Licensed to Drive in Manitoba
New drivers are three times more likely to have a car collision than experienced drivers. And because the first five years of driving are the most critical, a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program has been implemented in Manitoba. It's a "phased-in" approach to driving and the most effective way to encourage a life-long attitude of learning. Studies show that GDL programs significantly reduce the frequency of collisions among new drivers, as well as high injury and fatality rates.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
GDL is a three-step program that takes two years to complete before a license is granted. Regardless of age, novice drivers gradually gain experience under a lower-risk, more controlled environment. They receive the support, skills and experience needed to handle the complex task of driving. As the driver progresses through the steps, driving privileges gradually increase.

3 Stages of GDL
To move through the stages, drivers must demonstrate responsible driving behaviour, sound driving skills, and pass road tests.

  1. Learner Stage
  2. Intermediate Stage
  3. Full Stage

More information is available at the Division of Driver and Vehicle Licensing web site.

Stage #1: Learner (minimum 9 months)
The driver must:

  • be at least 16 years of age or older with parental or guardian approval; 15.5 years if enrolled in a Driver Education Program (for Class 5 license only)
  • pass a written knowledge test
  • have a zero blood alcohol level at all times
  • be accompanied by a supervising driver in the front seat. The supervising driver must be fully licensed for at least three years, and have a blood alcohol level under .05.

The driver is not permitted to:

  • carry passengers in the front seat
  • carry more passengers than seatbelts in the back seat
  • tow vehicles
  • operate a Class 3 motor vehicle registered as a farm truck
  • operate off-road vehicles along or across highways
  • take instruction in Classes 1-4

Stage #2: Intermediate* (minimum 15 months)
The driver must:

  • pass a road test to advance to Intermediate Stage
  • have zero blood alcohol level at all times

The driver may:

  • from 5 a.m. to midnight, have one passenger in the front seat and up to the number of functioning seatbelts in the back seat(s)
  • from midnight to 5 a.m., have either one passenger or a qualified supervising driver in the front seat, and up to the number of functioning seatbelts in the back seat(s)
  • tow vehicles
  • operate a Class 3 motor vehicle registered as a farm truck
  • operate off-road vehicles along or across highways (must be at least 18 years of age and meet medical standards)
  • apply for authorized instruction for Class 1-4 licences (must be at least 18 years of age and meet medical standards)

* Time served in the Intermediate stage in Class 6 will be applied to the Intermediate stage in Class 5. Therefore a driver is only required to complete the Intermediate stage once.

Stage #3: Full
The driver:

  • must have zero blood alcohol level for first 12 months
  • may upgrade to full Class 1-4 licence after passing appropriate tests (must be at least 18 years of age and meet medical standards)
  • may supervise after three years in full stage.

Components of a Manitoba Driver's Test:
In order to receive your licence, you must:

  1. pass the Learner & Intermediate Stages of Graduated Drivers Licensing
  2. pass the visual & medical requirements
  3. have been suspension-free for 12 months
  4. have valid proof of birth date
  5. have valid proof of identity

Safe driving habits for teens
It's the team effort of parents, driver education instructors and students that result in good driving behaviours. Parents can play a major role by sharing their hands-on experience as well as feelings about: driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs; peer pressure; cultural values; safety restraints; emotional control; and social responsibilities. By building a teen's confidence, skills, and good driving habits, parents can help them become safer drivers.

Teaming with your teen
Available from CAA, the Teaching Your Teens to Drive kit helps teens develop the skills needed for safe driving in all road and weather conditions. First, watch each of the 13 lessons contained in a 60-minute video. Next, use the 85-page handbook as a lesson planner. And finally, get behind the wheel to practice the step-by-step techniques. A handy checklist at the end of each chapter suggests suitable practice areas, length of sessions per manoeuvre, and offers tips to parents to ensure that practise time behind the wheel is quality time.

Where to get a Driver's Handbook
Handbooks are available:

  • to download online here
  • to pick up - at all Division of Driver and Vehicle Licensing (DDVL) offices and/or licensing franchises. Call the DDVL for the office nearest you, at 985-1100 (in Winnipeg) or 1-866-323-0544 (toll-free).

In Winnipeg:

  • 1075 Portage Avenue
  • 3137 Portage Avenue
  • 1006 Nairn Avenue
  • 1504 St. Mary's Road
  • 2188 McPhillips Street
  • 2020 Corydon Avenue

 

Contact      Sitemap      Newsroom