TORONTO, Ont. — In an effort to reduce wait times, the province has issued a contract to Serco Group to conduct all driver examinations in the province, including commercial truck driving tests.

The $114-million contract comes with penalties if Serco isn’t able to reduce wait times for driving tets, which in some cases are up to 10 months long.

The plan immediately came under attack from Opposition members as well as the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).

The province will continue to retain control over all information gathered from drivers and will regulate all licensing fees. It will also continue issuing drivers’ licences. However vision, written and practical driver examination will now be the responsibility of Serco.

Former Ontario Transportation Minister, Norm Sterling, says the province will continue to oversee the process to ensure exam services are delivered fairly and consistently. Existing driver licensing facilities in Ontario will remain open to issue drivers’ licences, renewals and to provide other services not covered by Serco.