New drivers facing months-long waiting list for road test due to pandemic

The backlog is a result of the pandemic lockdowns when people couldn’t take tests or do in-car driving lessons. During the two lockdowns Access Nova Scotia had to cancel over 8,000 tests each time.

Access Nova Scotia urges people to cancel appointments they can't make to speed things up

Will McLernon · CBC News · Posted: Jul 07, 2022 5:04 PM EDT | Last Updated: July 7, 2022

Maher Al Jokhader stands outside the Access Nova Scotia in Halifax on Thursday. He finally got his test, and his licence. (Will McLernon/CBC)

When Maher Al Jokhader first called Access Nova Scotia in May to get a road test in Halifax for his driver's licence, he was told he'd have to wait around four months to get in a car with an evaluator.

"I don't like taking the bus and I wanted to be able to get out of the city," Al Jokhader said.

Al Jokhader finally got a test this week and earned his licence today.

But would-be drivers across the province are waiting months due to a backlog of road test appointments at Access Nova Scotia.

Catching up on lockdown delays

Kevin Mitchell, the registrar of the registry of motor vehicles, says the backlog is a result of the pandemic lockdowns when people couldn't take tests or do in-car driving lessons. Access Nova Scotia said it cancelled about 16,000 tests during lockdowns.

"Prior to the pandemic we were scheduled six to eight weeks at a time," Mitchell said. "Now we're about double that."

Mitchell says some locations have longer wait times than others, but all the locations in the province are facing delays.

This summer has been the busiest time to book a road test since the pandemic began. All of the people that were delayed a year ago from lockdowns are starting to book tests in addition to the newly eligible driving students who are trying to get their licences.

Cancel if you can't make it

Mitchell says Access Nova Scotia is trying to speed up the process of getting a road test.

"We've brought in additional staff, we have evaluators working overtime every few Saturdays and are actively recruiting people," Mitchell said.

Mitchell expects long wait times will continue into the fall.

Mitchell says Access Nova Scotia has seen many no-shows, which prolongs the backlog.

"If there's anybody out there with an appointment and you can't make your time, please cancel in advance," Mitchell said. "We can refill those spots."

People with far-off appointments can call Access Nova Scotia to see if an earlier appointment has opened up due to cancellations.

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