Driver License Types & How to Get a Driver’s License in Manitoba

Getting a driver’s license is a milestone for all aspiring drivers. In Manitoba, getting a driver’s license is an easy process, and all new drivers can easily tackle the steps. Before knowing how to get a driver’s license, you need to understand the types of licenses and the eligibility to obtain these licenses. Whether you are a new resident, an international student, or a first-time driver, this guide will help you understand the different types of licenses and the steps to obtain a driver’s license in Manitoba. 

Driver License Types in Manitoba 

Manitoba has six classes of driver’s licenses for different types of vehicles and driving needs. 

Class 1: Semi-Trailer Trucks 

• The minimum age required for this driving license is 18 years of age. 

• This driver’s license allows you to drive semi-trailer trucks and covers all vehicles in Classes 2, 3, 4, and 5. For those who need to drive large commercial vehicles across Canada, you need this license type. 

Class 2: Buses 

• The minimum age required to obtain a Class 2 driver’s license is 18 years of age. 

• This license type allows you to drive trucks with more than two axles and certain combinations of vehicles that do not include semi-trailers. This license type includes all vehicles in Classes 4 and 5. 

Class 3: Large Trucks 

• The minimum age required to obtain this license is 18 years of age. 

• A Class 3 license allows you to drive trucks with more than two axles and certain combinations of vehicles that do not include semi-trailers. This license includes all vehicles in Classes 4 and 5. 

Class 4: Emergency Vehicles and Small Buses 

• The minimum age required to get a Class 4 license is 18 years of age. 

• This license type allows you to drive ambulances, emergency vehicles, and smaller buses with 10–24 passengers. This license includes all vehicles in Class 5. 

Class 5: Standard Passenger Vehicles 

• The minimum age required to get a standard passenger vehicle license is 16 years or 15 ½ if enrolled in MPI’s Driver Z program. 

• This license type allows you to drive most cars, light trucks, vans, and SUVs. This is the most common license. Allowing you to drive standard passenger vehicles. 

Class 6: Motorcycles 

• The minimum age required to get a Class 6 driver’s license is 16 years of age. 

• A Class 6 driver’s license allows you to drive motorcycles. 

Air Brake Endorsement: If you plan to drive vehicles equipped with air brakes, you will need an Air Brake Endorsement in addition to your regular license. This endorsement is necessary for operating larger commercial vehicles safely. 

How to Get a Driver’s License in Manitoba 

For New Drivers 

If you are taking a driver’s license for the first time, you will need to go through Manitoba’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. 

Age: You must be at least 16 years of age. 

Study the Driver’s Handbook: Start studying the Manitoba Driver’s Handbook, which covers all the rules and regulations you need to know. 

Take the Written Test: You must take the MPI Knowledge Test to get a learner’s permit. Pay a fee of $10 for taking the test. Preparing for a driver’s knowledge test can be challenging. However, we make it easy for all new learners with our Manitoba MPI Quiz practice test designed to help you succeed on your first try. 

Hold the Learner’s Permit: Upon successful completion of the written test, get your learner’s permit and practice driving for at least 9 months. 

Take the Road Test: Within 9 months of obtaining your learner’s permit, you could apply to take a road test. After completing the road test, you will receive an intermediate license. You must pay a fee of $30 for taking the test. 

Get Your Full License: After holding your intermediate license for 15 months, you will receive a full, unrestricted driver’s license. For a first-time license, you must pay a fee of $20. 

For Experienced Drivers 

International Drivers: If you are from countries such as the U.S., South Korea, Germany, or the UK, you can exchange your valid license for a Manitoba license without taking a written test or road test. For other countries, you must pass both of these tests. 

Pass the Tests: Pass both the written test and road test to get the driver’s license. 

New Canadian Residents 

If you hold a valid license from another Canadian province, you can easily exchange it for a Manitoba license. 

Age: You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for the Manitoba driver’s license. 

Visit the Office: You must visit an Autopac agent to apply for the license. 

Submit the Documents: Provide your out-of-province license and a valid ID. 

Pay the Fee: Pay the necessary fee to get a Manitoba driver’s license. 

Getting your driver’s license in Manitoba starts by understanding the step-by-step procedures. Whether you are a new driver or an experienced driver who moved from a different province or country, our comprehensive guide will help you understand all the procedures for obtaining a Manitoba driver’s license. For all information related to driver’s licenses in Canada, visit our Canada driver’s license website.