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<\/p>\nThey may have a difference of opinion on some issues.<\/p>\n
But not this one. Not at all.<\/p>\n
Devin Dreeshen, Alberta\u2019s plain-speaking point man on transportation, is looking at ways to tighten up and toughen up driver testing in the province.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s something Dreeshen is putting on the table for Albertans\u00a0to chew over.<\/p>\n
Many people would call it common sense.<\/p>\n
The predictable crowd will no doubt scold Dreeshen and call him every name in the book and then some.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s not bothered.<\/p>\n
The man puts it out there. He asks the question and you can guess where he\u2019s leaning.<\/p>\n
Should the driver knowledge test in Alberta be in English only? The test before the road test.<\/p>\n
Katie McLellan, Calgary\u2019s no-nonsense police chief, does not mince words when the puzzle is posed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to be able to read English signs, Rick. If you can\u2019t read English how can you pass a driving test?\u201d<\/p>\n
In Alberta, you can.<\/p>\n
McLellan says she will back any measure to help our roads be safer, including toughening up driver testing.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnything we can do to get better drivers we support.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to understand the rules of the road and what the expectations are. As we\u2019ve always said, it\u2019s not a right to get a driver\u2019s licence. It\u2019s a privilege.\u201d<\/p>\n
Related<\/p>\n
As for taking the driver knowledge test, you could say the Alberta government currently bends over backwards to accommodate.<\/p>\n
If you have difficulty with English and need some help you can bring a paper dictionary to the test, converting from your language to English.<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t know English, you can put on a set of headphones and have the questions and the choices of answers read to you in one of 25 languages, courtesy of the Alberta government.<\/p>\n
The Alberta government goes further.<\/p>\n
If your language is not in the 25 languages you can bring a translator.<\/p>\n
A randomly selected registry office in Calgary advertises how you don\u2019t have to worry if you don\u2019t speak or comprehend English.<\/p>\n
Just come on down.<\/p>\n
The authorities in the United Kingdom asked the public what they thought about driver testing and went to an English-only knowledge test, or a choice of English and Welsh in Wales.<\/p>\n
Voiceovers in foreign languages are no longer permitted during the knowledge test. Ditto translators. Not allowed.<\/p>\n
The change reportedly was made because it was thought road safety would be compromised when drivers are unable to understand road signs and other driving-related instructions.<\/p>\n
They also felt bringing in translators opened up the possibility of fraud.<\/p>\n
You know, the translator telling the person taking the test the correct answer or coaching them, doing more than just translating.<\/p>\n
By the way, the English-only test across the pond is longer than in Alberta, has a higher pass grade and has a video test where you have to respond quickly to hazards on the road.<\/p>\n
While we are on the subject of driving tests, Calgary\u2019s police chief brings up something on her mind.<\/p>\n
Chief McLellan points to those beginning drivers in Calgary who go to smaller towns to take the driving test because they see it as easier to pass.<\/p>\n
Then they come back to the big city and rude reality on Calgary roads smacks them upside the head.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are kids, and I know it to be a fact, that will go out to a smaller place where they may only have one set of lights,\u201d says Calgary\u2019s top cop.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
CPS Chief Katie McLellan speaks to media during a Calgary police commission meeting in Calgary on Wednesday, May 27.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen they come back to the big city where there are thousands of lights and thousands of stop signs and they are driving Mom and Dad\u2019s car and they are literally petrified.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can see it on their faces. They\u2019re four inches away from the windscreen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Windscreen. Calgary\u2019s top cop grew up in Scotland.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey really are petrified behind the wheel. That\u2019s a problem. They look petrified to be driving that vehicle but they passed the test.\u201d<\/p>\n
How do you fix that situation?<\/p>\n
\u201cGood question,\u201d says McLellan.<\/p>\n
Deputy Chief Cliff O\u2019Brien points to parents.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel, as a parent, there\u2019s a certain responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n
O\u2019Brien says if their kids are going to be driving in the city they should test in the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot say: Hey, what\u2019s important is you pass your test so I\u2019m going to have you go to Okotoks to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
As loyal readers know, the police chief has said in the past how driving in Calgary is atrocious<\/a>.<\/p>\n Question.<\/p>\n Is driving in Calgary still atrocious? Is it getting any better?<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not getting better. No, it\u2019s not getting better,\u201d says the city\u2019s top cop.<\/p>\n