ICBC has announced it is taking the next step forward in its phased approach to resuming driver licensing services across the province.
Commercial road tests for anyone looking to secure a Class 1 to 4 license will be resuming next week by appointment only, according to the auto insurance organization. Drivers will be able to start booking their appointments for next week and beyond beginning Thursday, June 11. ICBC also said that priority will be given to any customer who had a previously booked appointment cancelled between March 17 and March 30 as a result of COVID-19.
“The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority and we have taken a thoughtful approach to develop a plan that allows us to resume road tests in the safest manner possible. Customers have been eager to see these services resume and we’re happy to have found a way to do so safely,” said Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of ICBC.
ICBC said that they will be following new health and safety guidelines, as part of their plan, that align with B.C. health officials and WorkSafeBC. Under these new protocols, ICBC says drivers must ensure the interior of their vehicle is clean. In addition, customers taking road tests will be required to answer a series of health screening questions and will be provided with a mandatory medical-grade mask to wear during their test.
“ICBC’s plan prioritizes the safety of our members and allows us to continue our critical role in helping families and organizations across the province by delivering goods and services during these challenging times,” said Dave Earle, president and CEO of BC Trucking Association.
According to ICBC, examiners will continue to conduct tests from inside the customer’s vehicle in order to apply proper assessment, however, they will be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which, ICBC says, can include a combination of masks, shields, goggles, gloves and disposable seat covers.
ICBC highlights that they have secured “sufficient PPE” to manage this next phase of resuming testing. A time has yet to be set for restarting road tests for other classes, but the auto insurance organization claims they are working to make them available “as soon as possible” dependant on the success of the commercial testing roll-out.
Anyone looking to book an appointment for their commercial road test can call 1-800-950-1498, however, the organization warns that they “anticipate high call volumes.”
Prior to Wednesday’s announcement, ICBC resumed all written knowledge tests by appointment back on June 1.
Graham Cox
