In this section, you can find out about local transportation in Manitoba, as well as how to get a driver’s license, insure a vehicle, report an accident, buy or lease a vehicle, and drive in winter conditions.

Local Transportation

Buses

Winnipeg's bus service is called Winnipeg Transit.

The regular fare for the bus in Winnipeg is $1.85 for adults and $1.55 for children age five to sixteen, high school students (age 17-21) with a valid GoCARD photo ID, and seniors (65+) with a valid federal government Blue Card or a Transit photo ID. Children four years of age and younger ride free. You must pay exact fare on the bus. Bus drivers do not carry change.

You can save money by buying bus tickets or a bus pass in advance. Look in the Winnipeg Yellow Pages phone book, under "Transit Guide and Telebus Directory" to find places where you can buy tickets or a pass, and information about bus schedules. You can buy tickets at many grocery stores, 7-Eleven stores, banks and pharmacies.

If you take more than one bus to get to your destination, you do not have to pay on each bus. You can ask the driver of the first bus for a transfer. When you get on the second bus, give the transfer to the driver. Do not put the transfer in the fare box. A transfer is valid for one hour and can be used for return trips.

The signs on the front and side of each bus show its destination and route number. Route numbers are also listed on signs at the bus stops. Express buses do not stop at all bus stops along their route. They only stop where bus routes cross each other.

Each bus sign has a telephone number on it. Write down this number. When you call, a recorded message will tell you the exact time when the next three buses will pass that bus stop.

You can find information on Winnipeg bus routes and schedules in the Yellow Pages telephone directory. For route, schedule and fare information, contact:

Winnipeg Transit
421 Osborne Street
Winnipeg MB R3L 2A2
Phone: 986-5700
Web Site: www.winnipegtransit.com Click on Navigo for individual trip maps.

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Taxis

The money you pay for a taxi ride includes a "starting fee" plus a fee for each kilometre the taxi travels. The further you travel, the more you pay. The price is not negotiable. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver – approximately 10 – 15% of the total price of the fare.

Telephone numbers for taxi companies are in the Yellow Pages of phone book under Taxicabs.

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Driving

Driver's Licenses

All drivers must carry a driver's license when they drive a motor vehicle. If you have a driver's license from your home country, you may be able to  use it to drive in Manitoba for three months. Then you must take a written and road test to obtain a Manitoba License. To obtain a license you must:

1. Go to any Driver Testing Office (listed in the phone book on the Government of Manitoba pages, under Driver and Vehicle Licensing) or visit their web site at: http://www.mpi.mb.ca

2. Buy a Driver's Handbook ($5 + taxes) or get a copy of the handbook from the web site.  Study the handbook to learn about driving and road safety in Manitoba. http://www.mpi.mb.ca

3. When you feel ready to write the Beginners Test, go to one of these Driver Testing offices between 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

You may be able to take the written test in your first language. Ask about it when you go to the Driver Testing Office.

You must pay $10 for the Class 5 written test. (For other fees, see the web site at http://www.mpi.mb.ca). The test questions are based on the information in the Driver's Handbook. If you pass the test, you will receive a Learner’s Permit. If you fail the written test, you must wait 7 days before being re-tested.

If it is your first time obtaining a Learner's Permit (i.e. if you have never had a driver’s license before), will have to wait nine months before taking a road test. This is called a Graduated License. During this time you must:

• drive with a licensed driver (with three years of experience);
• carry only as many passengers in the back seat as there are seat belts
• have a blood alcohol level of zero; and
• not tow any vehicles

For more information on graduated licenses, visit www.gov.mb.ca/tgs/leg/gdl

If you have a driver's license from another province or country, you may be exempt from the above rules. Contact the Driver Testing Office for more information

4. With your Learner’s Permit, or Beginner’s License, you can practice driving a vehicle. You must always take a licensed driver with you when you drive with a Learner's Permit. The driver must have a Class 5 license or higher, with a minimum 3 years of driving experience.

5. After completing the written test, you may request a list of some common phrases examiners use during the road test. Then you can study them so that the phrases are familiar to you during the road test. The phrases are available in English and several other languages. Ask at the Driver Testing Office.

6. When you are comfortable driving a car, call (204) 945-7500 or 1-800-782-0777 (toll free) to make an appointment for your road test. For more information see the web site www.mpi.mb.ca. You must pay a $25 fee to take the road test. A driver examiner will test your driving skills. The examiner will tell you whether you pass or fail the test and why. If you fail the road test on your first attempt, you can inquire about taking the road test again. You will have to wait 14 days to retake the test.

Other changes will affect driver’s licenses in 2003. Please check this web site for more information: http://www.mpi.mb.ca/english/english.html

For further information, contact an MPI office located near you.  You can find MPI locations by looking in the white pages phone book, under Manitoba Public Insurance. 

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Driving Schools

Many people learn how to drive a car by taking driving lessons. High school students can take Driver Education at school. Adults can pay for lessons at private driving schools.

Snow and freezing rain can make the roads in Manitoba very icy. Driving conditions can become very dangerous. If you are not familiar with winter driving conditions, you may wish to take a Safe Driving Course at a local driving school or at the Manitoba Safety Council at 949-1085 or toll free at 1-800-661-3321. The course will familiarize you with winter road conditions and safe driving practices in Manitoba. For more information, look in the Yellow Pages of the phone book, under Driving Instruction.

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Vehicle Registration and Insurance

All vehicle owners must buy insurance and register the vehicles they own. Vehicle registration and basic insurance are sold together as a compulsory package known as MPI. You buy them from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and other private insurance companies throughout the province. The amount you pay for insurance varies, depending on the type and year of vehicle, and your driving record. People who live in rural communities pay less for insurance. For more information contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)
Phone: In Winnipeg (204) 985-7000, Outside Winnipeg 1-800-665-2410
Web Site: www.mpi.mb.ca

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Accidents

If you have a car accident with another vehicle or person:

• You MUST stop. It is against the law to leave the scene of an accident.
• If someone is hurt, call 911 for the police or ambulance.
• Exchange personal information with the other driver - such as name, address, car registration number, license plate number and driver's license number.
• If anyone saw the accident, ask them for their name and address, in case you need them as a witness.
• Call Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). Phone numbers and addresses of MPI Claim Centres are listed in the telephone book, under Manitoba Public Insurance. MPI will ask for information and give you an appointment to have your car assessed. They will give you forms to take to the auto body shop for repairs.
• If there is an injury or more than $1,000 damage, you must report the accident to the police. (Note: almost any small amount of damage can add up to $1,000). You have 21 days to report the accident to police.
• Take your car to the autobody shop of your choice for repairs. Look in the Yellow Pages under Automobile Body Repairing and Painting.

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Traffic Violations

You will find complete information about traffic regulations in the Manitoba Driver's Handbook.

It is important to pay any parking ticket fines as soon as possible. If you don't pay within 15 days, your fine will cost more. Information on where to pay is given on the ticket.

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Parking Violations

In Canada, there are special places where you can park your vehicle. Parking laws are enforced. Watch for signs on the street that tell you where and when you can park. Make sure you put enough coins in the parking meter. Do not park at some meters between 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. or 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. (1530-1730 hours). A sign on the meter will tell you when you can use it. If you park during these times, you may get a ticket (fine) and your car could get towed.

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Seat Belts and Child Safety Seats

Everyone in Manitoba must wear a seat belt when driving or riding in a car. The law states that infants and small children must be securely belted in special car seats in the back seat. You could receive a fine if you are caught driving without your seat belt. 

For more information about car seats and seat belts, call the Road Safety Dept of Manitoba Public Safety (MPI) at 985-7199 or visit their web site at: www.mpi.mb.ca.

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Renting a Vehicle

If you need a vehicle for only a few days or weeks, might consider renting a vehicle. Many car rental companies charge a daily, weekly or monthly rate plus a charge for each kilometre you drive. Compare prices that different companies offer.

You need a valid driver’s license to rent a vehicle. There are also other driving restrictions.  Please ask before renting a vehicle.  Find these companies in the Yellow Pages, under the heading Automobile – Renting & Leasing.

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Leasing a Vehicle

If you cannot afford to buy a car, leasing may be an option. However, if you lease a car for a long time, you could pay more than you would to buy the car.

When you lease a car, you can drive it for a few months while you decide if you want to buy it. You must sign a lease agreement that outlines the obligations for both you and the leasing company. The contract tells you how many months you will pay the lease; what repairs and maintenance are free, and what you must pay for; and the mileage you are allowed to put on the car. If your mileage is high, you might have to pay extra money. At the end of the lease period, you simply return the vehicle to the company. You do not own it.

If you use the leased vehicle for work, you may be able to claim the leasing expenses on your income tax.

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Buying a Used Car

It is a good idea to read a lot of information from different sources before buying a car. Many car books or Consumer Reports have information on how well the car drives, its safety record, and how expensive it is to maintain and repair. Other books tell you the suggested selling price for different cars, and how much the options will cost.  CAA has information about vehicles. They are at:

Consumers Association of Canada
218 Osborne Street S., Winnipeg MB R3L 1Z3
Phone: (204) 452-2572 Toll Free: 1-888-596-0900
Toll Free: 1-800-596-0900*
E-mail: info@consumermanitoba.ca
Web Site: www.consumermanitoba.ca

Consider these things before you start shopping for a car:

• The highest price you will pay for the vehicle. Do not go over this limit
• How much money you can afford to pay each month
• The annual costs of insurance
• How much money you will have to spend on maintenance
• Daily costs, such as gas and parking

The Auto Trader magazine (www.canadatrader.com) has good information about used vehicles for sale. It shows pictures of used vehicles, describes the condition of each vehicle, the price, and the telephone number to contact. You can barter on the price of a used vehicle – you can offer a lower price. You can buy copies of the Auto Trader at most gas stations and grocery stores.

If you are thinking of buying a used car, you should know that:

• Any used vehicle must have a safety inspection by an authorized mechanic before you buy it.
• You must obtain a Manitoba Safety Check Certificate before you can register the vehicle with Manitoba Driver & Vehicle Licensing.
• Safety Certificates only ensure that your vehicle has been inspected for certain problems. However, the certificate does not ensure that the vehicle is trouble free. If you take your car to a diagnostic clinic, they will check it and tell you exactly what repairs are needed. Look in the Yellow Pages under Automobile Diagnostic Service.
• Check that there are no liens (money still owing) on the vehicle. First, find out if it is a Manitoba vehicle. (If it is from another province or country, you must contact that province/ country.) Then call the Personal Property Registry Office at (204) 945-3123. They are at #1505 – 405 Broadway in Winnipeg. For a small fee, they will tell you if there are any liens on the vehicle. If there is a lien on the vehicle, you may have to pay the money.
• Call Autopac to find out if the car was ever "written off" (in an accident where the cost of the repairs was more than the value of the car).  In Winnipeg, call (204) 985-8832, Outside Winnipeg call 1-800-665-2410.
• Take the car for a "test drive" on the highway. Notice how it feels, stops and turns corners.
• If you decide to buy the car, you will also need to buy insurance and register the car.
• Before you can register the vehicle and obtain a licence plate, you will need a Transfer of Ownership document or Bill of Sale. It is signed by you and the previous owner. This document lists the odometer reading at the time of the sale, as well as the sale price and date of the transfer.

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Buying a New Car

The Yellow Pages lists car dealerships, under Automobile Dealers. Also, many dealerships advertise cars for sale and their prices in the local newspapers.

Before buying a new vehicle, compare prices for different vehicles in publications such as the Classified section of the daily or weekly newspaper or specialty publications. Visit car dealerships to compare vehicles and prices. Test drive a few vehicles to see how they feel.

Once you decide on a car that you want to buy, you are ready to make a deal. You can barter on the price of the vehicle. You can offer less than the advertised price. Do not pay a deposit or sign anything until you are completely satisfied with the car and the price.

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Winter Driving

Driving in Manitoba winters is challenging. Prepare for winter driving by giving your car a winter tune-up.  You can do this yourself or take your car to a service garage to have it done.. Many garages have "winter tune-up specials" for tune-ups.  The tune-up will prepare your vehicle for the cold temperatures.  Wash your car regularly in the winter to remove road salt from the bottom of the car.  Make sure you dry the door panels - by putting lock de-icer in the key holes.

Any car you buy must have a block heater and defroster for the winter months.  This helps your car keep warm, and allows it to start easier in the cold winter months.

Many Manitobans find it useful to buy an annual  membership with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). The CAA provides emergency road service if your car breaks down and needs to be towed, or simply needs its battery boosted. The CAA also has highway maps and many kinds of useful information for travelers. Call them at (204) 987-6166.

CAA Manitoba
870 Empress Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3G 3H3
Phone: (204) 987-6166
Web Site: www.caamanitoba.com

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Long Distance Travel

You do not need a visa or special document to travel between provinces in Canada. However, some people buy travel insurance when they travel outside Manitoba. If you get sick while you are away, Manitoba Health will not pay your medical costs unless you have travel insurance. Contact Manitoba Health at (204) 786-7101 or Manitoba Blue Cross at (204) 775-0151, www.mb.bluecross.ca to ask about extra medical insurance coverage (see the Your First Few Weeks in Manitoba section).

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Train Service

Via Rail Canada has transcontinental passenger train service. It links Manitoba with eastern and western passenger train lines on the Canadian National Railway. It also runs through northern Manitoba to Churchill, and through northwestern Ontario. For more information, contact:

For more information, contact:

Via Rail Canada Inc.
123 Main Street
Winnipeg MB R3C 1A3
Toll Free: 1-888-842-7245*
Web Site: www.viarail.ca

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Bus Service

Greyhound Bus Lines offers scheduled and chartered passenger bus service throughout Canada and the United States. Grey Goose Bus Lines and Beaver Bus Lines provide travel service in Manitoba only. For more information, call:

*Toll free means that you do not have to pay for the long distance phone call. It will not appear on your phone bill.

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Air Service

Winnipeg International Airport is the only international airport serving Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwestern Ontario. Several small airlines also operate daily flights to northern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. You can get information on flights and reservations directly from the various airlines or travel agencies. They are listed in the Yellow Pages, under Air Line Companies and Travel Service. For general information contact:

Winnipeg International Airport
249 – 2000 Wellington Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3H 1C2
Phone: (204) 987-9400
Web Site: www.waa.ca

Links:
The Older and Wiser Driver Self-Rating Form
http://gov.mb.ca/sd/driver/quiz.html

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