Video road tests for Islanders safe and convenient 

The Highway Safety Division is using technology to provide safe, contactless driver testing.

During today’s sitting of the Legislative Assembly, Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Steven Myers informed members that the Highway Safety Division will be piloting the use of 360 dashboard cameras and Bluetooth or radio communication devices to allow for contactless driver testing for Class 5 passenger vehicles.  

This same technology is currently used for motorcycle road tests, and was piloted for commercial tractor trailers last month.  It allows for instructors and participants to keep a safe physical distance.

“Highway Safety plays an integral role in keeping our people and Island roads safe. The past couple of months have given them the opportunity to find flexible and innovative ways to adapt their work and implement safe, contactless services to Islanders.”

- Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Steven Myers

On March 17, passenger road tests were suspended as part of government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Highway Safety Division has rescheduled all appointments that were postponed during this time and beginning next week, they will schedule new testing. 

Some of the benefits of using dashboard camera testing include:

• it is safer for clients and staff because it is contactless;
• the person being tested is more comfortable in the vehicle they have been using to practice instead of a test car;
• the instructor has a video recording of the test to aid with further instruction and learning;
• it provides the opportunity to perform driver testing when the old method is not possible or does not serve every purpose.

Media Contact: 
Jill Edwards 
Senior Communications Officer
Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy
jedwards@gov.pe.ca 

Backgrounder:

During the 360 dash cam testing, the driving instructor remains in their observation vehicle and also has a video camera in their vehicle. The entirety of the driver`s test is recorded in from both vehicles and audio cues are given by the driver examiner from the observation vehicle.

The person receiving the road test is accompanied in their vehicle by someone that has resided in the same residence for at least the previous 14 days.

Driver testing is administered through Access PEI in conjunction with the Highway Safety Division.
Some Access PEI locations have re-opened for service to the public as part of the Renew PEI, Together plan. These locations include:

• Souris
• Charlottetown 
• Summerside
• O’Leary

The Montague Access PEI site will resume driver testing and written exams within the next two weeks.