How to Get Class 1 Driver License Manitoba

Getting your Class 1 licence in Manitoba is an essential step if you want to drive semi-trucks or tractor-trailers professionally anywhere in Canada. With this licence, you’ll be legally allowed to operate the largest commercial vehicles — which opens doors to stable, well-paid jobs in the trucking and logistics industry.
However, the process isn’t always straightforward. There are several requirements, medical checks, training steps, and exams to complete — and it can be confusing if you don’t know where to start.

That’s why this guide was created: to give you a clear, step-by-step explanation of how to get your Class 1 licence in Manitoba — from eligibility and paperwork to testing and fees. Whether you’re new to Canada, switching careers, or just starting in trucking, this guide will walk you through every stage so you know exactly what to expect.

Meet the basic requirements:

Minimum 18 years of age

Manitoba Class 5 Full Stage Licence

Prepare for the Class 1 knowledge test and Air Brake knowledge test.
Our resources and the official resources available on the M.P.I. website will help you with this.

Link for our Resources: Resources

Link for M.P.I. books: M.P.I. Handbooks

You can take the tests either together on the same day or one after the other. It’s up to you. Once you’ve taken the tests, move on to the next step, step 3.

Before applying for your Class 1 licence, you must pass a medical examination to confirm that you meet the health standards required for commercial drivers in Manitoba.
1. Visit your nearest MPI Service Centre or download the form directly from the official MPI website: Form
This form must be completed by a licensed physician.

2. Schedule your medical exam at any walk-in clinic (or another authorized medical provider). Bring the MPI form with you — the doctor will fill it out
during your examination.

3. Once your medical exam is complete, return the filled form to MPI. If you meet all health requirements, you’ll be eligible to obtain your A (Air Brake)
and I (Instruction) licences, which are required before taking your Class 1 road test.

After receiving your temporary licence, the next step is to enroll in a certified Class 1 training school.
The full training program consists of:

40.5 hours of classroom instruction

40.0 hours of yard traininп

41.0 hours of in-cab driving practice

Week 1 – Classroom Theory (40 hours):
During the first week, you’ll complete approximately 40 hours of theory, where you’ll learn about traffic regulations, logbooks, vehicle inspections, and safety procedures required for commercial driving.

Week 2 – Yard Training (40 hours):
The second week focuses mainly on practical learning in the yard, including pre-trip inspections, coupling and uncoupling, and basic vehicle control.

After completing these two weeks of theory and yard practice, you’ll take the Phase 1 Test — the Pre-Trip Inspection Exam.
Our school provides a fully equipped training truck for this test, and you’re allowed up to 2 attempts using our vehicle at no additional cost.

After successfully completing Phase 1 (Pre-Trip Inspection Test), you’ll receive a new temporary licence, bringing you one step closer to obtaining your full Class 1 licence.

Once you have this temporary licence, you’ll return to our school for Phase 2 of your training. During this stage, our certified instructors will work closely with you to refine your practical driving skills — including shifting, maneuvering, highway driving, and real-world traffic situations — using a fully equipped Class 1 vehicle.

This phase focuses on building your confidence and precision behind the wheel, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the final road test.

During Phase 2, you’ll spend approximately 40 hours of in-cab driving practice, which is the minimum required training to develop the necessary driving skills for operating a Class 1 vehicle safely and confidently.

After completing this stage, you’ll be ready to apply for the Phase 2 Test, also known as the Road Test. This test is conducted by an MPI examiner and takes place on public roads within the city, where your ability to handle real traffic situations, follow safety regulations, and control the vehicle will be evaluated.

Our school provides a training truck free of charge for up to 2 test attempts, giving you the best possible opportunity to pass successfully.

Congratulations! 🎉
If you’ve reached this step, it means you’ve successfully passed both Phase 1 (Pre-Trip Inspection) and Phase 2 (Road Test) with MPI.

Now it’s time to apply for your full Class 1 driver’s licence. Simply visit any MPI Service Centre with your test results and identification to exchange your temporary licence for a permanent Class 1 licence.

Once you receive it, you are officially a professional commercial driver — ready to start your career in the trucking industry and take the next step toward a stable and rewarding future on the road.