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New to Manitoba? How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's Licence with MPI

Welcome to Manitoba! As you start your new life in the Keystone Province, one of the most important steps is to obtain a Manitoba driver's licence. The process, managed by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), is a requirement for all new residents. This guide will walk you through every step of exchanging your licence from another country, whether it's from a reciprocal nation or not.

The 3-Month Rule for New Residents

When you move to Manitoba, you can use your valid driver's licence from your previous province or country for a maximum of three months. After this 90-day grace period, your out-of-province licence is no longer valid for driving in Manitoba, and you must have a Manitoba licence.

Understanding Manitoba's Reciprocal Licence Exchange

The process for exchanging your licence depends entirely on your country of origin. Manitoba has reciprocal agreements with a specific list of countries, which makes the process much simpler for eligible drivers.

Tier 1: Reciprocal Countries (No Testing Required)

If you hold a valid, non-learner licence from one of the following countries, you can directly exchange it for a Manitoba Class 5 licence without taking a knowledge or road test.

Reciprocal Countries Include:

  • Any other province or territory in Canada
  • United States
  • Austria
  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • France
  • Germany
  • Isle of Man
  • Japan
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Republic of Korea (South Korea)
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Important Note: To get a full Class 5F licence, you must prove you have at least two years of driving experience. If you have less than two years, you will be placed into Manitoba's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program and receive a Class 5I (Intermediate) licence.

Tier 2: Non-Reciprocal Countries (Testing Required)

If your driver's licence is from a country not on the reciprocal list (e.g., India, Pakistan, Philippines, Brazil, Nigeria, China, etc.), you must apply as a new driver and pass all required tests.

Process for Non-Reciprocal Licence Holders:

  1. You must first pass a knowledge test and a vision test.
  2. Once you pass, you can book a Class 5 road test.
  3. Your previous driving experience is still valuable. If you can provide an official driving record (abstract) showing more than two years of experience, you may be exempt from some GDL program waiting periods.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exchanging Your Licence

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process at an MPI Service Centre.

Step 1: Gather Your Required Documents & Translations

This is the most critical part of the process. All documents must be original.

Documentation Checklist for All Applicants:

  1. Your Original Foreign Driver's Licence: You must surrender your valid, unexpired licence.
  2. Official Translation: If your licence is not in English or French, you must provide a translation from an MPI-approved translator. Translations from other sources will not be accepted. This is a crucial step to complete before your appointment.
  3. Proof of Identity: You need documents that prove your identity, signature, photo, birth date, and legal name. A valid Passport from your country of origin is the best document to use.
  4. Proof of Manitoba Residency: You need two documents proving you live in Manitoba. These must show your name and current address. Examples include:
    • A utility bill
    • A bank statement
    • A credit card statement
    • A municipal tax statement
    • A signed lease or rental agreement
  5. Official Driving Record/Abstract (Recommended): To get credit for your driving experience, you need an official driving record from the licensing authority in your home country. This must also be translated by an MPI-approved translator if not in English or French.

Step 2: Book an Appointment and Visit an MPI Service Centre

You must apply in person. It is highly recommended to call MPI or visit their website to book an appointment for "New to Manitoba" services to avoid very long wait times.

Step 3: At the MPI Service Centre

  • An MPI agent will verify all your original documents and translations.
  • You will be asked to declare any medical conditions that could affect your driving.
  • You will take a vision screening test.
  • You will have your photograph taken.
  • You will pay the required fees. The cost for a new licence is generally $65 (check for the current fee).
  • You will surrender your foreign driver's licence. It will not be returned.

Step 4: Testing (If Required)

  • If you are from a non-reciprocal country, you will take the computer-based knowledge test. You can take it in various languages.
  • After passing the knowledge test, you can book your Class 5 road test.

Step 5: Receive Your Licence

After completing all requirements, you will be given a temporary paper driver's licence certificate, which is valid for up to 45 days. Your permanent photo licence card will be mailed to your Manitoba address.

Exchanging your licence is a key part of settling in Manitoba. By preparing your documents and translations well in advance, you can make your trip to MPI a success.