September 26, 2008

Thousands of young drivers can take up the Challenge

Manitoba Public Insurance is once again offering the Driver Ed Challenge to high school students throughout the province. In addition to testing their driving skills and knowledge, eligible entrants will qualify to win scholarships and other prizes.

Starting September 29, Driver Ed students can enter the Challenge by first passing an online driving quiz on Manitoba Public Insurance’s website. The on-line quiz phase ends Jan. 31, 2009.

Up to 140 entrants will participate in Phase Two -- a driving evaluation with a Driver Education instructor. These students will be tested on a number of components including:

• starting, stopping, signal violations
• vehicles moving on roadway
• passing vehicle moving on highway
• uncontrolled intersections
• railway crossings, yield signs, pedestrian corridors/ crosswalks
• speed
• turning, backing and inattentiveness. 

A total of 48 students will advance to the final phase. “The Driver Ed Challenge continues to be very popular among our Driver Education students,” said Lou Gervino, manager of Driver Education and Improvement, Manitoba Public Insurance. “It’s not only a test of knowledge, but also driving skills.”

The top three students win educational scholarships worth $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively. There are also random draws for iPods, prize packs and a laptop.

More than 30,000 high school students throughout the province are eligible. They must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from Driver Education.

More information about the Driver Ed Challenge can be found on this website.

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