Broncos crash spurs changes to driver’s licence tests

EDMONTON The Alberta government will announce changes to road testing rules for all classes of driver’s licences on Tuesday, says a government news release.

In July, the province asked for feedback on a plan to improve driver training, particularly in the commercial trucking industry.

The move followed the Humboldt Broncos bus crash on April 6 that killed 16 people and injured another 13. The truck driver charged in the crash worked for a Calgary-based company.

Three proposed initiatives included mandatory entry-level training for commercial drivers, pre-entry requirements for new commercial carriers and changing road testing rules, said a news release at the time.

The province said it would consider restoring driver examiners as government employees in light of a 2016 report that identified issues such as inconsistent road test fees and poor service.

Transportation Minister Brian Mason and Service Alberta Minister Brian Malkinson are holding a news conference at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Alberta legislature.