How licensing works in Manitoba
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) runs a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program with three stages: Learner (5L), Intermediate (5I) and Full (5F). You can start at 16, or at 15½ if you are taking high school driver education.
| Stage | How you get it | Minimum time |
|---|---|---|
| Learner (5L) | Pass the knowledge test and meet vision and medical standards | 9 months |
| Intermediate (5I) | Pass the Class 5 road test | 15 months |
| Full (5F) | Finish the Intermediate stage | Zero alcohol and drugs for the first 36 months |
Time only counts while your licence is active. If your licence is interrupted, that time does not count toward the minimum.
Learner stage rules
- Supervisor: must have been fully licensed for at least 3 years, have a blood alcohol level under .05 and not fail a drug screening test.
- Front seat: only the supervising driver may sit there.
- Back seat: passengers up to the number of working rear seatbelts.
- No alcohol or drugs in your system.
- No towing, no Class 3 farm truck, and no off-road vehicles on or across highways.
Intermediate stage rules
- No alcohol or drugs in your system.
- 5 a.m. to midnight: one front passenger, plus back-seat passengers up to the number of seatbelts.
- Midnight to 5 a.m.: only one passenger, unless a qualified supervising driver sits in the front seat.
- Towing is allowed.
Full stage
In the Full stage you must still have no alcohol or drugs in your system for the first 36 months. After three years in the Full stage, you may supervise a learner.
The Class 5 knowledge test
The knowledge test is a computer test with a 30-minute time limit. It is not open book, and phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the test area.
- Languages: English, French and 28 other languages, with audio for every language. Choose your language and audio when you book.
- Booking: usually by appointment, up to 60 days ahead, through an Autopac agent or MPI’s website. Walk-ins are offered at the Gateway Service Centre in Winnipeg on weekdays. Buy the test first, then bring proof of purchase and valid ID.
- ID: register as an MPI customer and confirm your identity before you book.
- Vision and medical: you must meet the vision and medical standards. Tell Driver Fitness first if you have a condition that could affect driving.
- Retakes: if you fail while in the GDL program, wait 7 days.
Getting ready for the road test
You can take the Class 5 road test once you are 16 and have held your 5L licence for at least nine months. If you fail, you must wait 14 days. After three failures, you need at least five hours of instruction from an MPI-permitted driving school before a fourth test.
Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, in good working order and has a working passenger-seat headrest. Cancel or change your test at least 24 hours ahead to avoid losing your fee.
Road tests are held on weekdays, except holidays, with Saturday appointments in Winnipeg. If you live in Winnipeg, you take the road test at the Winnipeg Service Centre. Everyone else books at the closest location. If you are under 18, you need a parent’s or guardian’s consent to buy services online, and anyone booking a road test for someone else needs written consent.
Test-day tips
- Bring proof that you bought the test and valid ID.
- Wear your glasses or contacts if you need them. Your licence will show if you must wear them to drive.
- Leave your phone outside the test area.
- Use the audio option if reading English is slow for you.
- Choose the safest legal answer when you are not sure.
Keep studying
This guide covers Manitoba’s own licensing rules. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, signals, lanes, parking and school buses, are in the national Canada driving study guide. Read it too, and use the Manitoba Driver’s Handbook for full details.