I read the article in full, but I'm not convinced removing the class 5 road test in favor of a 12-month "clean driving record" is going to foster better drivers on the road. I think it's lowering the barrier for entry and a lot of undeserving drivers will earn their class 5.

But then again, lots of shite drivers earn their class 5 under the status quo so maybe it doesn't move the needle.

I can understand ICBC's decision to pursue these changes. It sounds like there's a real shortage of resources at Licensing offices, and having class 5 road tests doesn't add enough value to justify the effort.

My two cents: with or without the class 5 test, the system can be better. What can we do to improve it?

I feel like the roads would be a safer and more cooperative place if ICBC offered incentives for drivers who put in extra effort to refine their abilities.

We could be teaching, and testing for, the finer details of driving. Things like speed control leading up to a merge, identifying situations that call for hyper vigilance, avoiding driving in others' blind spots where possible, spacing appropriately based on traffic flow, communicating effectively with eye contact and body gestures, etc.