The Manitoba Intermediate Motorcycle License

The Class 6I or Manitoba intermediate motorcycle license stage is the second phase of the Manitoba motorcycle GDL, and gives new riders the opportunity to further build on their motorcycle riding skills to become more confident navigating Manitoba roadways in all types of conditions. Before one can get a Manitoba intermediate motorcycle license, one must first get a MB Class 6L or learners licence. After fulfilling the requirements of the Class 6I or Intermediate motorcycle licence stage, a rider can get the Class 6F or full motorcycle license Manitoba makes available to qualified applicants.

Driving with a 6L Licence for 9 months + Class 6 Road Test → Class 6I (intermediate) Licence

How to Get Your Class 6I or Manitoba Intermediate Motorcycle License

New drivers sometimes find that the process to get licensed to drive a motorcycle in Manitoba can be a bit confusing. In order to make your learning to ride a motorcycle journey as smooth as possible, we've compiled everything you need to learn and prepare for in order to get your Manitoba intermediate motorcycle license as quickly as possible.

Valid 6L Licence Holder

You must have held a Class 6L licence for a minimum of 9 months prior to applying for your Manitoba intermediate motorcycle license.

Book Your Class 6 Road Test

You must schedule your Class 6 road test appointment in advance. Some key items to keep in mind are:

The motorcycle testing season runs from May 1 to Oct 30 but if the weather permits, tests can be scheduled outside of this window
The tests are only conducted Mon-Fri with the exception of holidays
A road test appointment can be scheduled up to 8 weeks in advance
You can visit an Autopac agent to pay for and schedule your Class 6 road test appointment

Find A Manitoba Autopac Agent

Study The Manitoba Motorcycle Handbook

Even though you've read through and learned the material in the Manitoba Motorcycles Handbook for your 6L licence, it's still a good idea to refresh your knowledge of Manitoba road signs and road rules when preparing for the 6I motorcycle licensing stage. You can do that here: Manitoba Class 5 practice knowledge tests, and Manitoba motorcycle learners practice test.

Manitoba Motorcycles Handbook

Practice Motorcycle Driving

The time period between your 6L and when you take the Class 6 road test should be used wisely to practice all the necessary motorcycle driving skills that will be tested on the Class 6 road test. In order to best prepare for the Class 6 road test, you should try to practice driving at different times of the day (remaining within your licence restrictions), in different environments and under different weather conditions just so you are prepared for any sort of situation. Some of the main skills you need to master are:

Starting, braking, turning, reversing and parking your motorcycle
Correctly following traffic signs and traffic lights
Driving in the correct position while on the road
Passing all types of vehicles ex. cars, trucks, bicycles
Travelling through both controlled and uncontrolled intersections
Exhibiting awareness and correctly reacting to hazardous road conditions

Pre-trip Check

Before your class 6 road test can begin the examiner will test to see if your motorcycle is capable of taking the road test. Some of the key things you should check before you leave home are:

Controls - Ensure they are within reach of your hands and feet
Lights - The red running lamp, the red stop lamp at the rear and the white light that illuminates the rear licence plate should all be working
Brakes - Both front and rear wheel brakes should be working
Mirrors - A minimum of one rear view mirror on the left side (two are recommended) should be visible
Tires - A minimum tread of .8 mm should be visible on both tires
Horn - The horn must be audible from a distance of 60 meters

Class 6 Road Test

The examiner will ask you to drive your motorcycle through a preset route. Focus on staying calm and carefully demonstrating the skills asked by the examiner. Keep in mind the examiner is looking to ensure you are a safe, capable motorcycle driver, so avoid any distractions and try your best to safely follow the instructions.

Before You Ride

Put on the appropriate safety equipment and while firmly holding both handle grips mount the motorcycle from the left side. The appropriate safety equipment should include a helmet, eye protection, protective clothing and boots. Move the bike off the stand, securing the stand and ensuring it's in an upright position

Riding Your Motorcycle

Your seated position should allow you to sit with your back straight, slightly leaning forward (to reduce wind resistance) and elbows slightly bent when holding the handle bars.

Starting Your Motorcycle

You should be able to start, up-shift and downshift without the motorcycle jerking - both on a level road and on hills. You need to exhibit complete control of the motorcycle.

Stopping Your Motorcycle

Apply both the front and rear brakes at the same time without locking them to complete a controlled stop.

Passing, Lane Changing and Lane Position

Signal well in advance and shoulder check before changing lanes or passing. In terms of lane position, always be a spot where you can properly see and be seen by other motorists. It's always good to use the four-second following distance when riding behind another vehicle.

Navigating Traffic

Never pass vehicles by cutting between lanes of traffic.

Parking

Always position your parked motorcycle at a 45-degree angle from the curb.

Post-test Debrief

After the test, you will return to the examination center and will be notified if you've passed or failed the Class 6 road test. The examiner will also give you information on areas you did well in or need improvement.

If you've practiced your motorcycle riding and followed along with our ICanDrive.ca preparation tips, then you should be 100% ready for your Class 6 road test day. Our test day checklist is here to make sure you bring along all the necessary documents and have everything you need to take your Class 6 road test.

Arrive Early

You should have already pre-booked your Class 6 road test appointment, but just to be safe, try to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance of the appointment time to settle in and relax before the test.

Cancelling or Rescheduling

If for some reason you need to cancel or reschedule, do so as soon as possible to avoid paying any penalties.

Documents to Bring

When applying for the Manitoba intermediate motorcycle license, you will need to show supporting documents that show the following:

Birth date
Full legal name
Photograph
Manitoba residence and permanent address
Entitlement to be in Canada

Acceptable Manitoba Identity Documents

Vision Aids

Make sure you bring along any vision aids like glasses or contacts to the test.

Applicable Fees

You will be required to pay for the Manitoba Class 6 road test when you schedule your road test appointment.

Manitoba Licensing Fees

Test Re-takes

If for some reason you fail the Class 6 road test, you can repay the fee and re-take the test after a 14-day waiting period.

Minimum Licence Holding Period

You must remain at the Manitoba intermediate motorcycle license stage for a minimum of 15 months. A key thing to remember is that time spent at any Manitoba intermediate stage counts, so credit for time served in the Intermediate Stage in Class 6 will be given for the Intermediate Stage in Class 5 and vice versa. Appropriate Manitoba vehicle insurance must be in place as well.

No Alcohol

You must maintain zero blood alcohol levels at all times when driving a motorcycle with a Class 6I licence.

Looking to Get a Different Manitoba Motorcycle Licence?

MB GDL Process

By following the Manitoba motorcycle GDL process, you will learn all of the skills necessary to safely drive your motorcycle on Manitoba's public roads.

Learn More