Concerns over the lack of senior driving examinations on the Sunshine Coast have prompted a Sechelt resident to call for action.
Barbara Robertson decided that something needed to change after having to travel twice to the Lower Mainland to take the DriveABLE cognitive test and an on-road driving examination. She passed her exams but said the cost, time and inconvenience of having to make the trips to take the tests seems unnecessary and unfair.
Robertson said the tests are not the problem but believes that the tests should be offered closer to home. To have to take a driving test in downtown Burnaby even though a person typically only drives around the Sunshine Coast is unfair, according to Robertson. Also, those taking the test are not allowed to drive to it and either have to find someone to take them or take public transportation, again an inconvenience.
“In effect the extra travel time and stress before taking an exam could have a considerable affect on performance in the two tests,” wrote Robertson in a letter to Steve Martin, superintendent of motor vehicles. “One questions what is actually being tested here, endurance or driving ability.”
What really annoys Robertson is the fact that all driving tests for new drivers through ICBC (Insurance Corporation of BC) can be done on the Sunshine Coast, in Powell River, Sechelt or Gibsons. She doesn’t understand how those tests can be offered locally while the tests for seniors are not.
“What we’re saying is, hey, wait a minute, why do you put us all through these hoops to do a driving test? Why can’t we do it back here in Sechelt like all the rest of the community?” said Robertson. “I’m all in favour of being tested but let’s be tested nearer to our home turf.”
In protest of the situation Robertson and others from up and down the Sunshine Coast have been writing letters to the solicitor general, Premier Christy Clark and Martin to express their frustration.
Robertson has gathered support in Sechelt and is inviting residents of Powell River to join the cause and write letters of their own. Currently, residents in Powell River have to travel to Courtenay for testing.
