TORONTO, Ont. — Driver examiners in Ontario could walk off the job or be locked out as early as Friday morning, after their agreement with DriveTest expired last night.

Talks between DriveTest and USW Local 9511 are continuing, with the union informing its members via its Web site that the extension will end by 2 a.m. Aug. 21.

“In order to ensure the union explores every possible avenue of bargaining the bargaining committee has granted the employer a final extension to the strike deadline in an agreement in which the parties recognize that there will be no further extension,” the union said on its site. “By entering into this agreement the parties are fully aware that as of 2 am August 21, 2009 the union will either initiate strike action or the company will initiate a lockout of their employees.”

That could leave commercial drivers requiring a road test to obtain or renew their A/Z licences in the lurch. It’s expected the province will extend the expiration date of existing driver’s licences if a strike occurs.