DriveTest opens

Thunder Bay’s DriveTest centre opened Monday at 1 p.m. after a three-month long strike, and as of 11 a.m. Monday morning at least one person was already in line to get their license renewed.

By 1 p.m., dozens lined up outside the McIntyre Centre business’ doors.

For TheDrivingSchool.ca owner and operator Gerry Picard, the end of the strike is a relief since he can finally book road tests for his frustrated students.

"I have a bunch of students who are very happy now," he said.

Picard said while thousands were affected throughout Ontario by the strike, it would certainly affect drivers in Thunder Bay since they rely on their cars to get from point A to point B, particularly with many people coming in from smaller communities outside the city.

"I’ve had students and parents tell me they’re fed up with waiting," he said. "It’s had a huge impact on everybody."

It feels good to finally be able to give his students answers and be able to book road tests, Picard added.

"It’s good to know they’re back at work, but lots of students are eagerly awaiting to get their licenses; they’re jumping at the bit to get in there today, tomorrow, whenever they have their road tests booked," Picard said.

With road tests on stall for the past three months, Picard said business will be backed up for the next few months as they try to play catch-up.

"I’m booking into February for road tests now," he said. "It’s going to keep me busier. My wife isn’t going to like it, but I’ve got some long days booked going into February and March."

Picard advises anyone looking to book their driving tests to do it now. He said once people realize the strike is over and the DriveTest centre is open, they’re going to have a heavy backlog for a long time.