Supervised practice and driver education in Manitoba

By the end of this topic you can

• You can list the conditions a supervising driver must meet.
• You can explain where the supervisor and other passengers must sit.
• You can describe what MPI's Driver Z course involves.
• You can check whether a driving school holds a valid MPI permit.

What you need to know and understand

• A supervising driver must hold a valid licence and have held a Class 5 Full licence for at least three years.
• The supervisor must have a blood alcohol concentration under .05 and must not fail a drug screening test.
• The supervisor is the only front-seat passenger; others sit in the back, one per working seatbelt.
• Driver Z is MPI's high school driver education program, offered at a subsidized $50.
• Driver Z students must log at least 45 hours of practice with a supervising driver.
• All driving schools must hold a valid permit from MPI.

Choosing the right person beside you

Your supervisor is not just a passenger. They are legally responsible for guiding you, so they must be fully licensed for at least three years, sober (below .05 blood alcohol) and drug-free. Only the supervisor may sit up front. Anyone else rides in the back, and only up to the number of working rear seatbelts.

Outside Driver Z, the handbook does not set a minimum number of practice hours before the road test. You still need at least nine months in the Learner Stage, so use that time well: aim for regular drives in different conditions rather than a rush at the end.

How Driver Z works

Driver Z is a one-year course for Manitoba high school students who will be at least 15 and a half by the date of the course knowledge test. It mixes eLessons, weekly in-person or virtual classes and weekly in-car lessons once you hold your 5L licence. Students also need at least one co-pilot, an MPI customer who logs in to confirm practice time, and a supervising driver (they can be the same person).

To complete the course you must finish the online work, attend classes, take the in-car lessons, log a minimum of 45 supervised practice hours and complete a one-hour readiness assessment. The course charge includes one knowledge test.

Professional lessons for any age

Adults and anyone not in Driver Z can learn with a driving school. MPI issues permits to driving schools on behalf of the province. Ask to see the instructor's permit, or contact MPI's Permit Unit, before you pay. If you fail the road test three times, professional lessons become compulsory before you can book again.

Common mistakes

• Practising with a friend who passed last year. They need three years in the Full Stage to supervise.
• Letting a second friend ride in the front seat. Only the supervisor may sit there.
• Practising only on quiet streets. Build up to busier roads, highways, night and winter driving.
• Booking lessons without checking the school's MPI permit.

Test yourself: Supervised practice and driver education in Manitoba

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

Go deeper

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