Manitoba Public Insurance > Driver Licencing

This requirement under Manitoba law is aligned with North American standards. Verifying identity before we issue a driver’s licence helps to protect all Manitobans from identity theft. It also ensures that Manitoba driver’s licences are issued only to those who are in our country legally, whether as citizens or visitors.

To prove your identity, you will need supporting documents that establish six key elements:

Birth Date
Full Legal Name (If your surname differs from the surname on your birth certificate, a second document such as a Marriage Certificate is required.)
Signature
Photograph
Manitoba Residence and Permanent Address (At least two supporting documents are required to prove that you reside in Manitoba.)
Entitlement to be in Canada

To take a Class 5 knowledge test, you need to be at least 16 years of age or 15½ if enrolled in the Driver Education Program and meet medical standards. You will need to obtain the approval of a parent or guardian if you are under 18 years of age.

To take a Class 1 to 4 knowledge test, you need to be at least 18 years of age and file an approved medical report.

To take a Class 6 knowledge test, you need to be at least 16, have parental or guardian approval if under 18, and hold a valid Manitoba driver's licence.

To help you pass the knowledge and road tests, study the appropriate handbook.

Knowledge and Road test charges
Manitoba Public Insurance Locations

I am a new resident in Manitoba, how do I obtain a driver's licence?

If you hold a valid driver's licence from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., you can surrender your valid driver's licence and obtain a Manitoba licence. You must appear in person at any one of our service centres or Autopac agents, produce identification, and pay all charges. If you are surrendering a class 1-4 licence, you will need to complete a medical report.

If you hold a driver's licence from any other country, or if you do not hold a valid driver's licence, you may need to take and pass Manitoba's knowledge, road, and vision tests. See our Driver Licensing section for more information.

I am temporarily out-of-province on business, on vacation, or in school. How can I renew my driver's licence?

Write to:

Manitoba Public Insurance,
Driver Licensing
Box 6300
Winnipeg MB R3C 4A4

or fax us at (204) 954-5338.

Let us know where you are, why you're there (on vacation, attending university, etc.), and when you will be coming back. Sign the letter and provide a phone number and fax number where you can be contacted.

What do I do if I am an out-of-province student in Manitoba?

If you are a full-time student you may use your valid driver's licence. If you decide to stay in Manitoba after finishing your education, you will need to replace your current licence with a Manitoba licence within three months.

If your licence is not from Canada or the U.S., you will need to go to any one of our service centres. You must produce:

a valid driver's licence;
a letter from your Manitoba school or university confirming your student status; and
your passport or immigration papers.

You will be given a student authorization letter to carry with your licence. This letter authorizes you to drive using your home country licence.

How do I obtain a higher class of licence (Class 1, 2, 3, or 4)?

To obtain a higher class of licence you will need to:

Provide a medical examination report completed by a medical practitioner. This report needs to be approved by us. These forms are available at our service centres.
Study the Professional Driver's Manual or Air Brake manual.
Pay a charge for, and then pass the supplementary knowledge test for the class of licence for which you are applying.
A Manitoba Class 1, 2, or 3 driver's licence is acceptable as a Commercial Driver's Licence in the United States. Manitoba drivers need only to produce a valid class 1, 2 or 3 driver's licence as proof of medical fitness to drive commercial vehicles in the United States. The Canadian/United States reciprocity agreement is extended to all drivers with four exceptions:
- Class 1, 2, 3 drivers with insulin diabetes;
- Class 1, and 3 drivers who do not meet Manitoba's minimum hearing requirements to transport dangerous goods;
- Class 1, 2, 3 drivers operating under a medical waiver or who are operating under medical grandfather rights; or
- Class 1, 2, 3 drivers who have been diagnosed with epilepsy.

Records

How do I obtain a copy of my driver's record (abstract)?

To request your driver record, you can go in person to an Autopac agent or any one of our service centres and pay the $10 per record charge. If the record is for someone other than yourself, you must have written permission from that driver.

To request a driver record by mail or fax you need to provide:

A signed, written request including your full name, date of birth, driver licence number and return mailing address or return fax number.

Mail your written request along with a cheque or money order for $10.00 per record payable to the Manitoba Public Insurance to:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Driver Records and Suspensions
Box 6300
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4A4

Fax your request including your credit card information (Visa/MasterCard and expiry date) to Driver Records and Suspensions at 204-954-5357.

Once your driver record request has been processed, we will mail or fax the driver record according to the instructions in your written request.

Can someone else obtain a driver's record for me?

Yes, if you sign a letter of consent authorizing that person to pick up your record.

You will need to provide us with your full name, date of birth, driver licence number, and the name of the person picking up your record. This letter should be signed and dated. The person must show his/her personal identification.

Contact Records at 985-0980 if you have any questions.

What is shown in my driver's record?

The driver record contains your name, address, driver licence number, date of birth, sex, height, eye color, licence effective date, licence expiry date, class, authorized instruction, air brakes, motorcycle instruction expiry date, probationary expiry date, conditions effective and expiry date (if applicable), licence status, test year, licence class restrictions (if any), at-fault accidents, convictions*, active and expired suspensions, disqualifications and prohibitions.

* a discharge under the Criminal Code of Canada for certain driving related offences may be treated as a conviction under the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act.

Authorized instruction allows a learner to drive a vehicle of a designated class.
The Conditions Addendum displays conditions which are imposed on the driver's licence.
Reported traffic convictions and accidents are on your driver record for at least five years. Reported Criminal Code convictions remain on your driver record for at least 10 years.

What is a driver experience letter and how do I request one?

This letter states when you obtained your Manitoba driver's licence, when it expired and includes all the particulars found on your driver's licence.

To request a driver's experience letter by mail you need to provide:

a signed, written request from the driver. You need to provide your full name, birthdate, as well as the date your last Manitoba driver's licence expired.

send your request along with a $10.00 cheque or money order payable to Manitoba Public Insurance to:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Driver Records
Box 6300
Winnipeg MB R3C 4A4

Once the letter is prepared, we will mail or fax the letter back to you according to your instructions.

What is a letter of confirmation and how do I request one?

This letter confirms if a driver held a valid driver's licence on a specific date or for a specific time period, and includes the licence class, licence expiry date and any restrictions.

To request a letter of confirmation by mail you need to provide

a signed, written request from the driver. You need to provide your full name, birthdate, as well as the date your last Manitoba driver's licence expired.
send your request along with a $10.00 cheque or money order payable to the Manitoba Public Insurance to:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Driver Licensing
Box 6300
Winnipeg MB R3C 4A4

OR

You can also request your driver experience letter at any one of our service centres.

Once the letter is prepared, we will mail or fax the letter back to you according to your instructions.

Can I get a letter that shows any traffic convictions or accidents on my driving record?

Yes. You can get two types of letters: a merit letter, and a Driver Safety Rating Movement Letter. These letters differ from a driver’s abstract, which shows your whole driving record.

A merit letter lists your convictions or accidents before you switched over to Driver Safety Rating. It costs $10. You can ask for one by mail, or in person.

A Driver Safety Rating Movement Letter lists your convictions and accidents under Driver Safety Rating. It’s free. To get yours, go to any Autopac agent.

How to ask for a merit letter, by mail:

Write us, and sign your request. Here’s what else to include:

your full name,
your birth date,
when your last Manitoba driver's licence expired
a cheque for $10, payable to Manitoba Public Insurance

Mail your request to:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Driver Licensing
Box 6300
Winnipeg MB R3C 4A4

How to ask for a merit letter, in person

Write a cheque for $10, payable to Manitoba Public Insurance.
With your cheque, go to any one of our service centres and ask for your letter.

Accident Reports

How do I obtain a copy of my accident report?

For an accident which occurred in Winnipeg, contact:

Winnipeg Police Services,
151 Princess Street,
Winnipeg, MB

For accidents occurring outside Winnipeg, contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Driver Records and Suspensions
Box 6300
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4A4

in person, or through mail.

To obtain a copy of the accident report, you and your legal representative or company need to have been involved in the accident. For information about any accident occurring outside Manitoba, you need to write to that police jurisdiction.

Driver Improvement & Control

How will this program affect me?

It won't affect you if you drive safely. Driving safely means not being convicted of driving offences and not causing any accidents.

I am a senior. Will this program affect me?

Not unless your driving behaviour requires it. Age by itself isn't a factor.

If I am a new driver and found to be driving with alcohol in my blood, what will happen to me?

Under GDL, novice drivers found with a blood alcohol level of .08 or lower while driving will receive an immediate 24-hour roadside suspension. In addition, you will be required to attend a Show Cause Hearing to consider a further driver licence suspension.

If you are found with a blood alcohol level of over .08 or refuse to provide a sample, Manitoba's existing tough drinking and driving countermeasures will apply. These include:

vehicle impoundment
three month Administrative Licence Suspension
alcohol assessment
longer driver licence suspension if convicted* of the offence
licence reinstatement charge

* a discharge under the Criminal Code of Canada for certain driving related offences may be treated as a conviction under the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act.

What would happen if I am convicted of driving outside the GDL restrictions?

You will be charged under The Highway Traffic Act, The Drivers and Vehicles Act and/or their respective Regulations and must attend a Show Cause Hearing. A Novice Driver Hearing may result in other consequences that affect your driver’s licence.

If I am suspended at a Show Cause Hearing can I appeal?

Yes. You may appeal to the Licence Suspension Appeal Board (LSAB). The LSAB will consider public safety and exceptional hardship caused by the suspension. For novice drivers under GDL, additional driver licence restrictions may also be appealed to the LSAB.

I have five merits. If I cause an accident, receive a traffic conviction or a 24- hour roadside suspension, what will Driver Improvement and Control do?

It depends on how serious the accident or conviction is. Your merits won’t affect it. Besides what Driver Improvement and Control may do, an at-fault accident or traffic conviction may cause your driver’s licence and vehicle premiums to go up. This happens under the Merit Program or Driver Safety Rating.

I am an experienced driver and have an at-fault accident. Will I be subject to DI&C intervention?

Yes. At the very least, you'll receive an advisory letter.

Why would the DI&C Program intervene after I’ve had only one at-fault accident?

The program tries to stop high risk driving habits before they start. Studies have shown that drivers who cause one accident are more likely to cause another one. Early intervention may help prevent another accident from occurring, which is in everyone's best interest.

How do I clear my Family Maintenance Suspension?

You can go to the Maintenance Enforcement office at 235-405 Broadway Avenue in Winnipeg or phone (204) 945-7133. Once you settle the matter, Maintenance Enforcement will notify us. You can then apply for a driver's licence.

Suspensions

How do I clear my Manitoba Public Insurance Suspension?

You can go to any one of our service centres or call (204) 985-7000. Once you've made arrangements to settle the debt, you can apply for a driver's licence.

What happens when I provide a breath sample between .05 and .08 blood alcohol content?

New drivers who violate the 0 BAC restriction will be subject to a 24-hour immediate, roadside suspension and will be required to attend a Show Cause Hearing to determine if their licence will be further suspended.

In addition, anyone who drives a motor vehicle, an off-road vehicle or a special mobile machine with a BAC level of between .05 and .08 will face consequences that may include:

an immediate 24-hour licence suspension
a $50 driver licence reinstatement charge
a mandatory impaired driver’s assessment at your expense from the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, if you have more than one 24-hour suspension in three years. The results may affect your eligibility for your licence to be re-instated.

What happens to me if I provide a breath sample over .08 blood alcohol content or refuse to provide a blood or breath sample?

If your BAC level is over .08 or you refuse to provide a breath or blood sample to police, you will face additional consequences (See BAC level of between .05 and .08, above):

an immediate 24-hour licence suspension
an automatic three-month licence suspension
vehicle impoundment (except SMMs)
a mandatory Impaired driver’s assessment at your expense
an additional licence insurance premium of $1,000 or more
a $50 driver licence reinstatement charge
a requirement to take a driver’s exam or a driving course, at your expense

You could also face related charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and if convicted face a Court imposed minimum 1 year driving prohibition and a mandatory driver's licence suspension ranging from 1 year (2 years for refusal) to life.

How long is my licence suspended for an impaired driving conviction*?

If you are convicted of an impaired driving offence under the Criminal Code, your driver's licence will be suspended and you will be disqualified from driving any kind of vehicle. A conviction* will result in a number of sanctions which may include:

a Court imposed minimum 1 year driving prohibition and a mandatory driver's licence suspension ranging from 1 year (2 years for refusal) to life.
participation in Manitoba's Ignition Interlock Program
fines from $600 to $2000**
imprisonment for up to five years for impaired driving
imprisonment for up to life and a court-imposed prohibition from driving any type of vehicle for up to life, if you cause an accident that results in the death or bodily harm of another person

** a discharge under the Criminal Code of Canada for certain driving related offences may be treated as a conviction under the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act

How can I get my driver's licence back after an alcohol/drug related driving suspension?

You can provide the Registrar of Motor Vehicles with an assessment of alcohol/drug use from the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (A.F.M.)Impaired Drivers Program. When the assessment has been approved and the suspension is over or has been successfully appealed, you can have your licence issued at a Manitoba Public Insurance Service Centre.

If you have not been licensed for over 4 years, you will have to complete driver examinations (knowledge, vision, and road tests).

How much will it cost to get my driver's licence back after an alcohol/drug related driving suspension?

To get your driver's licence back, you may have to pay several charges, such as:

a $625 charge (subject to change) for a mandatory impaired driver's assessment by the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba;
a charge ranging from $25 to $120 for a driver's exam or a driving course;
a $50 reinstatement charge;
additional driver licence premium of $1,000 or more.

My licence is currently suspended/prohibited. May I still operate a special mobile machine?

No driver whose licence is suspended or prohibited may operate heavy and agricultural equipment on provincial highways and urban roads. These vehicles include tractors, self-propelled farm equipment such as combines, and heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, cranes, forklifts and graders. Suspended or prohibited licence holders may obtain conditional licences permitting them to operate heavy or agricultural equipment.

For further information on obtaining conditional licences, contact the Licence Suspension Appeal Board at (204) 945-7350.

Zero Blood Alcohol (0 BAC) restrictions also apply to the operation of any special mobile machine on any road.

If you have any questions, please call Driver Records and Suspensions at (204) 985-0980 or toll-free (866) 323-0543.

Tickets

The ticket on my record is not mine. What can I do?

You must contact the police agency that issued the ticket or the office of the Court that issued the conviction. If you are successful in having it removed, the appropriate Court will notify us. Once we receive the proper documentation from the Court, the ticket notice will be removed from your driver record.

If I receive a ticket outside Manitoba will it be placed on my record?

Upon notification, we are legally obligated to show out of province convictions on your driver record.

The police gave me a ticket for speeding but I was not speeding. What can I do?

Present your case in Court. If you are found not guilty, the offence will not be recorded on your driver record.

How does the Medical Records Section find out about drivers with medical conditions?

Physicians and optometrists are required by law to report drivers whose medical conditions may affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Information regarding drivers' medical conditions are received primarily from physicians and optometrists, law enforcement officers, our service centres, and concerned family members.

Can a physician or optometrist suspend someone's driver licence?

Physicians and optometrists provide medical information to us and sometimes make recommendations about a patient's ability to drive. Once medical information is received we are responsible for taking action.

What about senior drivers? Are they required to be retested or to file medical reports?

Manitoba does not require class 5 drivers to complete medical reports or driver tests based on age.

Why do I have to file medical reports more often for my Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 driver’s licence or authorized instruction in these classes?

The frequency Manitoba Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 drivers file medical reports is consistent with the National Safety Code Standard 6 which stipulates how often medical reports must be filed according to a driver’s age. Manitoba implemented National Safety Code 6 in January 2006 to meet its obligations provincially, nationally and fulfill its commitment to the Canada-U.S. Medical Reciprocity Agreement. Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 drivers with medical conditions may be required to file medical reports more frequently.

What is the Canada-U.S. Medical Reciprocity Agreement?

The Canada-U.S. Medical Reciprocity Agreement is an agreement that resulted from discussions between Transport Canada and the United States Federal Highway Administration to achieve reciprocity between the two nations on medical fitness for commercial drivers. The agreement streamlines the flow of goods between Canada and the United States. Canadian drivers need only produce a valid Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 driver’s licence as proof of medical fitness. Canada-U.S. medical reciprocity is extended to all drivers with four exceptions:

Class 1, 2, 3 drivers with insulin dependent diabetes;
Class 1 and 3 drivers who do not meet Manitoba’s minimum hearing requirements to transport dangerous goods;
Class 1, 2, 3 drivers operating under a medical waiver or who are operating under medical grandfather rights; or
Class 1, 2, 3 drivers who have been diagnosed with epilepsy.

However, if you currently hold a Class 1, 2, 3 driver’s licence or authorized instruction in these classes, it will continue to remain valid in Canada. This does not apply to Class 1, 2, 3 drivers who wish to drive Class 5 vehicles into the States.

Payments and Refunds

How do I apply for a refund on a driver's licence?

Send us a signed request, attach your driver's licence, and explain why you're returning it.

If the holder of the driver's licence has died, a member of the immediate family or the Executor of the estate must sign the refund request and attach a photocopy of the death certificate, the funeral director's certificate, or the newspaper obituary.

Applications may be done in person at any one of our service centres, or mailed to:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Driver Licensing
Box 6300
Winnipeg MB R3C 4A4

A refund cheque will be issued to the estate within about 30 days.

How can I pay my Statement of Account for my driver's licence?

You can choose from three ways to pay: electronically, in person, or by mail.

Electronically

Set up electronic payments through your bank or credit union.
Use your customer number with us, as your account number for your electronic payments.
Ask your bank or credit union when to make your payment, so we receive it on time.

In person

Take your Statement and your payment to any Autopac agent or one of our Service Centres.
Pay by cash, money order, debit card, cheque, Visa or MasterCard.

By mail

Pay by money order or cheque, payable to Manitoba Public Insurance.
Write your driver’s licence number or customer number on the front of your money order or cheque.
Mail your payment to:

            Manitoba Public Insurance
            Driver Licensing
            Box 6300
            Winnipeg MB R3C 4A4

-No change given on cheques
-Dishonoured cheques subject to a $20 administrative charge
-If your Statement of Account says you must pay by cash, certified cheque, or money order only, we’ll also accept a debit or credit card.


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