Third-party websites selling road test appointments amid ongoing backlog
The backlog at DriveTest centres across Ontario caused by COVID-19 is creating headaches for people trying to book road tests and now, some people are turning to third party websites to book an appointment as soon as possible.
"Since it reopened, it's been too busy — I can't get an appointment anywhere," Yogish Kumar, who finally secured a road test for his ‘G’ license after waiting four months, told CTV News Toronto on Thursday.
According to the Ministry of Transportation, approximately 421,827 drive tests have been cancelled since March 2020 due to ongoing restrictions.
On social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram and Kijiji, numerous postings can be found guaranteeing to help book an appointment as soon as possible for a small fee.
In order to book the appointment, sellers request a driver's license and a location with fees ranging anywhere from $30 to $70.
Defence and traffic lawyer Joshua Halpern says the practice is legal, much like reselling concert or sporting events tickets, as long as conditions are met.
"First, you're using the identity of a real person to book the test. Second, you have permission of that person [and] third, you actually deliver on your promise," said Halpern.
"If you're not actually transferring the test to the person, once you take the money, you can be charged criminally with fraud under $5,000."
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is aware of the third-party service, but cautions against it, noting Drivetest.ca is the only official window for booking a road test.
"The Ministry of Transportation and DriveTest.ca are not responsible for road test appointments booked through third-party websites and cannot guarantee that those appointments will be honoured," spokesperson Lee Alderson said.
The MTO adds that the DriveTest website informs customers that there is no additional fee when scheduling a road test directly with them.
"DriveTest is not affiliated with other road test scheduling websites."
Since testing centres re-opened in the summer, the Ontario Safety League has been warning of scams where third-party sellers require the fee upfront, either by credit card or e-transfer, but do not book the appointment.
"People are using other driver’s licenses, jamming the system, then cancel those tests to rebook a test to a person they sold it to," Patterson said, adding that the Ontario Safety League has fielded several complaints.
"You can be given a fraudulent test package and then show up on the day and there is no test there and you're not in the system,” he said.
Patterson recommends reporting a drive test found on a third-party site to the MTO or Crimestoppers.
The MTO says a number of IT enhancements have been implemented to DriveTest.ca to help curb “bots” from accessing road test appointments, such as adding time limits on completing bookings and eliminating the ability to switch appointments between users.
Other measures include blocking IP addresses, blocking booking privileges for driver’s licences that are linked to “bot” calls and implementing a “no switch” policy.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
'We have no judge for you': Man's assault charges dropped weeks before trial due to lack of judges in Toronto
A man who was accused of sexually and physically assaulting a woman had his charges dropped in April, just weeks before he was set to stand trial in Toronto, due to a lack of judges in the region.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Protest encampment cleared by Edmonton police early Saturday morning
A protest encampment set up on the University of Alberta campus was cleared early Saturday morning by Edmonton police.
Woman in her 60s in life-threatening condition after Bridle Path bus shelter collision
Police say a woman in her 60s is in life-threatening condition after being struck by a vehicle at a bus shelter in Toronto's Bridle Path neighbourhood on Friday.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.