An opinion columnist is calling for the reinstatement of routine driver testing in Alberta, arguing that time erodes knowledge and allows unsafe habits to form on the province's roads.
The Change to Graduated Licensing
The argument comes nearly three years after the Alberta government eliminated the advanced road test for new drivers, framing the move as a reduction of red tape. This 2022 change was largely seen as positive. The basic road test was lengthened to include elements of the old second exam, and new drivers with clean records now automatically graduate from a Graduated Driver's Licence (GDL) to a full Class 5 licence.
This reform also addressed a practical issue: at the time, an estimated 500,000 Albertans aged 18 to 36 were perpetually holding GDLs because they had never taken the second test. Re-testing a newly licensed driver was deemed an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle.
Why Periodic Re-testing is Necessary
However, the columnist contends that while eliminating the second test for new drivers made sense, the government has a clear role in maintaining road safety through testing in other circumstances. The primary proposal is for mandatory testing every second licence renewal, which typically occurs every eight to ten years.
Over such a span, traffic regulations can change significantly. For example, distracted driving laws prohibiting handheld phone use came into force in September 2011. Similarly, enhanced move-over regulations to protect emergency workers on highways were strengthened in September 2023. Drivers who have not updated their knowledge since these changes may be unaware of the current rules.
Furthermore, road infrastructure evolves. Features like roundabouts, once rare in North American driver's manuals, are now common on Alberta streets, requiring specific knowledge for safe navigation.
Combating Bad Habits and Considering Age
Beyond rule changes, two decades of driving is ample time for bad habits to become ingrained and for rules to be bent or forgotten, often without malicious intent. The columnist suggests there is no harm in requiring experienced drivers to periodically prove they still know the rules of the road for licence renewal.
The argument extends to specific demographics. The piece suggests considering shorter re-testing intervals for drivers aged 75 and older, who already face some medical testing requirements. Another key group identified for mandatory re-testing is anyone exchanging an out-of-province licence for an Alberta one, ensuring they are familiar with local driving conditions and laws.
The core message is that driver competence is not static. As roads, rules, and drivers themselves change, a proactive system of periodic re-qualification could be a vital tool for enhancing safety for all Albertans.
