The Ultimate Manitoba Road Test Checklist: Be Prepared, Not Surprised

The day of your Manitoba Class 5 road test is a major milestone—it's the final, practical step to prove you're ready for the increased freedom of an Intermediate Licence. While it's normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves, the best way to ensure a successful outcome is to be thoroughly prepared.

Many road tests are failed before the car even leaves the parking lot due to a simple, preventable issue with the vehicle or paperwork. Don't let that happen to you. This ultimate checklist will guide you through the vehicle safety inspection, the documents you need, and the key skills you'll be tested on, so you can arrive at your MPI appointment with confidence.

Section 1: The Vehicle Readiness Checklist

Before the road test begins, the MPI driver examiner will conduct a vehicle safety check. If the vehicle you provide is not safe or does not meet legal requirements, your test will be cancelled, and you will lose your test fee. Go over this list the day before your appointment.

Vehicle Essentials:

Valid Registration and Insurance: The vehicle must be registered in Manitoba. You must have the original, valid registration document and proof of insurance (from an Autopac agent) in the vehicle.
Working Headlights and Taillights: Check both high and low beams, as well as the taillights.
Functional Brake Lights: All three brake lights (left, right, and centre) must be working. Have someone stand behind the car while you press the brake pedal to confirm.
Working Turn Signals: Test your front and back signals for both left and right turns, as well as your hazard lights.
An Audible Horn: The horn must be loud enough to be heard clearly.
Clear Windshield and Windows: The windshield must be free of major cracks or chips that obstruct the driver's view. All windows, especially the driver's side and passenger's side, must be clean and able to be rolled down.
Functional Wipers: Your windshield wipers must be in good working order.
Properly Inflated Tires: Ensure your tires have adequate tread and are not flat or under-inflated.
Secure Doors: The driver and front passenger doors must open and close properly from both the inside and the outside.
Working Seatbelts: The seatbelts for both you and the examiner must be fully functional.
Sufficient Fuel: Arrive with at least a quarter tank of gas to ensure you don't run out during the test.
Clean and Uncluttered Interior: The vehicle should be reasonably clean. The front passenger seat and floor area must be free of any items or debris that could interfere with the examiner's safety or access to the brake pedal in an emergency.

Section 2: The Driver and Document Checklist

Once the vehicle passes its inspection, you need to have your own paperwork in order.

What You Must Bring:

Your Valid Manitoba Class 5L Licence: You must present your physical Learner's Licence card.
Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay for your new licence card after you pass the test.
Corrective Lenses: If your licence has a condition requiring you to wear glasses or contact lenses, you must be wearing them for the test.
Driver Education Certificate (if applicable): If you are taking your test before the full nine-month learner period is up because you took a certified driver education course, bring your completion certificate.
A Licensed Supervising Driver (Recommended): While not required to accompany you during the test, you legally need a supervising driver to drive you to and from the test centre, as you still hold a 5L licence.

Section 3: The Driving Skills You'll Be Tested On

The road test is not designed to trick you; it's designed to see if you can consistently apply safe driving practices in real-world situations. The examiner will be evaluating you on the following:

Observation: This is one of the most important areas. The examiner needs to see you constantly:
- Scanning intersections and looking well ahead down the road.
- Checking your rearview and side mirrors regularly.
- Performing shoulder checks to cover your blind spots before every lane change, turn, or when pulling away from the curb.
Vehicle Control: Smooth steering, acceleration, and braking. No sudden, jerky movements.
Intersection Management: Safely navigating controlled intersections (with lights or stop signs) and uncontrolled intersections, demonstrating proper right-of-way knowledge.
Parking: You will be required to perform parallel parking. You may also be asked to park on a hill. Practice these until you are comfortable.
Lane Changes: Performing safe, deliberate lane changes using the "mirror, signal, shoulder check" method.
Speed Management: Obeying all speed limits and adjusting your speed for road conditions, especially in school zones.
Following the Law: Obeying all traffic signs and signals without hesitation.

Final Test Day Reminders

Arrive Early: Get to the test centre at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. This gives you time to park, check in, and calm your nerves.
Stay Calm: Take a few deep breaths. Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions. They are there to assess your driving, not to intimidate you.
Ask for Clarification: If you don't fully understand an instruction, it's okay to ask, "Could you please repeat that?"

By using this checklist, you eliminate the simple mistakes that can derail a road test before it starts. You can then focus all your energy on what matters: driving safely and earning your Intermediate licence. Good luck!