Topic: Get a Licence

Mandatory training is required for drivers who want to obtain their Class 1 driver’s licence.

As of September 1, 2019, you must complete an approved Class 1 Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) course before you can book your road test to obtain a Class 1 licence to drive a semi-trailer truck (other existing requirements also apply).

The Province of Manitoba has introduced this mandatory minimum training requirement, which aligns with other Canadian jurisdictions that are in the process of implementing mandatory training programs. Previously, training was recommended but not required prior to obtaining a Class 1 licence.

The MELT course consists of 121.5 hours of standardized training that covers the essential knowledge and skills to safely operate a semi-trailer truck. This mandatory training will help ensure the safety of all road users.

Drivers only need to successfully complete mandatory training once – there is no need to take the training again.

Existing Class 1 drivers

Drivers with an existing valid Manitoba Class 1 licence issued before September 1, 2019, do not need to retest and are not required to take MELT.

Other approved training

The existing 244-hour Professional Truck Driver Training course offered by private vocational institutes in Manitoba fulfils the MELT requirement. Drivers who can show they have successfully completed the 244-hour course can book a road test after September 1, 2019, and attempt a Class 1 licence. If you have previously completed the 244-hour course and want your driving record to show you have achieved the MELT requirement, contact your driving school.

Any other truck-driver training courses are not recognized as fulfilling the MELT requirement. Taken alone, they do not meet the new requirements for Class 1 licence applicants after September 1, 2019.

Training providers

Mandatory training can only be provided by a registered driving school that meets established standards. Registered MELT providers are:

• A Class One Driving School (Winnipeg)
• A-One Driving Academy (Winnipeg)
• Accent Driving School
• AJOY Driving Academy (Winnipeg)
• Alan’s Driving School (Portage la Prairie)
• Alpha Driving Academy (Winnipeg)
• Arnold Bros Transport Academy (Winnipeg)
• Barnala Driver Training Academy (St. Andrews and Steinbach)
• Ben’s International Driving School (Winnipeg)
• Best Hope Driver Training Centre Inc. (Winnipeg)
• Blue Bird Training Centre (Winnipeg)
• Buffalo Driver Training (Winnipeg)
• Boundary Trails Driving Academy (Winkler)
• Bracor Environmental Inc. (Oak Bluff)
• Commercial Truck Training Centre (Winnipeg)
• Drive the Best Driving School (Winnipeg)
• Efficient Driving Academy (Winnipeg)
• First Class Training Centre (Winnipeg and Thompson)
• 4GK Enterprises (Elkhorn)
• Front Runner Driving School (Winnipeg)
• Highway King Class 1 Training Centre (Winnipeg)
• Husan Gill Class 1 Driving School (Winnipeg)
• KMS Transport Driving Academy (Winnipeg)
• Learn Right Driving School (Swan River and The Pas)
• Mallard Driving School (Warren)
• National Truck Training Centre (Winnipeg)
• North Port Driving School (McDonald)
• Patel Driving School (Winnipeg)
• Perfect One Driving School (Winnipeg)
• Professional Transport Driver Training School (Brandon and Winnipeg)
• Shark Driving Academy (Winnipeg)
• Sohana Driving Academy (Winnipeg and Headingly)
• United Transportation Driver Training (Brandon, Steinbach and Winkler)
• Yellow Canadian Truck Driving Academy

Course requirements

MELT consists of a minimum 121.5 hours of training. Instruction consists of 40.5 hours in class, 40 hours in yard and 41 hours in cab.

Cost

Training providers set their own price for students to take the MELT course. Employers can apply for the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant, which may help cover the cost of training employees.

Road tests

Drivers who have not successfully completed MELT training (or the 244-hour Professional Truck Driver Training course) cannot book or take a Class 1 road test after September 1, 2019. This includes anyone who has previously failed a road test for their Class 1 and wants to re-take the test, and anyone who tried but failed to schedule a test prior to September 1, 2019.

Booking your Class 1 road test

For all students who take MELT in Manitoba, you can book your road test only after your school notifies MPI that you have successfully completed your MELT course. Allow up to three business days for the notification to be processed before attempting to book your test.

Updates to the Class 1 road test

Starting September 1, 2019:

• Class 1 road tests must be performed on a manual transmission vehicle, to align training and testing.
• The Class 1 test includes a pre-trip inspection that consists of the inspection, the air brake test, and coupling. Applicants must pass all three elements of the pre-trip inspection.
• The Class 1 road test includes the air brake component – the tests cannot be taken separately. No separate air-brake endorsement will be issued until the full Class 1 test is successfully completed. (Class 1 applicants who already hold an air brake endorsement must still complete the air brake component of the road test.)
• Applicants must bring the trip inspection report, confirming the vehicle was fully inspected in the past 24 hours. See a sample trip inspection report.
• Before you sign in for your road test, the trailer must be uncoupled and the tractor wheels must be blocked. View maps of testing locations, showing where to uncouple and park.

New residents

A driver who obtained a Class 1 licence in a MELT jurisdiction (Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta or Saskatchewan) will be eligible to receive a Class 1 licence in Manitoba, subject to meeting residency and other existing requirements.

As of September 1, 2019, Class 1 drivers who move to Manitoba from a province without MELT, or from the U.S.:

• Drivers with a minimum of 24 months of Class 1 experience can receive a Manitoba Class 1 licence and do not require MELT.
• Drivers with 12 to 24 months (less one day) of Class 1 experience do not require MELT if they successfully complete the Class 1 road test within 12 months and two attempts.
• Drivers with less than 12 months of Class 1 experience must take MELT and successfully complete the Manitoba Class 1 knowledge and road test.

There is no commercial licence reciprocity for drivers moving from anywhere outside of Canada and the U.S. See more information about moving to Manitoba.

For schools and instructors

For information on becoming a MELT registered training provider or registered instructor, contact the Driver Training Permit Unit:

Email: [email protected]
Tel: 204-985-8063
Toll Free: 1-800-665-2410 ext 8063

Manitoba has six classes of driver’s licence, numbered from 1 to 6. Depending on what vehicles you’ll be driving and whether you’ll be driving for a living, you’ll need at least one of these licences. Each has its own requirements. Most people get a Class 5 licence, which lets you drive most cars, light trucks, some vans and SUVs.

Licence classes

Class	Minimum age	Allows you to operate
1	18	Semi-trailer trucks. Includes all vehicles in Classes 2, 3, 4 & 5.
2	18	Buses having a seating capacity of over 24 passengers (while carrying passengers). School buses with a seating capacity over 36 passengers. Includes all vehicles in classes 3, 4 & 5.
3	18	A truck with more than two axles. A combination of vehicles that includes a truck with more than two axles, except if the combination includes a semi-trailer. A combination of vehicles consisting of a truck with not more than two axles and a towed vehicle with a registered gross weight of more than 4,540 kg. A combination of vehicles consisting of a Class 5 vehicle – other than a truck – and a towed vehicle with a registered gross weight of more than 4,540 kg. Includes all vehicles in Classes 4 & 5.
4	18	Ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Buses with a seating capacity of 10 and 24 passengers (while carrying passengers). School buses with a seating capacity of 10 and 36 passengers (while carrying passengers). Includes all vehicles in Class 5. Note: individual municipalities may require a Class 4 licence to operate a Vehicle for Hire – contact your municipality for information.
5	16 or 15 ½ if enrolled in MPI’s Driver Z Program that’s currently in progress.	A passenger car (other than Class 4 vehicles). A bus while not carrying passengers. A truck with two axles. A combination of vehicles consisting of a passenger car or truck with two axles and a towed vehicle with a registered gross vehicle weight of up to 4,540 kg. May operate Class 3 vehicles registered as a farm truck and the driver holds a Class 5I (Intermediate stage) licence or 5F (Full stage) licence. May operate a moped, if 16 years of age or older. May operate infrastructure equipment or agricultural equipment on a provincial highway within the municipal boundaries of a city, town or urban municipality, subject to supervising driver requirements.
6	16	Motorcycles.
Air Brake Endorsement		Air brake endorsement permits the holder to drive vehicles equipped with air brakes in the class of vehicle for which the person is licensed. Note: Drivers of Class 3 trucks registered as farm trucks equipped with air brakes are exempt from this requirement.

Professional driver’s licence

Manitoba’s Class Driver’s Licence System recognizes the professional from the non-professional driver. To promote safety for all road users, drivers must meet vision, medical, knowledge and skill standards in order to operate a particular class of vehicle.

As an applicant for a professional (Class 1, 2, 3 or 4) driver’s licence, you will need to know the information given in the Professional Driver’s and the Manitoba Driver’s Handbook. These manuals contain the basics of safe, professional driving.

Driver testing and licensing services are available to Manitoba residents only. Proof of Manitoba residency is required.

As a professional driver you will have to ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained by performing pre-trip inspections and, when necessary, in-service and pre-hill inspections.

Drivers must know and obey all laws and regulations for the areas in which they operate.

Before learning to drive a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 vehicle, you must get authorized instruction in the class of vehicle you want to be licensed in. When you are ready, Driver and Vehicle Licensing will test your ability to operate the class of vehicle you wish to drive.

These instructions have no legislative sanction. For interpreting and applying the law, consult The Highway Traffic Act, The Drivers and Vehicles Act, and their respective regulations.

Class 1

See information about obtaining a Class 1 licence.

Test requirements

You must take a driver test for the class of vehicle you wish to drive if you:

• have never been licensed for that class of vehicle
  
• have not held a Manitoba licence within the past four years
  
• hold a licence from outside Canada, the United States or other jurisdictions whose licences are not exchangeable

You may be required to be re-tested if you:

• have been involved in traffic collisions or have convictions
  
• have had your licence suspended
  
• have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely

Authorized Instruction

To learn to drive Class 1 to 4 vehicles, drivers must apply for Authorized Instruction in the class of vehicle they want to drive.

• To obtain Authorized Instruction in classes 2 to 4, a driver must hold a minimum Class 5 Intermediate Stage (I) or Class 5 Authorized Instruction Stage (A) driver’s licence, meet medical standards, be at least 18 years of age, pass the knowledge test and pay any charges required.
  
• To obtain Authorized Instruction in Class 1, a driver must hold a minimum Class 5 Full driver’s licence, meet medical standards, be at least 18 years of age, pass the knowledge test and pay any charges required. See more information about obtaining a Class 1 licence.

Holders of authorized instruction for Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 must be accompanied by a person who holds a valid licence and has held a minimum Class 5 Full licence for at least three years, of which two years are the same class of licence being sought. This person is known as the supervising driver and must sit in the seat nearest the driver.

To take a road test for classes 1-4, the driver must hold a Class 5 Full driver’s licence.

Visual and medical requirements

A driver applying for Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence must file a mandatory Medical Examination Report. This report must be approved by Driver Fitness prior to obtaining your authorized instruction. Applicants are permitted to take the Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 knowledge test before the Medical Examination Report is approved. The medical report is valid for six months from the date your physician completes it. Your authorized instruction must be obtained within this six-month time frame.

In addition, periodic medical reports must be filed based on the age of the driver. Drivers with certain medical conditions may have to file more often.

Manitoba Health will not pay for third-party requests for a medical report including related examinations, tests or telephone calls to the physician. Applicants are responsible for these costs.

Applicants who fail to meet minimum medical or vision standards may not be eligible to obtain a driver’s licence. Further vision or medical information may be required to determine if an applicant meets the necessary medical and vision standards. The applicant’s driver licence or right to obtain a driver’s licence may be suspended pending review of the medical information.

If corrective lenses or other restrictions are required for driving, they will be indicated on the driver’s licence.

Drivers who are prohibited by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to apply for a higher licence class are informed of their right to appeal the decision to the Medical Review Committee once complete medical information is filed.

Drivers may change to a lower driver’s licence classification if they do not wish to hold the higher classification. In such cases, the medical requirements of the lower licence classification must be met.

For more information about medical conditions, contact Driver Fitness.

Knowledge test

For a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence and for airbrake and school bus knowledge tests, applicants must pass the knowledge test for the class of licence they are applying for. This is not an open book test and cellular phones or electronic devices cannot be used during the test. The knowledge test charge is $10 (subject to change) per test. Only one knowledge test per class of licence (Class 1 to 4) is allowed per day. You may repeat a Class 1 to 4 Air Brake or School Bus knowledge test on the next working day.

Road test

Applicants for either a Class 2, 3 or 4 driver’s licence, who have never held that class of driver’s licence from any jurisdiction must wait at least two weeks after they are issued Authorized Instruction in that class before taking a road test. Drivers must also hold a minimum Full (F) Class 5 driver’s licence.

During the road test, you will be required to operate your vehicle in typical traffic situations in a safe and legal manner. You will be judged on your driving skills. Only authorized Manitoba Public Insurance employees may ride with you during the test.

A pre-trip inspection of the vehicle is required for Class 1, 2, 3, 4 (bus) and School Bus tests.

See more information about the knowledge and road test requirements, including fees and locations.

Effective June 1, 2024, all Class 1 road test customers may utilize a copy of the Tear-Out Sheet for the pre-trip inspection of the Class 1 road test (Phase 1 in Winnipeg). Customers may bring a pen to check off items as they complete their inspections; however, no other markings are permitted before or during the test. Copies of the Tear-Out Sheet can be printed here or available at an MPI Service Centre.

Other

Fuel efficiency

Conserving fuel should be a key consideration for any professional driver – it benefits the environment and saves money. You may not be able to control gas prices, but your driving habits can reduce the amount of fuel you burn. Detailed fuel-efficiency training is available online from Natural Resources Canada.

Commercial driver abstract

The commercial driver abstract includes more information about an individual’s driving record than a non-commercial abstract. See more information on commercial abstracts.

Your first motorcycle licence

A Class 6 licence is required to operate a motorcycle in Manitoba. You must be at least 16 years of age and hold a valid license of any other class to obtain a Class 6 licence.

If you have never held a motorcycle licence before, you need to successfully complete Manitoba’s Graduated Driver Licence (GDL) program.

More information

• Credit will be given for the GDL Class 6 intermediate stage if you have previously completed a portion or all of this stage.
• If you are a licensed driver who is moving to Manitoba see the new to Manitoba page about transferring your licence.
• You are able to renew your licence, provide changes and have your photo taken at any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre.

How to register for the GDL program

1. Register through an Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre. You need proper identification to register as a customer.

2. Book your motorcycle knowledge test at an Autopac agent or Service Centre.

3. When you have passed your knowledge test and vision test you will be issued a Class 6M licence and will enter the GDL motorcycle training course (M) stage.

Class 6 GDL stages

There are four stages to a Class 6 licence:

M – Motorcycle training course stage: permits operation of a motorcycle while taking the motorcycle training course only

L – Learner stage

I – Intermediate stage

F – Full stage

Each stage has specific restrictions imposed on the new driver that will reduce the opportunity and likelihood for them to engage in risky driving behaviour.

Time within the learner and intermediate stages is only earned if the driver holds a valid licence. The driver will not earn credit for time served in the stage if their licence is suspended, prohibited or expired.

Motorcycle training course (M) stage

Upon passing the motorcycle knowledge test, you will be issued a Class 6 M stage licence, which allows you to operate a motorcycle while taking an approved motorcycle training course.

Prior to obtaining a motorcycle Learner licence, first-time motorcycle applicants must complete an approved motorcycle training course. The motorcycle training course is an approved one-day practical course that will provide the new motorcyclist with the basic skills required to operate a motorcycle. It is a user pay course offered at designated locations throughout the province. Contact your nearest Autopac agent or MPI for further information on the recognized motorcycle training course.

Once you have completed the motorcycle training course, you are eligible to obtain a motorcycle Learner Stage licence. Time served in the M stage will not be credited to the nine-month Learner Stage period.

Class 6 learner (L) stage (minimum nine months)

On successful completion of the motorcycle training course, you will be issued a certificate that you must present to your Autopac agent, MPI Service Centre or mobile testing unit before the Class 6 learner stage licence will be issued.

Once you have your Class 6 learner stage licence, you may operate a motorcycle following these restrictions:

• not have drugs or alcohol in your system while operating a motorcycle
• carry no passengers

While in the Class 6 learner stage, you are not allowed to:

• drive at night (1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunrise)
• tow vehicles
• operate off-road vehicles along or across a highway (unless you hold a minimum Class 5 intermediate stage licence)

Class 6 intermediate (I) stage (minimum 15 months)

To graduate to this stage, you must pass the Class 6 road test. If you fail the road test, you must wait a minimum of 14 days before you may take another road test.

During the Class 6 intermediate stage, you:

• must not have drugs or alcohol in your system
• may carry a passenger
• may tow a vehicle
• may operate off-road vehicles along or across highways

You are only required to complete the intermediate stage once. Credit for time served in the intermediate stage in Class 6 will be given for the intermediate stage in Class 5 and vice versa.

Class 6 full (F) stage

On completion of the 15-month intermediate stage, you will graduate to the full licence stage. For the first 36 months, you must not have drugs or alcohol in your system while operating a motorcycle.

Violating restrictions

Violating any condition or restriction on your driver’s licence is considered an offence. You will be subject to a full driver record review to determine whether additional licensing sanctions will be imposed. You may also be subject to a full driver record review if you have a driving conviction or collision.

The result of a full driver record review may include one or more of the following:

• licence suspension
• special driving course (at the driver’s expense)
• passenger restrictions
• time of day restrictions
• other driving restrictions

Violating the drug and alcohol restriction could result in a roadside suspension, or further impaired driving sanctions if you are convicted of a Criminal Code offence. You may also be denied insurance coverage. See the impaired driving suspensions page for more information.

There are certain considerations in place for Armed Forces personnel who are looking to obtain or upgrade their Manitoba driver’s licence.

New to Manitoba

Members of NATO forces visiting Manitoba, and their spouses, are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Class 5 Manitoba driver’s licence within three months of arrival, provided that they maintain a valid driver’s licence from their home jurisdiction. When applying for a Manitoba driver’s licence, reciprocity will be granted to members of NATO Forces personnel and their family members (subject to proof of military and/or dependent status). Reciprocity allows for exchange of a valid out-of-country licence for the equivalent Manitoba Class 5 or Class 6 licence without knowledge testing or road testing. Note that reciprocity is not available for driver’s licences from Denmark.

Active Canadian Regular Force or Reserve Force Class B or C members who are new to, or returning to, Manitoba will move up the DSR scale for each claims and conviction-free year (or input factor-free year) to the maximum allowable level of DSR. This is based on their concurrent driving history and claims experience provided from applicable jurisdictions.

For members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who’s Manitoba-issued or out-of-province-issued driver’s licence has become inactive, lapsed, or suspended for non-payment while you were actively serving out of country, the military experience record will be accepted to close the gap in the driver record.

These same rules apply to any dependant (spouse, common-law partner, or child) living with the member.

Obtaining a Manitoba licence

A Manitoba resident can use their equivalent DND 404 licence to obtain a Manitoba class 1, 2, 3, 4 and/or 5 driver’s licence. No additional testing is required.

Active members and members who have retired within the last two years require these documents to receive a licence:

• DND Driver / Operator Proficiency Record which indicates:
  — Member’s name and date of birth
  — DND-404 Licence number
  — Licence class(es), and air brake endorsement (if applicable)
  — Restrictions
  — Licence effective & expiry dates
  — Licence status
  — If applicable, other provincial driver’s licence number, licence class & expiry date
• Driver Qualification Letter:
  — Dated within three months of applying for a Manitoba licence. For retired members, the letter can be dated within two years of applying for a Manitoba licence.
  — Authorized & signed by approved DND personnel.
  — Confirms the veteran held a DND-404 equivalent class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 driver’s licence that was not expired, revoked, or suspended at the time of surrender to DND (for retired personnel).
  — Includes the date of retirement from active military service (if applicable).
• A full physical medical report for a class 1, 2, 3, or 4 driver’s licence signed and dated within six months by a physician, if an approved medical report is not already on file with MPI.

Support our Troops

Support our Troops specialty licence plates are available for sale through Autopac agents. A set of the new plates will cost $70, with $30 of each purchase going towards educational scholarships for qualifying military members, their spouses, partners or children planning to study in Manitoba. More information is available here.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is a three-stage program designed to help new drivers, regardless of age, acquire the knowledge and skill needed to safely operate a motor vehicle. Whether you are 16 or 60, GDL enables new drivers to gain more experience under a greater variety of driving conditions.

Who GDL applies to

GDL applies to all driver licence applicants (regardless of age), who have never held and are now applying for a Class 5 licence (passenger vehicles and light trucks) or a Class 6 licence (motorcycles).

GDL requirements may be waived if you’re new to Manitoba and you have a valid driver’s licence from another jurisdiction that is equivalent to a Manitoba Class 5 Full or Class 6 Full driver’s licence. (Instruction permits/learner licences from any jurisdiction cannot be exchanged for a Manitoba Class 5 or Class 6 driver’s licence.)

Experienced and learner drivers who are exempt from GDL but are required to complete Manitoba testing are eligible for Authorized Instruction stage licences

GDL exemptions apply separately to Class 5 and Class 6 drivers. If you have a Class 5 licence and want to obtain a Class 6 licence, you are required to comply with all GDL requirements for your Class 6 licence.

Class 5 GDL stages

The GDL stages for a Class 5 driver’s licence are:

L – Learner stage: minimum nine months

I – Intermediate stage: minimum 15 months

F – Full stage: first three years

Each stage has specific restrictions, which help reduce the risk of collision while allowing you to gain valuable driving experience.

Time spent in the Learner and Intermediate stages of GDL is only earned if you hold a valid driver’s licence (your licence is not suspended, prohibited or expired). Time spent in the Full stage of GDL is calculated as straight time and does not exclude licence breaks.

Learn more about the Class 5 stages.

On completion of the 15-month Intermediate stage, the driver can graduate to the Class 5 Full stage.

Restrictions

For the first three years when operating a vehicle, the driver must not have any alcohol in their system and must able to pass a drug screening test.

The three-year zero blood alcohol restriction does not apply to drivers who entered the GDL program prior to December 16, 2006 when the Full stage zero blood alcohol concentration restriction was expanded from one year to three years.

The driver can:

• Operate a passenger car
• Operate a truck with not more than two axles
• Operate a bus not carrying passengers
• Operate a Class 3 motor vehicle registered as a farm truck
• Operate an off-road vehicle along or across a highway
• Tow a vehicle (combined GVW no greater than 4,540 kg)
• Operate a moped
• Upgrade to a Full stage licence in Class 1-4 after passing the appropriate tests
• Supervise drivers after three years in the Full stage

Class 6 GDL stages

The GDL stages for a Class 6 licence are:

M – Motorcycle Training Course Stage

L – Learner Stage – (minimum 9 months)

I – Intermediate Stage – (minimum 15 months)

F – Full Stage – (first 3 years)

Each stage has specific restrictions, which help reduce the risk of a collision while allowing you to gain valuable driving experience.

Time spent in the Learner and Intermediate stages is only earned if you hold a valid driver’s licence (your licence is not suspended, prohibited or expired).

A stage may be extended as a result of interventions from a Driver Improvement and Control full driving record review or show-cause hearing.

Learn more about the Class 6 stages.

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Coming to work in Manitoba?

Welcome to Manitoba!

Manitoba licensing laws require that non-residents obtain a Manitoba driver’s licence to continue driving in Manitoba three months after their arrival in the province. After arriving here, you will need to switch your valid licence to a Manitoba driver’s licence, so it is best to start this process as soon as possible.

Temporary foreign agricultural workers, including agricultural exchange students, must obtain a Manitoba licence to drive in Manitoba after three months. Workers from reciprocal jurisdictions are exempt from testing, but must exchange their foreign licence for a Manitoba licence to continue to drive after three months. Workers from jurisdictions where Manitoba does not have reciprocal arrangements to exchange driver’s licences (i.e., non-reciprocal jurisdictions) must pass Manitoba’s knowledge and road tests and exchange their foreign licence for the Manitoba licence.

Manitoba law does not permit drivers to hold more than one licence at a time. Since both reciprocal and non-reciprocal workers are in Manitoba on a seasonal basis, exchanged foreign licences will be retained and returned to workers when they leave Manitoba.

Apply for a Manitoba driver’s licence

To apply, you must be set up as a customer. You can do this by visiting any service centre or Autopac agent in Manitoba.

You must bring original documentation to prove your identity, residency in Manitoba and entitlement to be in Canada. Please bring your foreign passport, your work permit and any two of the following documents showing your name and Manitoba address and that are dated within 90 days of applying :

• Employment Confirmation Letter
• Residential Lease
• Canadian bank monthly statement/cancelled or voided cheque
• Utility bill (cell phone bill not accepted)
• Manitoba Health Card
• Guarantor Form

Once setup has been completed, and the identity documents provided, you can book your knowledge and road test appointments.

• To ensure you can take your road test within the three month window, please request that your road test time is booked at the same time as your knowledge test. Knowledge and road tests can be taken on different days, if you prefer, but bookings should be completed as soon as possible.
• The knowledge test can be written in 30 different languages. Specify your language preference and any special needs when booking.

Your road test

• Plan to arrive at the service centre at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your road test. This will allow time to exchange your foreign licence (with translation if the licence is not in English or French) for the Manitoba Class 5 Authorized licence. A Manitoba licence is required to take the road test.
• When you pass the road test, a Class 5 Full 45-day temporary licence will be issued and the permanent driver’s licence will be mailed to you. Once you pass the Class 5 road test, you do not need to retest upon returning to Manitoba unless your Manitoba licence has lapsed for more than four years.
• If you do not pass the road test, you will retain your Class 5 Authorized licence. You must be accompanied by a supervising driver when driving until you can pass your road test.

Your licence

• You can request that MPI retain your exchanged foreign licence while you are in Manitoba. Your licence will be stored at the service centre that issued/reactivated your Manitoba licence.
• Prior to leaving Manitoba, MPI will return your foreign licence to you.
• If you return to Manitoba the following year, you will need to reactivate your Manitoba licence.

Cost

Payment for your licence is due at the time the temporary licence is issued. The basic annual licensing fee is $65. This amount may be adjusted in future years depending on your driving record.

The portion of the $65 annual fee payable for your licence is affected by your anniversary date. Your anniversary date is your birthdate plus four months. For example, if your birthdate is March 10, your anniversary date will be July 10.

If your anniversary date occurs when you are in Manitoba:

• You will pay an initial licensing fee based on the number of days between the date you received your licence and your anniversary date.
• In addition, you will receive a Reassessment Notice requesting payment for your driver’s licence for the next year. You will need to pay the full amount on the notice. MPI will later refund you a portion of this amount based on the days you were not living in Manitoba. If you do not pay this full amount, your licence will be suspended for non-payment.
• Driver’s licence payments can be made at a Service Centre, an Autopac Agent, or online.

If your anniversary date occurs while you are outside of Manitoba:

• You will pay an initial licensing fee based on the days between receiving your licence and your anniversary date.

Additional information

For additional information on documents that can help establish your identity, visit our Proving My Identity tool.

See more information on the knowledge test and road test. Prepare for your knowledge test with driving quizzes. See the Driver’s Handbook.

Translations

If your licence or driving record is in a language other than English or French, you will need to translate your documents.

Official Translation will be accepted from:

• Any translation service provider in the yellow pages of Manitoba.
• Any translator registered with the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Manitoba (ATIM) atim.mb.ca.
• An Embassy or Consulate, on official letter head.

Note: You must also produce your original driver’s licence with the translated documents.

For full information, see Translations on the Establishing Your Identity page.

Employers

Employers are encouraged to reach out to their local MPI Service Centre to discuss capacity planning for testing.

Overview

Your first licence

A Class 5 licence allows you to drive passenger vehicles and light trucks (cars, SUVs and pickups). It’s the most common type of licence in Manitoba.

You must be a minimum of 16 years of age. At age 15 1/2, an applicant may apply for a Class 5L licence if enrolled in MPI’s Driver Z Program, in a course that is currently in progress.

If you have never held a driver’s licence before, you need to successfully complete Manitoba’s Graduated Driver Licence (GDL) program. GDL applies to all driver licence applicants, regardless of age.

More information

• Your driver’s licence fee contains two parts: a $20 fixed fee and a $45 base driver premium.
• If you keep driving safely, your licence (and insurance) will cost less over time. See information on our Driver Safety Rating.
• All new drivers should consider taking lessons from a driving school with a valid permit.
• If you are a licensed driver who is moving to Manitoba see the New to Manitoba page about transferring your licence.
• You are able to renew your licence, provide changes and have your photo taken at any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre.
• Class 5 road test customers at Bison, Brandon, Gateway, St. Mary’s and Steinbach Service Centre may be asked to complete a 15-minute virtual driver assessment prior to their road test. More information here.

How to register for the GDL program

1. Register through an Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre. You need proper identification to register as a customer.

2. Book your knowledge test at an Autopac agent or Service Centre.

3. When you have passed your knowledge test and vision test you will be issued a learner licence and will enter the GDL Learner stage.

Class 5 GDL stages

There are three GDL stages with specific restrictions that will reduce the opportunity and likelihood for you to engage in risky driving behaviour.

L – Learner stage

I – Intermediate stage

F – Full stage

Time within the learner and intermediate stages is only earned if the driver holds a valid licence. The driver will not earn credit for time served in the stage if their licence is suspended, prohibited or expired.

A stage may be extended as a result of interventions from a Novice Driver Hearing.

Learner (L) stage (minimum nine months)

To apply for a Class 5 learner licence, you must:

• Be at least 16 years of age, or a minimum of 15 years, six months and enrolled in a high school driver education course.
• Have parental consent if you are under 18 years of age.
• Pass a knowledge test and meet the vision and medical standards. If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait a minimum of seven days before you may take another knowledge test.

During the learner stage, you must follow these restrictions:

• not have drugs or alcohol in your system while operating a motor vehicle
• be accompanied by a supervising driver who
  — is the only front seat passenger
  — holds a valid, minimum Class 5 full stage licence
  — has held a full Class 5 licence for at least three years
  — is under .05 blood alcohol concentration and is able to pass a drug screening test
• limit other passengers in the back seat(s) up to the number of functioning seatbelts

While in the learner stage, you are not allowed to:

• tow vehicles
• operate Class 3 motor vehicles registered as a farm truck
• operate off-road vehicles along or across a highway (unless you hold a minimum Class 6 intermediate stage licence)

You may apply for a motorcycle (Class 6) learner licence, however you may not apply for authorized instruction in Classes 1–4 (Commercial). You may operate a moped providing you are at least 16 years of age.

Intermediate (I) stage (minimum 15 months)

To graduate to this stage, you must pass the Class 5 road test. If you fail the road test, you must wait a minimum of 14 days before you may take another road test.

During the intermediate stage, you must follow these restrictions:

• not have drugs or alcohol in your system while operating a motor vehicle
• limit passengers at these times:
  — 5 a.m. to midnight: one passenger in the front seat and up to the number of functioning seatbelts in the back seat(s)
  — midnight to 5 a.m.: either one passenger, or when accompanied by a qualified supervising driver in the front seat you may have additional passengers up to the number of functioning seatbelts in the back seat(s)

During the Class 5 intermediate stage, you may:

• tow vehicles
• operate a Class 3 motor vehicle registered as a farm truck
• operate off-road vehicles along or across a highway
• apply for authorized instruction in licence Classes 2–4 if you are 18 years of age or older and meet the vision and medical standards

You are only required to complete the intermediate stage once. Credit for time served in the intermediate stage in Class 5 will be given for the intermediate stage in Class 6 and vice versa.

Full (F) stage

On completion of the 15-month intermediate stage, you will graduate to the full licence stage. Drivers in the full stage:

• not have drugs or alcohol in your system while operating a motor vehicle for the first 36 months
• may apply for authorized instruction in Class 1 if at least 18 years of age and meet medical standards
• may upgrade to full Class 1–4 after passing the appropriate tests
• may supervise novice drivers after three years in the Full stage

Violating restrictions

Violating any condition or restriction on your driver’s licence is considered an offence. You will be subject to a full driver record review to determine whether additional licensing sanctions will be imposed. You may also be subject to a full driver record review if you have a driving conviction or collision.

The result of a full driver record review may include one or more of the following:

• licence suspension
• special driving course (at the driver’s expense)
• passenger restrictions
• time of day restrictions
• other driving restrictions

Violating the drug-and-alcohol restriction could result in a roadside suspension, or further impaired driving sanctions if you are convicted of a Criminal Code offence. You may also be denied insurance coverage. See more information.

Restrictions

A driver’s licence restriction is a limitation that may be placed on a driver’s licence. You must comply with any restrictions when you are operating a motor vehicle. Any driver’s licence restrictions you may have will be displayed on the back of your licence.

The possible restrictions/codes are shown in the table below:

Driver Licence Restriction/Code Table
Restriction	Code
Corrective lenses	1
Power steering	2
Maximum speed of 70 km/h	3
Automatic transmission	4
Daytime only	5
Power brakes	6
Hand controls	7
Operate mopeds only	8
Side Mirrors	9
Commercial class – Canada only	W
Driver’s licence addendum	X

Welcome to Manitoba! As a new resident to Manitoba, you can drive a passenger vehicle with your valid licence for up to three months.

You also have up to three months to switch your valid out of province vehicle registration (plates and insurance).

If you have never held a driver’s licence, you need to successfully complete Manitoba’s Graduated Driver Licence (GDL) program. See the get a class 5 licence page for more information.

Moving from within Canada

You may be exempt from having to obtain a Manitoba licence after three months if you are:

• A student residing in Manitoba for the purpose of full-time postsecondary studies and are a resident of Canada. See more information for students.
• A Resource Officer or Fire Ranger employed by the Department of Sustainable Development.

How to apply for a Manitoba licence

Visit any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre.

Step 1: Bring the following to apply for your licence:

• required ID
• your valid out-of-province driver’s licence
• the $65 annual licence fee

We will set up your customer account, take your photo, and start your application for a Manitoba driver’s licence.

Step 2: Exchange your out-of-province driver’s licence for an equivalent Manitoba driver’s licence.

You must surrender your out-of-province licence to obtain the Manitoba licence. A temporary Manitoba licence will be issued to you that is valid for up to 45 days to allow for production and mailing of your photo driver’s licence. Your out-of-province licence(s) will not be returned to you.

If you are in GDL: If you have a learner licence, you will need to complete Manitoba’s knowledge test. If you live in a jurisdiction that uses a GDL system, you will receive credit toward the appropriate stage for the time you held your licence in your home jurisdiction. The temporary licence issued to you will reflect the proper GDL stage for the time credit for your driving experience.

More information

If your out-of-province licence is expired, talk to your Autopac agent or Service Centre representative for more information.

If you are bringing in a vehicle from out-of-province or registering a new or used vehicle – see registration and insurance requirements

Moving from another country

You may be exempt from having to obtain a Manitoba licence after three months if you are:

• NATO Forces personnel or a spouse/partner of NATO Forces personnel (except Denmark)
• A student residing in Manitoba for the purpose of full-time postsecondary studies and are a resident of the United States or a jurisdiction which has a reciprocal driver licensing arrangement with Manitoba. See more information for students from a reciprocal country.
• An Official Consul, foreign consular staff or a spouse/partner of the Official Consul or foreign consular staff from the countries of United States of America and Iceland
• A Resource Officer or Fire Ranger employed by the Department of Sustainable Development

The process to receive a Manitoba licence depends on whether you are moving from a country on the reciprocal country list.

Reciprocal country list

The following is a list of countries that have a reciprocal licence exchange arrangement with Manitoba or whose driver’s licences are recognized to be the equivalent of a Manitoba Class 5 licence. If you are from a country on this list, see moving from a reciprocal country. If you are from a country not on this list, see moving from a non-reciprocal country.

Jurisdiction	Class
Australia	Class 5 and 6 Applicants must pass vision test. A driver licence report dated within 90 days.
Austria	Class 5
Canadian Forces Europe	Class 5 and 6 Proof of having held a valid Canadian licence within the previous four years must be provided.
Federal Republic of Germany	Class 5
France	Class 5
Isle of Man	Class 5 and 6
Northern Ireland	Class 5 and 6
Ireland	Class 5 and 6
Japan	Class 5 and 6
Republic of South Korea	Class 5 Certificate of Driver’s Licence issued by the National Police Agency in South Korea must be provided.
Switzerland	Class 5 and 6
Taiwan	Class 5 Translation of the Taiwanese licence prepared by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Toronto. Verification Certificate of Driver’s Licence (VCDL), Republic of China.
Ukraine	Class 5 (Ukrainian Category B – including BE)
United Kingdom	Class 5 and 6
United States and its territories	Class 5 and 6, Class 1-4 (if exchanged licence indicates Commercial Driver’s Licence) Includes American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Please note that Manitoba offers reciprocity on commercial driver’s licences for Canadian and U.S. commercial licences only.

If you live in a jurisdiction that uses a GDL system and you have less than 15 months of non-learner driving experience, you will be placed in Manitoba’s GDL program, but receive credit toward the appropriate stage for the time you held your out-of-country licence.

Moving from a reciprocal country

If you are exchanging a valid driver’s licence from a reciprocal country, you can get an equivalent Manitoba licence without taking a knowledge or road test.

How to apply for a Manitoba licence

Step 1: Visit any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre. Bring the following:

• required ID
• your current driver’s licence
• the $65 annual licence fee

We will set up your customer account, take your photo, and start your application for a Manitoba driver’s licence.

Step 2: Exchange your driver’s licence for an equivalent Manitoba driver’s licence.

You will need to have your licence translated if it is not in English or French.

You must surrender your original, physical out-of-country licence to obtain a Manitoba licence.

All surrendered driver’s licences will be reviewed for authenticity. If the initial licence surrendered is not your original and authentic licence, your previous licensing experience will not be accepted. You will also be required to complete the GDL program, which will delay your ability to obtain a full licence in Manitoba. Copies and/or duplicates are not considered authentic.

If you have multiple licences, then all licences must be surrendered together as any licence(s) submitted afterwards will not be considered. A temporary Manitoba licence will be issued to you that is valid for up to 45 days to allow for production and mailing of your photo driver’s licence. Your out-of-country licence(s) will not be returned to you.

If you do not hold the equivalent of a full-stage passenger vehicle licence, a temporary licence will be issued to you with the appropriate GDL stage that reflects credit time for your non-learner driving experience.

More information

If you have driving experience and claims experience, bring both documents to confirm if you are eligible for any discounts on your driver’s licence or insurance. See the required document criteria.

If your out-of-province licence is expired, talk to your Autopac agent or Service Centre representative for more information.

If you are bringing in a vehicle from out-of-province or registering a new or used vehicle see registration and insurance requirements.

Moving from a non-reciprocal country

If you move from a country that is not on the reciprocal list, you will be required to complete Manitoba’s knowledge and road tests. You should start the testing process as soon as possible to ensure that you can successfully complete the road test within the three months that you can drive with your out-of-country licence.

How to apply for a Manitoba licence

Step 1: Visit any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre. Bring the following:

• required ID
• your current valid driver’s licence (please note: expired, mobile or digital driver’s licences from non-reciprocal countries will not be accepted)
• the $10 knowledge test fee

We will also confirm the proper class and stage of your out-of-country licence to determine if you may be exempt from GDL. You will need to have your licence translated if it is not in English or French.

If you do not present your physical licence at this time, you will need to complete the GDL program.

Please note that on the day of your road test, you will be required to surrender the original, physical out-of-country licence. Copies of out-of-country licences will not be accepted.

Step 2: Visit an MPI Service Centre to take the knowledge and vision tests. Once you have successfully completed your knowledge and vision tests, you can book your road test.

See information on the Class 5 knowledge and road tests.

Step 3: Exchange your driver’s licence and take the Class 5 road test.

The road test cannot be taken without the Manitoba licence, so please attend the Service Centre at least one hour in advance of your road test (or the day prior, if you have the first appointment of the day). This will ensure that we can issue your new licence and that you can take your road test at the scheduled time.

You will need to surrender your original, physical out-of-country licence. If you have multiple licences, then all licences must be surrendered together as any licence(s) submitted afterwards will not be considered. A temporary Manitoba licence will be issued to you that qualifies you to take the road test. We will not return your out-of-country licence(s). The annual charge for a driver’s licence is $65, which is payable at this time.

If you successfully complete the road test, we will upgrade your licence to a Class 5 Full. A temporary licence will be issued to you that is valid for up to 45 days to allow for production and mailing of your photo driver’s licence. Please bring a qualified supervising driver with you for your test in the event you are not successful, as you will require a supervising driver until you pass the road test.

Note: If you are unable to produce your out-of-country licence when taking the road test, your road test will be cancelled and you will be registered in the GDL program. This means that you must wait a minimum of nine months to book your road test.

More information

If you have driving experience and claims experience, bring both documents to an Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre to confirm if you are eligible for any discounts on your driver’s licence or insurance. See the required document criteria.

If you are registering a vehicle, see registration and insurance requirements.

If you are a foreign agricultural worker coming to Manitoba on a seasonal basis, see the temporary foreign worker page.

You will be asked to show documents that prove your identity when you apply for a Manitoba driver’s licence or identification card for the first time, or when you move to Manitoba from another jurisdiction.

To quickly determine the documents you need to bring, use our Proving My Identity tool. The tool will show you the documents that you can use to establish your identity.

This requirement under Manitoba law is aligned with North American standards. Verifying your identity helps to protect you, and all Manitobans, from identity theft. It also ensures that Manitoba driver’s licences and ID Cards are issued only to those who are in our country legally, whether as citizens or visitors.

Identity elements

To prove your identity, you will need supporting documents that establish these key elements:

• Birth date
• Full legal name*
• Photograph
• Manitoba residence and permanent address**
• Entitlement to be in Canada

* If your surname differs from the surname on your birth certificate, a second document such as a Marriage Certificate or Certificate of Change of Name is required.

** Two supporting documents are required to prove you reside in Manitoba. Rural customers must provide at least one document containing their physical address. If rural customers do not have two supporting documents containing their physical address, the second document can contain their mailing address. Any supporting address document must be dated within 90 days of the date of application.

Acceptable supporting documents

Your documents must be originals – not photocopies. Electronic scans of these documents will be retained on file, in keeping with Canadian standards.

Please note that two supporting documents are required to prove you reside in Manitoba. Rural customers must provide at least one document containing their physical address. If rural customers do not have two supporting documents containing their physical address, the second document can contain their mailing address. Any supporting address document must be dated within 90 days of the date of application.

If you do not have an acceptable document with your photograph or address, MPI may accept a completed Guarantor Declaration instead. Some restrictions apply, so please read the form carefully. A Guarantor Declaration can be used as a second acceptable document for proving Manitoba residency if you only have one document with your address on it.

To view eligible supporting documents that can be used, see the Acceptable Verifiable Resource List or use our Proving My Identity tool.

Translations

Documents in a language other than English or French will require translation. Translations will be accepted from:

• Any translation service listed in the Yellow Pages or the Yellow Pages web site under Translation and Interpreters.
• Any translator registered with the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Manitoba (ATIM) (www.atim.mb.ca).
• An embassy or consulate, on official letterhead.
• Any other designated settlement organizations that offer certified translation services to their clients, who are registered through the ATIM.

Translation requirements

Accepted translations must:

• Be an original document.
• Be on the translator’s or translation company’s letterhead. If the translator does not have letterhead, the translation and copies of translated licence should be stamped or signed by the translator.
• Show the translator’s company and contact information.
• Include a copy of the front and back of the translated document.

Key fields for translation

Submitted translations must include the key information for the specified documents below. Translated dates must be in a standard format (for example, dd/mm/yyyy), or otherwise clearly differentiate between the month, day, and year.

Driver’s licence

• Driver’s last name
• Driver’s given name(s)
• Date of birth
• Licence issue date
• Licence expiry date (if displayed on licence)
• Issuing agency/authority
• Licence number
• Category/class of vehicles the driver is authorized to drive
• Date first licence in each category/class authorized to drive (if displayed on licence)
• Additional information/licence restrictions (if displayed on licence)

Birth certificate

• Last name
• Given name
• Date of birth

Driver abstracts and claims experience letters

Translated driving history documents must contain the following fields in order to be accepted for Driver Safety Rating credit.

Driver abstract/Driver record

Translated fields from the driver abstract or driver record must contain all of the following information:

• Driver licence number
• Date of birth
• Issued/expiry dates
• Status of licence
• Classes and/or stages of licences held
• License restrictions
• Date first licensed
• Convictions, suspensions, or tickets (if any)
• Name of licensing authority
• Contact information for the licensing authority
• Accidents (if any)

Claims experience letter

Translated claims experience letters must contain the following information:

• Name and address of the policy holder
• Policy number
• Effective and expiry date of the policy
• Names of all drivers listed
• Insurer name
• Insurer contact information
• Claims (if any) made during the term of the policy. Claims information should include: date of loss, type of loss, percentage at-fault, and name of driver involved in the claim(s).

Gender markers

You have four gender marker options on a Manitoba driver’s licence or identification card:

• Male (M).
• Female (F).
• A non-binary gender marker option of X is available for anyone who is not exclusively male or female. This includes intersex, agender, amalgagender, androgynous, bigender, demigender, female-to-male, genderfluid, genderqueer, male-to-female, neutrois, nonbinary, pangender, third sex, transgender, transsexual and Two Spirit individuals. You can self-declare this option and do not require supporting identification.
• An undisclosed (blank) gender marker option is available for anyone who does not want to disclose their gender. You can self-declare this option and do not require supporting identification.

Note that changes to accommodate individuals with non-binary gender markers or undisclosed gender markers may not yet be adopted in all jurisdictions. If your Manitoba identification card or driver’s licence displays an X gender marker or a blank gender marker, MPI cannot guarantee your identification will be recognized in all jurisdictions or by all third-party organizations.

If you are applying for a driver’s licence or identification card for the first time and would like to self-declare your gender in a private setting, please contact us at 204-985-7000 to schedule an appointment.