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Single licence concept
Application
The Single Licence Concept, which permits a driver to hold only one licence, has been implemented to ensure that driving violations are assigned to a single licence and that no opportunity exists to use multiple licences to avoid prosecution and suspension.
Procedure
Upon application, a driver must surrender any out-of-jurisdiction licenses to the Registrar. Depending on the circumstances:
- Licences from reciprocal jurisdictions, i.e., Canada and the United States, are destroyed;
- Licenses from non-reciprocal foreign jurisdictions are retained; and
- Licenses from reciprocal foreign jurisdictions are returned to the issuing jurisdiction as per the reciprocal agreement.
An interprovincial record exchange provides the Registrar of Motor Vehicles with the required information in order to determine the applicant's licensing status.
Requirements
Before being engaged by a motor carrier, the driver must disclose to the carrier, in writing:
- The name of each province, territory or state in which he is licenced.
- The class of licence held, status of licence and actual name in which each licence is held.
- Whether or not the licence has been suspended.
- A currrent copy of driving record.
While under his employ, the driver is also required to provide notification of any accidents or convictions arising from the operation of a motor vehicle, as well as any suspensions, cancellations, prohibitions or changes in the classification of his driver’s licence. (See “Driver Qualification File” section also.)
Law
Highway Traffic Act, Sections 170(1) and 318.1(1)-(3); Drivers and Vehicles Act, Section 31(2)
Classified licence system
The table below outlines the vehicles which may be driven by a holder in each class. Vehicles equipped with air brakes may be driven only if the appropriate endorsement has been obtained.
| LICENCE | PERMITS THE OPERATION OF | MINIMUM AGE |
|---|---|---|
| *A licence of any class may be endorsed as a learner’s licence, authorizing the operation of the class or classes of vehicles indicated thereon for the purpose of learning. Driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver with at least two years experience if a Class 1 - 4 vehicle is being operated, or three years experience if a Class 5 vehicle is being operated. | ||
| Class 1 |
| 18 |
| Class 2 |
| 18 |
| Class 3 |
| 18 |
| Class 4 |
| 18 |
| Class 5 |
| 16 (or 15 1/2 if enrolled in high school driver’s education course) |
| Class 6 |
| 16 |
Requirements for Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 Licences
Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 licences:
- Must hold a minimum Class 5 Intermediate or Class 5 Authorized Instruction license to obtain authorized instruction in Classes 1 - 4;
- Must pass written or oral knowledge test;
- Requires supervising driver for Authorized Instruction;
- Must pass a road test; for classes 1, 2, 3, or 4 (buses and trucks only) the test includes a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle (and air brake system if applicable) by the applicant;
- Must meet medical and vision standards; and
- Medical report required on initial application and periodically thereafter based on the driver’s age.
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) announced mandatory entry level driver training (MELT) in September 2019. The mandatory training is required before a person can obtain a Class 1 license. The MELT training is 121.5 hours of standardized training.
MPI notes that the existing 244-hour Professional Truck Driver Training course currently being offered by private vocational institutes in Manitoba is considered a MELT-equivalent course.
Requirements for Class 5 Licences
Class 5 licences:
- Must meet vision standards;
- Must pass written or oral knowledge and sign test for Class 5 learners licence (minimum nine month learner stage; must wait seven days for re-tests);
- Requires supervising driver for a Class 5 learner state of authorized instruction;
- Requires supervising driver for a Class 5 intermediate if carrying more than one passenger between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.; and
- Must pass a road test to advance to the intermediate stage (minimum 15-month intermediate stage; must wait 14 days for re-tests).
Air Brake Endorsement
An air brake endorsement permits the operation of vehicles equipped with air brakes in the class of vehicle for which the person is licensed. Drivers of a Class 3 truck registered as a farm truck equipped with air brakes are exempt from this requirement.
The requirements for an air brake endorsement are as follows:
- Must pass a written or oral test;
- Must pass an air brake practical test for “A” (Authorized) endorsement; and
- Must pass adjustment of the manual slack adjusters for “S” (Slack Adjuster) endorsement.
There is no additional charge for the air brake practical test if it is completed at the same time as the road test for a higher class of licence.
Knowledge & performance tests
Application
An applicant must pass the proficiency examinations for the licence class for which he has applied. Knowledge tests, which may be written, oral or by computer, test the applicant’s understanding of the basic traffic laws and road signs. Performance or road tests are used to evaluate the applicant’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of his motor vehicle on the highway.
Law
Highway Traffic Act, Sections 31(2), 31(8), and 173(1)