Hopeful drivers of semi-trailer trucks are waiting longer than usual to do a road test for Class 1 licences so they can start working in an industry struggling with a shortage of drivers.
Manitoba Public Insurance opened up 500 monthly road test appointments for June and July, up from from a historical average of about 250-300 per month, according to Kristy Rydz, manager of communications with MPI.
Rydz said in an email that MPI also started testing at its Physical Damage Centre location on Plessis Road “to make more appointments available sooner.”
Students, driving school instructors and industry professionals say their wait times are still concerning.
Amanpreet Singh Dhaliwal, who took the test in June but failed, said his days have been dedicated to calling MPI as much as possible to secure an early restest date.
While appointments can be booked for months in the…
