Laptop computer, iPods and educational scholarships are but a few of the great prizes available to young drivers who participate in the fourth annual Manitoba Public Insurance Driver Ed Challenge beginning September 25.

Students can enter by successfully completing an online driving quiz on Manitoba Public Insurance’s website ― . As in years past, the Driver Ed Challenge consists of three interesting phases: on-line quiz, regional road test and a driving skills finale

The grand prize is a $1,500 educational scholarship. Second and third place finishers receive scholarships of $1,000 and $500, respectively. Last year’s winner was Brandon Trask of Winnipeg. More than 30,000 high school students were eligible.

“This is a no-cost, educational contest designed to improve the knowledge and skill level of novice drivers,” said Lou Gervino, Manager of Driver Education and Improvement for Manitoba Public Insurance. “The contest is truly provincial and enthusiastically welcomed by the students.”

Gervino explained that 50 of the top qualifiers advance to the championship final scheduled to take place at Winnipeg’s Red River Exhibition grounds in May 2007. A series of skill-testing driving courses will be set up at the site.

The Driver Ed Challenge is open to every current Drivers Ed student at least 15 and a half years old who holds a learner’s licence, and to graduates of the Driver Education program who are still in high school  and  hold a learner’s or intermediate licence. Complete information about the contest can be obtained from any Manitoba Public Insurance Driver Education instructor and the public auto insurer’s web site.

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Contact:
Media Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance
(204) 985-7300 or 1-888-554-9549 (toll-free in Manitoba)