”
She says if the return to commercial road tests this week goes well, expect other road tests for other non-commercial licence classes to resume soon.
“We’re reintroducing and opening up our in-person licencing services to do so as safely as possible,” Linsangan said. “What we are going to do is monitor this phase one approach and see how successful it is.”
While ICBC cancelled all road and knowledge tests about three months ago because of COVID-19, knowledge tests resumed on June 1.
“We’re still actively sourcing personal protective equipment for both our drivers and also our employees as well, so our driver examiners,” Linsangan added. “Some of the equipment that we are sourcing out includes masks, shields, disposable gloves and disposable seat covers as well.”
“The safety and health of our employees and our customers are paramount to us, and so we don’t want to open it up without having the proper measures in place to make sure that everybody is able to take their test as safely as possible.”
