Should Alberta Change How Drivers Get Licensed and Tested?
Official title: Commercial driver and road test engagement
Why This Matters
Ever taken a road test in Alberta? Before 2019, you paid some of the highest fees in Canada to a private company. Commercial trucking affects everyone—from the goods on store shelves to highway safety. These changes aimed to make roads safer and licensing fairer.
What Could Change
All three initiatives were implemented by March 2019. Road tests returned to government control with standardized fees. New Class 1 and 2 drivers must complete mandatory entry-level training. New trucking companies must pass a safety course and knowledge test before operating, and all carriers must renew their Safety Fitness Certificate every 3 years.
Key Issues
- Should Alberta return to government-run road tests with standardized fees?
- Should mandatory entry-level training be required for commercial truck and bus drivers?
- Should new trucking companies prove safety compliance before receiving operating certificates?
How to Participate
- This consultation is now closed. Over 3,300 Albertans participated through in-person stakeholder sessions, an online survey, and a random telephone poll in July 2018.
What Happened
Over 3,300 Albertans participated through in-person sessions, an online survey (1,736 responses), and a telephone poll (1,335 responses). Strong majorities supported all three initiatives: 78% backed government-run road tests, 94% supported mandatory commercial driver training, and 87% favored Safety Fitness Certificate renewal requirements. All changes were implemented by March 1, 2019.