VANCOUVER — The Insurance Corp. of British Columbia has revoked authority to conduct commercial vehicle drivers’ licence exams from private training schools and community colleges.

Starting Jan. 1, Class 1 to 4 commercial vehicle tests must be performed by provincial driver examiners, the agency said. About 38 training schools and a small number of community colleges are affected.

The decision fulfills a recommendation made last year by a joint province/industry Truck Safety Task Force, which was concerned about having training and testing carried out by the same organization for a profit.

“Having full-time, independent driver examiners perform these road tests ensures consistent testing standards,’ said Mike Farnworth, Minister responsible for ICBC.

About 7500 people pass commercial vehicle road tests in B.C. each year, ICBC said. ICBC driver examiners test about half.

Commercial vehicle driving schools may continue to certify students for air brake skills, ICBC noted.

The move does not affect organizations which certify their staff, such as companies with large truck fleets or municipal fire departments. Their programs will be monitored and reviewed throughout 1999, however.

Responsibility for driver licensing was acquired by ICBC as part of last year’s merger with the Motor Vehicles Branch. The MVB was previously part of the Ministry of Transportation and Highways.