One of Manitoba Public Insurance’s most popular contests for young drivers is shifting into full gear. The third annual Driver Ed Challenge is once again offering students a chance to win a scholarship of up to $1,500 on the strength of their knowledge and driving ability.

Students can enter by successfully completing an online driving quiz on Manitoba Public Insurance’s website – www.mpi.mb.ca. The Driver Ed Challenge consists of three demanding phases: online quiz, regional road tests and a championship final.

In 2005, Jeremy Toll of Winnipeg’s Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate was declared grand champion and winner of the $1,500 scholarship. Last year’s runners-up, Jared Kolomaya of Ashern Central School and Grant Bainard of River East Collegiate, received scholarships of $1,000 and $500 respectively. More than 30,000 high school students were eligible.

“The 2005 Driver Ed Challenge was a tremendous success,” said Lou Gervino, Manager of Driver Education and Improvement for Manitoba Public Insurance. “The contest attracted students from as far north as Mafeking, and as far south as Killarney.

“It’s a way to provide novice young motorists with a head start on safe and responsible driving when they first get behind the wheel.”

Sixty of the top qualifiers advance to the championship final set to take place at Winnipeg’s Red River Exhibition Park in May 2006. A series of skill-testing driving courses will be set up at the site. Finalists’ road knowledge will also be tested.

The competition is open to every current Driver 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 were still in high school as of May 2004 and who hold a learner’s or intermediate licence. Information can be obtained from Manitoba Public Insurance Driver Education instructors and the corporation’s website at www.mpi.mb.ca.

Gervino noted that the Manitoba Public Insurance High School Driver Education Program – one of the corporation’s most important safety initiatives aimed at young people – continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

“This fall, about 14,000 students in 170 schools are accessing practical on-the-road and classroom driving instruction from locally based instructors. That’s a far cry from the 1,400 students who took the original Driver Ed program in 27 high schools 30 years ago.”

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