Starting Monday, Ontario will gradually begin to reopen its DriveTest centres.
Services will be limited, but the province anticipates restoring all services by September.
To reduce crowding, customers will be able to get a driver's test based on when they were born. The move is intended to reduce crowding in centres, maintain social distancing, and keep the centres clean.
All 56 full-time DriveTest centres will reopen Monday for G1 and M1 knowledge tests, driver's licence exchanges and commercial driver's license applications and upgrades. Commercial road tests will be available by appointment at 28 locations.
Those with birthdays between January and June will be allowed to visit a centre in the first week of reopening, and those born between July and December will have access the following week. Access will alternate weekly until full service is restored.
"By resuming driver testing in a phased, staggered approach, important health and safety measures, such as social distancing and extensive cleaning, can be maintained," said Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney.
"We encourage applicants to be patient when visiting a centre and hold off visiting DriveTest where possible," continued Mulroney. "We have extended the validity of all driver's licences, so we would ask everyone to hold off on visiting a DriveTest centre unless the need for a driver's licence is urgent."
Customers will have to wear a face mask inside the centres and during road tests. They will also have to sanitize their hands and undergo a temperature check before entering the building. Staff will wear personal protective equipment, while examiners will wear face shields.
