Manitoba resumes road tests for Class 1 licences

Manitobans looking to get their Class 1 licence to operate semi-trailers can start booking their road tests.

Class 1 is the highest level of driver's licence that can be obtained in the province.It is the only one that allows holders todrive semis, butcovers smaller vehicles as well.

To apply for that, driversneed to at least have a Class 5 licence, which is the basic one people get to operate a vehicle such as a car or truck.Road tests have not resumed for those, but the knowledge tests have started up again.

Theknowledge testis amultiple-choicequiz based on information from the ManitobaDriver's Handbook. There are 30 questions to be answered within 30 minutes. At least 24 must be answered correctly to be eligible for the road test.

Knowledge tests for Class 5 and 6 (motorcycles) licences can be booked online through Manitoba Public Insurance.

As for the Class 1 road test, MPImade several adjustments to ensure the safety of both employees and customers during COVID-19.

Prior to starting the road test, customers must:

• Provide and wear their own mask (non-medical masks are permitted).
• Answer questions to ensure they have not been exposed to COVID-19.
• Sanitize all touchpoints in their vehicle.

A spokesperson for MPI said the agency will be making an announcement over the next few weeks regarding the resumption of road tests for all other licence classes.

When attending an MPI office for a knowledge test until June 12 people are asked tosanitize their hands when they enter the buildingand to bring their own pen to complete a paper test. After June 12, testing will resume electronically.

"If the customer is not able to comply with all of these requirements, the test will be cancelled immediately and rebooked for a later time," a Friday news release from MPI said.

"At any time, if the customer shows symptoms of a respiratory illness and/or COVID-19 (coughing, etc.), the test will be cancelled immediately and rebooked for a later time."

All of theprocedures and latest information are available online through MPI.

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