Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong is advocating for improvements to infrastructure in Behchokǫ̀ so residents don’t have to take their driver’s test in Yellowknife.
“The rationale for this gap has been that Behchokǫ̀ is lacking some of the road test condition needed for unrestricted testing. But if certain features are missing from the local road test route, then the route should be improved,” said Weyallon Armstrong in the NWT legislature on Wednesday.
Weyallon Armstrong said only “modest improvements” would be needed to allow community members to take their Class 5 – the standard driver’s licence in the NWT – tests in Behchokǫ̀ and on Highway 3, including a designated parking area for manoeuvres and painted crosswalks, stop lines and lane markings.
“Access to Class 5 testing matters for everyday life, but it is also crucial for economic development. Many entry level positions, especially in transportation, require a full licence before our residents can even apply,” she said.
Weyallon Armstrong questioned infrastructure minister Vince McKay on why Fort Simpson, which she said is smaller than Behchokǫ̀ and with similar road conditions and infrastructure, can offer the Class 5 test.
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“Some of the things that Behchokǫ̀ may not have compared to Fort Simpson is street markings, street crosswalks painted on, and also maybe curbs,” said McKay, repeating that the infrastructure improvements Weyallon Armstrong identified are needed.
“I am committed to work with the member for her community to see … how we can improve the infrastructure there and work on getting the restricted driver’s licences lifted for Behchokǫ̀.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure said only Fort Simpson, Hay River, Inuvik and Yellowknife can issue a full Class 5 licence.
“All other Driver and Vehicle offices may only issue a conditional Class 5 licence as road infrastructure varies widely across NWT communities,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said driving tests in the NWT follow national standards, and that many small communities lack infrastructure “required for standardized testing,” including:
- curbs required for parallel parking and straight-line backwards maneuvers;
- school and playground zones;
- highway sections with posted speed limits of at least 70 km/h;
- controlled intersections;
- marked lanes and centre road lines; and
- suitable intersections for crosswalk interactions, assessing left or right turns, or driving straight through.
Aside from taking a driver’s test in a community without the required infrastructure, the spokesperson said a driver’s licence could be restricted if you drive in a restricted driving area, or have medical or physical issues, like needing to wear glasses.
