Getting your Manitoba learner licence

By the end of this topic you can

• You can say who is old enough to apply for a Class 5L licence.
• You can list the five things your identity documents must prove.
• You can explain when parental consent is needed.
• You can describe what to do if you have a medical condition that may affect driving.
• You can outline the costs of the test and the first licence.

What you need to know and understand

• You must be at least 16, or 15 and a half if you are enrolled in a Driver Z high school course that is in progress.
• If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must give consent.
• You must register as an MPI customer and prove your identity before your knowledge test appointment.
• Your identity documents must include proof that you live in Manitoba.
• Medical conditions that may affect safe driving must be reported to MPI's Driver Fitness department before the knowledge test.
• After passing, you pay a $20 licence charge plus a base driver premium of up to $45, according to MPI (charges can change).

Step by step: from customer to learner

1. Check your age: 16, or 15 and a half with a Driver Z course currently in progress.
2. Register as an MPI customer at an Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre and show documents proving your identity.
3. If you are under 18, arrange parent or guardian consent.
4. Report any medical condition to Driver Fitness and wait for approval if a medical report is needed.
5. Book and pay for the knowledge test (MPI lists the cost as $12).
6. Pass the test and meet the vision and medical standards.
7. Pay the licence charge and premium and have your photo taken. You get a temporary certificate while your card is mailed.

What your documents must show

Manitoba follows North American identity standards to prevent identity theft. Your documents together must prove your birth date, your legal name, your photograph, that you live in Manitoba and that you are entitled to be in Canada. MPI has an online Proving My Identity tool that lists accepted documents; check it before you go so you are not turned away.

Vision, health and your new licence

If you cannot meet the minimum vision standard, even with glasses or contact lenses, you cannot get a licence. If you need corrective lenses to drive, that condition appears on your licence and you must wear them every time.

When you pass, you receive a temporary licence certificate valid for up to 45 days. Carry it until your one-piece photo licence arrives in the mail. Drivers under 18 get a licence showing the date of their 18th birthday. The handbook also points out that a Manitoba driver's licence cannot be used to cross the United States border.

Common mistakes

• Turning up for the knowledge test before registering as an MPI customer. Register first so your ID can be checked in advance.
• Forgetting parental consent if you are under 18. Sort it out before booking.
• Hiding a medical condition. Report it to Driver Fitness first, as the test cannot go ahead until any required report is approved.
• Leaving the temporary certificate at home. You must carry it while driving until your card arrives.

Test yourself: Getting your Manitoba learner licence

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• How to Get a Driver’s Licence in Manitoba
• Manitoba Driver Safety Rating
• Manitoba Intermediate Stage