All About the Manitoba Learners License (Class 5L)

Learning how to drive in Manitoba, aside from the convenience of driving, opens up hundreds of opportunities to explore and get to know Manitoba, as well as potential job prospects. Getting your Class 5L Manitoba learners license is step one in your Manitoba driver's license journey, which isn't as complicated as it may seem. It's simply a matter of going through the three stage GDL Manitoba process, beginning with the Manitoba learners license (Class 5L), then the MB Class 5 Intermediate (Class 5I), and finally the Manitoba Class 5 Full (Class 5F).

Manitoba learners license class 5L Process

Pass the knowledge test and vision test get your Class 5L License

All Your Manitoba Learners License Information In One Place

The last thing you need when preparing for a test or exam is to be stressed or worried that you missed something. To ensure that you are ready for the knowledge test (aka learners test) to get your Manitoba learners license, the team at ICanDrive.ca have put together everything you need to know and learn in order to pass your Manitoba learners test on the first try. The best way to know that you're ready for your Manitoba learners license test, is to see if you can pass our series of free Manitoba Class 5 practice test sets.

15 ½ years-old With Driver Education

If you're enrolled in any driver education training at your high school, you can take the Manitoba learners test at the age of 15½.

16 Years-old

In the absence of  a high school driver education program, you can take the Manitoba knowledge test on or after your 16th birthday.

Study The Manitoba Drivers Handbook

In order to build a strong driving knowledge base, you need to read through and study the road signs and road rules detailed in the Manitoba driver's handbook. Being able to absorb the information learned in the drivers' handbook is essential to getting a Manitoba learners license, and in real world driving scenarios, the driving knowledge acquired will help you become a lifelong safe and capable Manitoba driver.

Manitoba Driver's Handbook

5L Practice Knowledge Tests

Make sure you check how well you've learned the information in the Manitoba driver's handbook by attempting all of our free Manitoba Class 5 practice test series of tutorials. These driving knowledge practice tests are designed to look exactly like your official Manitoba driver license test, and will help you feel more confident and capable of passing on your test day.

Insurance Coverage

Prior to registering for a Manitoba knowledge test appointment, all drivers have to arrange for proper Manitoba insurance coverage with an Autopac agent. Once you advise your Autopac agent that you are planning on getting your Manitoba learners license, they will be able to help you through the process and get you started.

Book Your Knowledge Test

You can only take a Manitoba knowledge test after booking an appointment. The test appointments are usually only available on weekdays (Mon-Fri) with some exceptions.

Booking Your Manitoba Knowledge Test

40 MCQ Written Test

  • The knowledge test is administered electronically
  • The test  must be completed within the 30-minute time limit with no books or electronic devices allowed in the test area
  • The knowledge written test format is 40 multiple choice questions. 20 of the questions will be dedicated to the road signs part of the Manitoba driver's handbook while 20 questions will be dedicated to road rules. In order to pass you must answer 16/20 correctly on each test section
  • The best way to ensure you pass, and get your Manitoba learners license, is to dedicate time to working your way thorough our Manitoba practice knowledge tests before attempting the actual test

Vision Test

To get your Manitoba learners license, in addition to the knowledge test, you will also be required to pass a vision test and potentially be assessed for physical ability to safely drive a vehicle.

Test in Different Language

In addition to English and French, the knowledge test is available in the following languages. You must specify your language of preference when booking your 5L knowledge test appointment.

  • Amharic
  • Arabic
  • Bosnian
  • Simplified Chinese
  • Cree
  • Croatian
  • Czech
  • Farsi
  • German (High)
  • Hindi
  • Hungarian
  • Italian
  • Khmer
  • Korean
  • Kurdish
  • Lao
  • Low German
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Punjabi
  • Romanian
  • Russian
  • Saulteaux
  • Serbian
  • Spanish
  • Tagalog
  • Ukrainian
  • Vietnamese

We want your test day to go as smoothly as possible, so make sure you go through our test day checklist on everything you need to do or bring for your knowledge test.

Arrive Early

As a rule of thumb, it's a good idea to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance of your appointment time, to settle in, get relaxed and be in the best frame of mind before attempting the 5L knowledge test.

Documents to Bring

In order to prove your identify you will be required to bring two documents that show the following:

  • birth date
  • legal names
  • signature
  • photograph
  • Manitoba residency status
  • Entitlement to be in Canada

Acceptable Manitoba Identity Documents

Vision Aids

If you need glasses or contacts to drive, make sure you take them along.

Parental Consent If Under 18

If you are under the age of 18, you will need to show parent or guardian consent before being allowed to take the knowledge test.

Applicable Fees

You want to make sure you are aware of the cost associated with testing and getting your 5L licence, so make sure you read through the Manitoba Public Insurance fee guidelines.

Manitoba Licensing Fees

Test Re-takes

If you are within the Manitoba GDL program, you must wait a minimum of 7 days before being allowed to re-take the knowledge test. If you're not in the GDL program, you can re-take the test on the next working day.

Minimum Licence Holding Period

You must remain at the 5L licence stage for a minimum of 9 months before you can move to the next licensing stage.

Applying For Other Licence Types

At this stage, you can apply for your 6L motorcycle licence, but cannot apply for authorized instruction on commercial vehicles (classes 1-4).

Supervised Driving

A qualified supervising driver (5F licence holder for a minimum of 3 years) must accompany you at all times.

No Alcohol

You must maintain a zero blood alcohol concentration level while driving.

Passenger seatbelts

You must limit passengers in the backseat to the number of functioning seat belts.

Looking for Information on Other Manitoba Car Licence Types?

Manitoba GDL Process

From start to finish, the Manitoba GDL process helps new drivers learn how to drive in Manitoba.

Learn More

Manitoba 5I Licence

Your Class 5I licence is your licence to drive unsupervised and to build your on-road driving skills.

Learn More

Manitoba 5F Licence

Getting your 5F licence means getting your full, unrestricted Manitoba passenger vehicle driving licence.

Learn More

Looking for a Different Manitoba Driving Licence Type?

Choose the type of vehicle you need to get a Manitoba licence for

Not everyone in Manitoba is looking to get a MB motorcycle license or a MB car driver's license. Some folks need a more specific kind of driving licence. Click the links below for more information.