In Manitoba, a Class 5 licence allows you to operate a passenger vehicle, a bus (not carrying passengers), a truck with two axles as well as a moped and Class 3 vehicle registered as a farm truck. Find out more here.

To obtain a Full Stage Class 5 licence, 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.
  • Establish your identification and register as a Manitoba Public Insurance customer.
  • Meet the required vision and medical standards.
  • Pass a knowledge test.
  • Complete the Learner Stage (minimum nine months).
  • Pass a road test.
  • Complete the Intermediate Stage (minimum 15 months).

Establishing your identity and registering as a customer

You will need to register as a customer before you can schedule your knowledge test appointment.

This will speed up the process because we can begin verifying your identification right away. That means your photo card can be processed without delay once you’ve passed the test.

You’ll also avoid any surprises or delays that could result on the day of the test if you don’t bring the right identification.

Find out how to establish your identity and register as a customer here.

Vision and medical standards

If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely, you must inform Driver Fitness before taking the knowledge test:

Driver Fitness
Box 6300
Winnipeg Manitoba R3C 4A4
Phone: 204-985-1900 or toll-free 1-866-617-6676

If a medical report is required, it must be approved by Driver Fitness before you can take the knowledge test.

Those who fail to meet minimum vision standards, with or without corrective lenses, cannot obtain a driver’s licence. If corrective lenses are required for driving, this will be indicated on your licence.

Knowledge test

About the test

The Class 5 knowledge test assesses your knowledge of traffic laws, safe driving practices and recognition of road signs. To prepare for your knowledge test, review the Driver’s Handbook and take our driving quizzes.

Cost

A knowledge test costs $10.

Time limits and guidelines

There is a 30-minute time limit to complete a knowledge test. It is not an open book test. It is administered using a computer.

Cell phones and electronic devices are not allowed in the test area.

Languages

Knowledge tests are available in English and French. In addition, we provide knowledge testing in 28 other languages:

Amharic

Kurdish

Arabic

Lao

Bosnian

Low German

Simplified Chinese

Polish

Cree

Portuguese

Croatian

Punjabi

Czech

Romanian

Farsi

Russian

German (High)

Saulteaux

Hindi

Serbian

Hungarian

Spanish

Italian

Tagalog

Khmer

Ukrainian

Korean

Vietnamese

Please specify your language preference and needs when booking your appointment.

Next steps

After passing a knowledge test and meeting the visual and medical standards, you will be required to purchase a licence for $20, plus base driver premium charges of up to $45 and any applicable additional driver premium. With this licence, you will be in the Learner Stage of the GDL program for a minimum of nine months.

If you are in the GDL program and are not successful on your knowledge test, there is a seven-day waiting period before you may take the test again.

If you are outside of the GDL program, you can repeat a knowledge test the next working day.

Road test – About the test

Once you can perform the basic driving techniques, are at least 16 years of age and have held a Learner’s stage Class 5 licence for at least nine months, you can take a road test.

The Class 5 road test not only measures your ability to operate a Class 5 vehicle, it also identifies errors that need to be corrected. 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. For a full list of driving skills and details on how to perform them safely on your test and beyond, please review your Driver’s Handbook.

It is not permissible to use any device to record a road test, road test route or make any recording (visual or audio) of any MPI employee, any person attending an MPI testing site or any individual taking an MPI-conducted driver examination.

Location

Road tests must be booked at your closest location. Winnipeg residents must take their Class 5 road test at Winnipeg Service Centre.

Cost

A road test costs $30.

Languages

All road tests are conducted in English or French. Examiners use straightforward and clear language when giving directions. To prepare for the road test, you should be familiar with the following terms:

  • This street right turn
  • This street left turn
  • When safe lane change left
  • When safe lane change right
  • Stop

Only the examiner and the driver are allowed in the vehicle during the road test.

If you are not fluent in English, we recommend you bring an English speaking person with you to the appointment so they can help translate basic instructions and expectations before the road test begins. They can also translate the results after your road test is completed. Please note: This person can’t come with you on the road test.

Class 5 road test scoring

A class 5 road test will be discontinued as soon as one of the following occurs:

  • The driver fails the parallel parking exercise.
  • The driver causes interference with other road users.
  • The driver causes a collision with another road user or object.
  • The driver commits a serious traffic offence or dangerous action.
  • The driver has to be assisted by the driver examiner.
  • The driver accumulates 11 general errors on the road test.

Whenever possible, the parallel parking exercise will be performed at the start of the test.

As soon as one of these actions occurs, the driver examiner will direct the driver back to the service centre or mobile location. The driver must request, schedule, and pay for another road test to make another attempt.

Road test – Preparing for the test

Review the rules of the road

To pass your test, you need to be able to perform a number of driving skills and techniques, including:

For a full list of driving skills and details on how to perform them safely on your test and beyond, please review your Driver’s Handbook.

Top 10 driving tips

After analyzing the top high-risk driving behaviours shown during road tests, below are the top 10 tips to correct dangerous actions and keep our roads safe for all Manitobans:

1. Exceeding the posted speed limit (especially in school zones).

How to do it right

2. & 3. Unable to properly parallel park within three attempts or four minutes, and striking the poles within parallel parking.

How to do it right

4. & 5. Failing to make a proper left turn, and turning in front of oncoming traffic.

How to do it right

6. Proceeding from a stop sign when it’s not safe because of pedestrians or other vehicles.

How to do it right

7. Entering an intersection on a red light or entering on a late yellow light and failing to clear before the light turns red.

How to do it right

8. Stopping unnecessarily where there’s no stop sign or other traffic control device.

How to do it right

9. Failing to shoulder check and signal when changing lanes.

How to do it right

10. Failing to signal when leaving a parked position on a street.

How to do it right

Road test – Components of the test

Ensure you bring your valid 5L or 5A driver’s licence and a valid registration certificate for the vehicle you will be using, or your test will be cancelled.

Your driver’s licence cannot be expired or lapsed.

Take the time to review the restrictions (found listed on the back of your licence) carefully. You must comply with any and all of those listed on your licence at the time of your road rest. If you feel any are incorrect, you must have them corrected at a MPI Service Centre prior to your road test appointment. It can’t be corrected at the time of your appointment.

You must supply a vehicle in good working order and a Vehicle Registration Certificate, confirming the vehicle is properly registered and insured. The vehicle must have adequate seating for the driver examiner. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the road test with your fees not being refunded. Road tests will not be conducted in infrastructure or agricultural equipment.

There are five parts to a road test in Manitoba:

1. Greeting

You must check in 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If you fail to do so, your test may be cancelled. You will need to pay to rebook your test.

At some service centres, you may be asked to participate in a virtual driver assessment. This pilot assessment will add an additional 15-minutes to your road test appointment.

You must have a supervising driver with you when checking in for your road test appointment. This individual will not be permitted in the car during the test with you but must be present when you check in.

After you check in and complete the virtual driver assessment, a driver examiner calls you, introduces him or herself, checks your documents, and asks you to sign the road test sheet.

You will then proceed to your vehicle together.

2. Vehicle check

The examiner will ask you to get in and start the vehicle.

He/she checks the vehicle to ensure it meets safety standards. If there are vehicle deficiencies, the road test may be cancelled.

3. Explanation of the test

The examiner will explain how the test will be conducted. This is your only opportunity to ask questions. The examiner will not answer questions about the rules of the road while on the test. So, if you are unsure about anything, ask at this stage.

4. On-road portion

Test applicants will be asked to demonstrate the following skills throughout the testing period:

  • Vehicle condition and equipment: The examiner will ask you to check basic operating features of your vehicle.
  • Vehicle control: You must demonstrate the ability to control the vehicle when starting, stopping, steering, shifting, signaling, backing, parking and turning.
  • You will have four minutes or three attempts to parallel park within the 1.85 m by 7.5 m space. Each attempt consists of three movements of the vehicle (backwards, forward and then backward again). You must successfully park within 18 inches (or 46 cm) from the curb, without going over it or hitting a pole.
  • Rules of the road: You must demonstrate full knowledge of all rules of the road.
  • Observation: You must demonstrate the ability to observe all relevant conditions around the vehicle by using the mirrors correctly. You must check behind and in the blind spots and must look well ahead to anticipate changing traffic situations and conditions.

5. Explanation of the test results

Once the road test is complete, the examiner will review your test results with you and answer any questions you may have.

Next steps

After passing a road test, you will move to the Intermediate Stage of the GDL Program for a minimum of 15 months. After that period with no infractions, you will earn a Full Class 5 licence.

After an unsuccessful road test, there is a 14-day waiting period before you may take the test again. You can schedule your appointment for any time after this waiting period is over.

After three unsuccessful road test attempts, you are required to take a minimum of five hours of professional instruction from a driving school with a permit from MPI before booking a fourth road test. Five hours of professional instruction will also be required before booking each road test after your fourth road test. 

A signed Driving Instruction Verification form, including the driving instructor’s permit number, must be presented to an Autopac agent in order to pay for and book the fourth attempt. An additional five hours of driving instruction will be required prior to each additional attempt.

All driving schools must have a valid permit from MPI. To ensure a school has a valid permit, customers should ask the school or instructor to see their permit or contact the Permit Unit at 204-985-8063 or [email protected].

How to book

Appointments

Most knowledge and road tests are by appointment only. Visit an Autopac agent or use our website to pay for your test and schedule your appointment. You can schedule your appointment 60 days in advance. Walk-in knowledge tests are available at Cityplace (2nd floor) in Winnipeg on weekdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m. (For walk-in testing, customers must first visit a Service Centre or Autopac agent to purchase the test, and then attend the walk-in location with proof of purchase and valid ID.)

Minors require parental consent, provided at an Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre, to purchase services online.

Both knowledge and road tests are conducted during weekdays only (with the exception of holidays). Saturday appointments are available in Winnipeg.

Your Autopac agent can provide you with details of available appointments at any testing location. See Mobile Test Unit locations and schedules for customers outside of Winnipeg.

Please note: You will need to give written consent for another individual, including a parent or legal guardian, to purchase and book a road test on your behalf. This requirement is dictated by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) which prohibits us from releasing any information about another customer without their written consent.

Location

Road tests must be booked at your closest location. Winnipeg residents must take their Class 5 road test at Winnipeg Service Centre.

Rescheduling or cancelling your appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you must notify your Autopac agent or change your appointment online at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you will forfeit the service and any applicable fees.

In Manitoba, a Class 6 (Motorcycle) licence allows you to operate a motorcycle. Learn more here.

To obtain a Full Class 6 licence, you must:

  • Hold a valid licence of any other class and be at least 16 years of age.
  • Pass a knowledge test and meet the vision and medical standards.
  • Successfully complete an approved motorcycle training course.
  • Complete the Learner Stage (minimum 9 months).
  • Pass a road test.
  • Complete the Intermediate Stage (minimum 15 months).

Knowledge test

About the test

A knowledge test on the safe operation of a motorcycle is required to obtain a Class 6 (Motorcycle) licence. To prepare for your test, review the Motorcycle Handbook.

This is not an open book test and it is administered using a computer. Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the test area. Only one knowledge test is allowed per day.

Languages

All knowledge tests are conducted in English or French. Specify your language preference when booking your appointment.

Cost

A knowledge test costs $10.

Next steps

If you are in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, there is a seven-day waiting period to retake the knowledge test if you are unsuccessful.

If you are outside of GDL, you are eligible to repeat a knowledge test the next working day.

Once you have passed the knowledge test, you will be issued a Class 6M (Motorcycle Training Course) licence that will allow you take a motorcycle training course only. Learn more about this stage.

Motorcycle training course

Prior to obtaining a Motorcycle Learner Licence, first-time motorcycle applicants must complete an approved motorcycle training course.

A motorcycle training course is an approved one-day practical course that will provide you 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 more information on the recognized motorcycle training courses available.

Next steps

Once you have passed a Motorcycle Training Course, you will be issued a Class 6L (Learner) licence. Time spent in the M stage does not count toward the nine-month Learner stage. Learn more about this stage.

Road test

About the test

The road test not only measures your ability to operate a motorcycle, it also identifies errors that need to be corrected. There are two steps in this process:

  1. Identify all motorcycle controls, describe their functions and demonstrate their use.
  2. Operate your motorcycle in typical traffic situations in a safe and legal manner.

You must supply a motorcycle in good working order and produce a Vehicle Registration Certificate confirming the vehicle is properly registered and insured. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of the road test with your fees not being refunded.

To prepare for your road test, review the Motorcycle Handbook.

It is not permissible to use any device to record a road test, road test route or make any recording (visual or audio) of any MPI employee, any person attending an MPI testing site or any individual taking an MPI-conducted driver examination.

Languages

All road tests are conducted in English or French. Specify your language preference when booking your appointment.

Cost

A road test costs $30.

Next steps

Once you have passed the road test, you will be issued a Class 6I (Intermediate) licence. Learn more about this stage and the steps to obtaining a Full (F) Stage licence.

If you fail the road test, there is a 14-day waiting period to retake it.

How to book

Appointments

The motorcycle testing season runs from May 1 to Oct. 30. However, if weather conditions permit, road tests may be scheduled sooner or later.

You can schedule your test appointment up to eight weeks in advance. All applicants are subject to a nine-month learning period before they are eligible to take a motorcycle road test.

Most knowledge and road tests are by appointment only. Visit an Autopac agent or use our website to pay for your test and schedule your test appointment. Walk-in knowledge tests are available at Cityplace (2nd floor) in Winnipeg on weekdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m. (For walk-in testing, customers must first visit a Service Centre or Autopac agent to purchase the test, and then attend the walk-in location with proof of purchase and valid ID.)

Minors require parental consent, provided at an Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre, to purchase services online. They are not eligible to book Class 6 knowledges tests online, but can book the subsequent road test.

Both knowledge and road tests are conducted during weekdays only (with the exception of holidays).

Your Autopac agent can provide you with details of available appointments at any testing location. See Mobile Test Unit locations and schedules for customers outside of Winnipeg.

Please note: You will need to give written consent for another individual, including a parent or legal guardian, to purchase and book a road test on your behalf. This requirement is dictated by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) which prohibits us from releasing any information about another customer without their written consent.

Note: Customers whose Class 6 road tests were cancelled during the labour interruption will not be rescheduled. Impacted customers will be able to either get a refund for their booking, or their payment can remain on their account and the customer can book a new appointment in spring 2024.

Rescheduling or cancelling your appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you must notify your Autopac agent or change your appointment online at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you will forfeit the service and any applicable fees.

Obtaining your licence

In Manitoba, our class licence system recognizes the professional from the non-professional driver. With a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence, you are able to operate vehicles like semi-trailer trucks, school and passenger buses as well as emergency vehicles. Learn more here.

To obtain a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence, you must:

  • Hold a minimum Class 5I or Class 5A driver’s licence for Classes 2-4.
  • Hold a minimum Class 5F licence for Class 1.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Meet the required visual and medical standards for the applicable class.
  • Pass a knowledge test.
  • Apply for Authorized Instruction.
  • Pass a road test. (Minimum Class 5F licence required to take road test.)

See additional information about obtaining a Class 1 licence.

Knowledge test

About the test

For Class 1, 2, 3, 4, Air Brake and School Bus knowledge tests, applicants must pass the knowledge test for the class of licence they are applying for. The content of these tests are based on the Professional Driver’s Handbook and the Air Brake Manual.

This is not an open book test. Cell phones or electronic devices cannot be used during the test. There is a 30-minute time limit to complete a knowledge test.

Only one knowledge test per class of licence (Class 1 to 4) is allowed per day.

Applicants must have a 5L licence before they are eligible to write the air brake knowledge test.

Languages

Knowledge tests for Class 1 and Air Brake are available in English, French or Punjabi.

All other knowledge tests, including Class 2, 3, 4 and School Bus are only available in English and French.

Please specify your language preference when booking your appointment.

Cost

Knowledge tests are $10 per test.

Next steps

Once you pass a knowledge test, you must apply for Authorized Instruction in that class.

If you fail a Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or Air Brake knowledge test, you are eligible to retake the test on the next working day.

Authorized Instruction

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

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

Holders of Authorized Instruction must be accompanied by a person who holds a valid driver’s licence and has held a minimum Class 5F driver’s 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.

Next steps

Applicants for 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. See additional information about obtaining a Class 1 licence. To take a road test in Classes 1-4, the driver must hold a Class 5F driver’s licence.

Road test

About the test

All professional driving road tests not only measure your ability to operate a specific class of vehicle, they also identify errors that need to be corrected. To prepare for a road test, review the Professional Driver’s Manual.

Only one road test per class of licence (Class 1 to 4) is allowed per day.

See information about obtaining a Class 1 licence.

It is not permissible to use any device to record a road test, road test route or make any recording (visual or audio) of any MPI employee, any person attending an MPI testing site, or any individual taking an MPI-conducted driver examination.

Languages

All road tests are conducted in English or French. Please specify your language preference when booking your appointment.

Test guidelines

You must bring a vehicle in good working order and produce a Vehicle Registration Certificate confirming the vehicle is properly registered and insured. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the road test.

A pre-trip inspection of the vehicle will also be needed for Class 1, 2, 3 and school bus tests.

Please note: Regeneration of Class 1 vehicles is not permitted at Manitoba Public Insurance testing locations. If regeneration is required at the time of a test, you will be asked to remove the vehicle from the testing site.

You will be required to operate your vehicle in typical traffic situations in a safe and legal manner and will be evaluated on your driving skills.

Only authorized Manitoba Public Insurance employees may ride with you during the test.

Cost

  • Class 1 licence: $50
  • Class 2 or 3 licence: $45
  • Class 4 licence: $35
  • Air brake: $30*

*There is no additional charge for the practical air brake test if you are taking a road test for a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence and the vehicle you are using for the test is equipped with air brakes.

Next steps

If you fail the road test, you are eligible to retake it the next working day.

How to book

Please note: Effective November 1, 2024, after three failed road test attempts, you will be required to take a minimum of five hours of professional instruction before booking a fourth road test. Five hours of professional instruction will also be required before booking each road test after your fourth road test. 

Appointments

Most knowledge and road tests are by appointment only. Effective April 1, 2024, all Winnipeg MELT students who reside in Winnipeg and have taken their training in Winnipeg, must also take their Class 1 road test in Winnipeg.

Visit an Autopac agent to pay for your test and schedule your appointment. Walk-in knowledge tests are available at Cityplace (2nd floor) in Winnipeg on weekdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1- 4 p.m. (For walk-in testing, customers must first visit a Service Centre or Autopac agent to purchase the test, and then attend the walk-in location with proof of purchase, valid ID and a completed Medical Examination Report.)

You can schedule your test appointment up to eight weeks in advance.

Both knowledge and road tests are conducted during weekdays only (with the exception of holidays). Saturday appointments are available in Winnipeg.

Your Autopac agent can provide you with details of available appointments at any testing location.

Please note: You will need to give written consent for another individual, including a parent or legal guardian, to purchase and book a road test on your behalf. This requirement is dictated by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) which prohibits us from releasing any information about another customer without their written consent.

In Manitoba, there are six classes of driver’s licences to cover all vehicles permitted on our roads. Each class has its own requirements – see testing requirement for a passenger vehicle, a professional vehicle, or a motorcycle.

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 of Canada, the United States or other jurisdictions whose licences are not exchangeable.

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

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

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