How do I get a driver's licence?

To get a driver's licence in Manitoba you must go through the 3 stages of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) process. Each stage of the GDL process has specific restrictions imposed on new drivers, based on the driver's experience.

The 3 stages of the GDL process are the Learner Stage, the Intermediate Stage, and the Full Stage. You must spend at least 9 months in the Learner Stage before moving on to the Intermediate Stage, and you must spend 15 months in the Intermediate stage before moving to the Full Stage.

When can I apply for the Learner Stage licence?

You can apply for a Learner Stage licence when you are 16 years old. If you are enrolled in a high school driver education course you can apply when you are 15 and a half years old. If you are under 18, you must have your parent's consent.

How do I get a Learner Stage licence?

Before you issued a Learner Stage licence you must take a written test on your knowlege of traffic laws, safe driving practices and recognition of road signs. You must also take a vision test to ensure that you meet minimum vision standards. If you need glasses or contact lenses to pass this test, your licence will require you to wear them when you drive. You will also have to pay the required licence fees and insurance premiums.

How do I get an Intermediate Stage Licence?

After you have had your Learner Stage licence for 9 months without breaking any restrictions, you can take a road test. You will have to operate your vehicle safely and legally in typical traffic situations. You must supply hte vehicel in which you take the road test and the test must be scheduled in advance.

Once you pass the road test you will be granted an Intermediate Stage licence.

After you have had your Intermediate Stage licence for 15 months without breaking any restrictions, it will become a Full Stage licence.

What are the restrictions on the different licence stages under GDL?

The restrictions on a Learner Stage licence are:

- You must not drink alcohol if you will be driving.

- You must be accompanied by a supervising driver in the front seat, and the supervising driver must have a blood alcohol level of under .05 and must have has a valid Full Stage licence for at least 3 full years.

- You may carry only as many passengers as there are functioning seatbelts. Aside from the supervising driver, you can only carry passengers in the back seat.

- You cannot tow vehicles, operate a farm truck with more than 2 axles or operate off-road vehicles along or across highways.

- You are allowed to drive a moped if you are at least 16 years old.

The restrictions on an Intermediate Stage licence are:

- You must not drink alcohol if you will be driving.

- From 5:00 a.m. to midnight you can have only 1 passenger in the front seat and as many passengers in the back seat as there are functioning seatbelts.

- From midnight to 5:00 a.m., unless there is a qualified supervising driver in the front seat, you are only allowed to carry 1 passenger. If there is a qualified supervising driver you can carry as many passengers in the back seat as there are functioning seatbelts.

- You may tow vehicles, you are allowed to operate a farm truck with more than 2 axles and you are allowed to operate off-road vehicles along across highways.

The only restriction on a Full Stage licence is that for the first 12 months you must have a blood alcohol level of zero when you drive.

Who will teach me how to drive?

Anyone who has had a valid Full Stage licence for at least 3 full years can teach someone with a Learner Stage licence to drive.

Most schools offer a driver education course which includes instruction in driving a vehicle.

Other driver courses are offered for a fee by driving schools. They can be found in the phone book.

Contact the nearest Driver and Vehicle Licencing Branch to find out more about driver's licences, test locations, and driver education programs and resources.

What is a probationary licence?

A probationary licence is a valid driver's licence which has a 1-year term of probation. This means that if you are convicted of a driving offence during that first probationary year your driver's licence could be suspended for up to 1 year. This does not include getting parking tickets.

What if I get into a car accident?

If you get into a car accident while driving a car, you must give your driver's licence number, and the licence plate number of the car. If you are not the owner of the vehicle, you must provide the name and address of the owner to the other party involved in the accident.

It is a crime not to stop and give this information, or to fail to offer assistance to anyone that might be injured. If you are convicted of failing to remain at the scene of an accident you could go to jail for up to 5 years.

What if I get into a car accident and no one is around?

If you cause damage to a vehicle or property and the owner is not around, you must try to give the owner of your name, driver's licence number and licence plate number. If you cannot locate the owner you must leave the owner a note with this information.

Do I have to report a car accident to police?

You do not have to report all car accidents.

You only have to report a car accident to police if the accident has caused injury, death or damage to property apparently over $1000. This report must be made within 7 days of the accident.

Can I register a motor vehicle?

Under 16 years - you cannot register a motor vehicle.

Under 18 years - you can register a motor vehicle as long as the application for registration has been approved and signed by your parents or guardian.

Over 18 years - you can register a motor vehicle.

Drinking and Driving

What can happen to me if I drink and drive?

Refusing to Provide a Sample - If you are stopped by police while driving a motor vehicle and they suspect that you are intoxicated or have been drinking, they may ask you to take a roadside test and/or breathalyser at the police station. If you refuse either of these tests for alcohol consumption, you may be charged criminally with refusing to provide a sample, and your vehicle will be impounded.

Driving While Over .80 - If you are stopped by the police while you are driving and they suspect that you are intoxicated or have been drinking, they may ask you to take a test for alcohol consumption. If you blow over .80, you will be charged criminally and your vehicle will be impounded.

Driving While Over .50 - In Manitoba, if you are stopped by the police while you are driving and they suspect that you have been drinking, they may ask you to take a test for alcohol consumption. If you blow over .50, you may be charged under the Highway Traffic Act and can lose your licence for 24 hours and pay a fine. This is not a criminal charge and you can't go to jail.

Impaired Driving - If you are stopped by the police while you are driving and they suspect that you are intoxicated, have been drinking or are under the influence of other drugs, they may charge you with impaired driving. Even if your blood alcohol level is below .80, you can still be charged with impaired driving based on the officer's opinion of your condition and of your driving.