New residents who wish to drive in Manitoba must obtain a Manitoba driver's license within 90 days of moving to the province, or upon expiry of their out-of-province license, whichever is earliest. Check with your previous jurisdiction as they may have some restrictions that supersede this requirement.
Moving from within Canada
If you hold a valid driver's license from anywhere in Canada, you may exchange your valid out-of-province driver's license for an equivalent Manitoba license without completing written and road tests. You must appear in person at one of their service centers or Autopac agents, produce identification, and pay all fees. If you are surrendering a class 1 - 4 license, you need to complete a medical report.
Moving from another country with a reciprocal agreementThe following countries have a reciprocal agreement with Manitoba: Australia, Austria, Canadian Forces Europe, Germany, France, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Ireland, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the United States. Testing requirements (knowledge and road tests) may be waived if you surrender a valid and equivalent class driver’s license from a reciprocal jurisdiction. In all cases, vision and medical standards continue to apply.
Moving from a non-reciprocal country
If you move from a country that is not on the reciprocal list, you will be required to complete Manitoba’s knowledge and road tests. You should start the testing process as soon as possible to ensure that you can successfully complete the road test within the three months that you can drive with your out-of-country licence.
New or unlicensed drivers
If you have never held a driver’s licence, you need to successfully complete Manitoba’s Graduated Driver Licence (GDL) program.
Identity Requirements
The first time you apply for a Manitoba driver’s license, you will be asked to show documents that prove your identity. To prove your identity, you will need supporting documents that establish six key elements:
· Birth date
· Full Legal Name
· Signature and citizenship (enhanced products only)
· Photograph
· Manitoba Residence and Permanent Address (You will require two supporting documents to prove you reside in Manitoba)
· Entitlement to be in Canada
Driver’s Licensing Service Outlets/Autopac Brokers
Due to Covid-19, some locations may be closed, and services limited or unavailable at this time. We recommend calling any location provider to confirm their status.
Click here to find your closest Driver’s Licensing Service Outlet. For more information, you can call the Winnipeg Offices Information Line at 204-985-7000.
A Few Important Driving Laws
- Canadians drive on the right side of the road.
- Drinking and driving is dangerous and against the law. There are serious penalties if you are caught.
- Right turns are allowed at red lights unless otherwise noted. You must come to a complete stop and ensure the road is clear before making your turn.
- The speed limit is posted on the right side of the road and shows the maximum speed in kilometers. The typical speed for city streets is 50 km, 40 km in school zones and 100 km on highways.
- Wearing of seatbelts is mandatory.
- Do NOT pass a school bus with flashing lights.
- If you see an ambulance, fire truck or police car approaching with their lights flashing, reduce your speed or completely pull off the road to the right and stop.
- Children must be seated in the appropriate car seats. While it might have been okay to travel with your child on your lap in your home country, Canada has very strict child car seat laws. For more information, please visit: Child Car Seat
- The use of all cellular and handheld devices is prohibited while driving. Hands free devices are allowed.
Vehicle Registration & Insurance
If you are bringing in a vehicle from out-of-province or registering a new or used vehicle – see registration and insurance requirements.
As a new resident of Manitoba, you have up to three months to register your vehicle and obtain Autopac insurance for the remainder of the current registration year. Until then, your vehicle must be currently registered in your previous jurisdiction. This three-month grace period applies to non-commercial vehicles (vehicles not used for business purposes); other vehicles must be registered immediately. Also, if your registration and insurance from your former jurisdiction expired or are cancelled within three months of moving to Manitoba, you must register immediately.
Manitoba has mandatory insurance requirements for most vehicles which must be obtained at the time of registration. You can register and purchase insurance for your vehicle at any insurance agency offering Autopac service.
Basic Autopac is mandatory in Manitoba. When you purchase Basic Autopac coverage, you're purchasing protection in the event of a personal injury, all perils collision or third-party liability claim. You can choose to enhance this basic coverage with optional Autopac coverage. Some options include increasing your third-party liability limits, reducing your deductibles, or purchasing excess value coverage (for high end automobiles), to name a few.
For more information on Autopac insurance you can visit: Insurance Overview.
For more information on Autopac or to find an Autopac broker please call:
In Winnipeg: 204-985-7000
Toll-Free: 1-800-665-2410
Or visit: https://www.mpi.mb.ca/Pages/Home.aspx
Winter driving can be a challenge for all motorists. Conditions can be icy and slippery. Snow drifts and black ice are common. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when driving in the Winter:
* Check to see if your area requires that your vehicle be equipped with winter tires during the winter months.
* Slow down and always give yourself more time to get where you are going during the winter months.
* Always leave more space between you and the car ahead of you allowing for more room to stop.
* Winter driving courses are available from many local driving instructors and are invaluable to newcomers to Canada.
* Stay on the main roads as it is unlikely that back roads will be well plowed.
* Never pass a snowplow on the right-hand side. It is best to stay well back when you see the blue flashing light of a plow.
* Practice emergency braking to understand how your vehicle will react.
* Skidding occurs when your wheels slide out of control on a slippery surface. To reduce the likelihood of this occurring, slow down well in advance of turns and avoid sudden stops.
* Every vehicle should have a winter survival kit. Suggested items to have are:
- Warm winter gloves, toque and boots - Blanket or extra clothing
- Bag of sand or kitty litter - Small shovel
- Ice scraper and/or snow brush - Booster cables
- Non-perishable food items/water - Duct tape
- Extra windshield washer fluid - First Aid kit
- Road maps (not just a GPS unit) - Flashlight and batteries
- Flares - Waterproof matches
- Battery jumper cables - A fully charged cellphone
- Tools - Fire extinguisher
How to prepare for Winter in Canada
Winter in Canada can be unforgiving, with heavy snowfalls and blizzards, high wind chills, freezing rain and extremely cold temperatures. If you are properly prepared for Winter, you can enjoy all the season has to offer.
Wind Chill
During the Winter months, you will hear two different temperatures from the weather reports. One is the actual temperature and the second one is called "wind chill". The "wind chill" is the actual temperature with the wind chill factor included. It is a calculation that takes into account the effect of the wind to provide a reading of the apparent temperature, as opposed to the actual temperature that shows on a thermometer. It is the effect that the wind has on making the air feel colder than it is. For example, if the actual temperature is –10˚C and the wind chill temperature is –20˚C, your skill will feel the –20˚C. For more details on Wind Chill, please visit: Wind Chill - The chilling facts.
Frostbite
When your skin is exposed to extremely low temperatures you risk the chance of getting frostbite. This is the partial freezing of the exposed parts of your body. Frostbite most commonly affects the hands, feet and face. Expose as little skin as possible in very cold weather as frostbite can happen in a very short time.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia, also referred to as exposure, occurs when the body is producing less heat than it is losing. Hypothermia occurs as your body temperature passes below 35°C (95°F). When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can't work normally. It is usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or immersion in cold water. Dress for the weather and avoid long exposure to the cold.
Clothing
Dress warmly in layers and dress for the activity you are doing. You can always remove a layer if you are too warm. Some suggestions to keep warm are:
Feet
· Keep them dry
· Wear wool or thermal socks
· Wear waterproof or water-resistant boots/shoes
· Shoes/Boots should have a good tread to avoid slipping. Avoid leather shoes as they can be slippery on ice.
Hands
· Wear thick or insulated gloves or mittens as your hands can get cold very easily.
· Change them if they get wet
Head
· Most of your body heat is lost through your head so make sure its covered
· Don't forget to protect your ears
· People in Canada often refer to a winter hat as a "toque" (sounds like "tuke")
Neck
· Wear a scarf which can also be used to cover your face/head if needed.
Outer Clothing
· A good coat is perhaps the most important piece of winter clothing you will need.
· Keeping yourself dry is the best way to stay warm
· Purchase one that has a wind and/or waterproof outer layer.
· Buy your coat large enough to wear a sweater underneath.
