Strathcona Registry Centre

I was pleasantly surprised when I went in today for my new licence and photo.
First, surprised with myself that I didn’t wait until the end of the month (yay, me!), and that may have lead to the short lines that I experienced. Actually, the no line. I was able to walk in, right up to the three smiling, friendly ladies who were available to help.
I found the staff to be extremely pleasant, fast, and easy going. They knew what they were doing and it was the fastest registry experience I’ve ever had!
I may not love the new photo (I was given the opportunity for a retake but meh, I don’t really think a licence photo is supposed to look amazing) but I enjoyed the experience, as much as you can!

My favourite registry. The one that’s closest to me.
There was a time in 2010 when things weren’t great about this registry. My last two trips have been outstanding. Staff have been friendly, helpful over and beyond what is expected, and very efficient. Lines move fast and everything is in synchrony.
This is yet another reason I want to stay in Garneau/​Strathcona.

Despite other reviewers, I found the staff friendly and informative. They also have the shortest wait times on driver’s tests in Edmonton.
The examiner is friendly and calm, but his test does involve more difficult routes than other examiners. Her is very open about telling you the results and how to improve your driving, without getting annoyed or impatient.
Whyte avenue is full of traffic, pedestrians, and the examiner does a very thorough test job. I took the advanced class 5 and had to parallel park, stop for emergency vehicles, and navigate in school ares and parks. But he

Not sure what all the complaints are about.
I had to get my licence transferred from another province and renewed, and I was provided with tons of very useful information when I called ahead by a very friendly and informative employee.
When I went in, I didn’t have to wait at all and was assisted by a very helpful and friendly employee as well. They had plenty of people on staff, so even if a sudden rush occurred I still don’t think I would have to wait very long.
I have zero complaints about this Registry, it was the best experience i’ve had yet at any licence registry.

There really isn’t too much to say about the Strathcona Registry other than it had the shortest line I’ve ever seen at one. I don’t think I’ve ever walked into a registry and been served right away like I was here.
Otherwise my experience with the staff was underwhelming. The girl who helped me did everything she was supposed to: took my money and re-​registered my car. However she also continued a personal conversation with another employee the whole time I was standing in front of her. So awkward.
Disinterested staff seems to be a major problem at most registries I’ve been to. I don’t really get why. Since Alberta privatized their services, shouldn’t they be more customer focused? They do have competition after all. At the same time, I suppose if all the registries collectively decide not to care, what choice do we really have?

Maybe they have changed over staff or maybe I am just lucky, but both times I went I was very satisfied with both the service and the outcome.

I’m not a big fan of registries in general and this one wasn’t really an exception.
The person who helped me first was not friendly and made me feel like a chore. But the second person who I talked to was a bit better. I had some questions about businesses and the person was able to help me with most of them. She didn’t know some of the answers, which I found odd, but she helped me a bit.
I left with the papers I needed so I guess my trip was a success. I didn’t leave with a smile on my face though.

I went here to exchange my U.S. driver’s license for an Alberta license. The staffer was like a robot. She told me she couldn’t do the swap, and when asked why, she just repeated her excuse over and over and over without any detailed explanation of what I needed to do. It was an utterly frustrating experience.
The idea of privatized registry services is literally foreign to me. I couldn’t believe the total lack of accountability or recourse. I ended up using the «Alberta Service Center» downtown after speaking to a VERY knowledgeable and helpful representative of theirs on the phone. Turns out the reason she was so knowledgeable was because she worked for the province before the registries were privatized, so she knew the ins and outs of the system. Holy cow, Alberta, please get rid of this stupid system and go back to letting smart and accountable government employees handle these issues for your citizens!