Manitoba is one of Canada’s largest logistics and transportation hubs, which has created numerous economic opportunities for drivers of Class 1 combination vehicles (such as semi-trucks and tractor-trailers). Located just 250 km north of the geographic centre of North America, Winnipeg is a critical logistics hub. Some of Canada’s largest trucking and logistics companies operate combination vehicles in Winnipeg. To legally drive combination vehicles, however, you’ll need a Class 1 commercial driver’s licence.
To apply for a Class 1 commercial driver’s licence in Manitoba, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a Class 5 driver’s licence, submit a Medical Examination Report, and pass a vision screening test.
Next, you must pass a written knowledge test on the theory of driving Class 1 vehicles. You must score at least 80% to pass. Passing the test enables you to obtain Class 1 Authorized Instruction, which will allow you to practice commercial driving under supervision. For a Class 1 licence, you must also obtain an Air Brakes endorsement on your Class 1 licence because virtually all Class 1 vehicles in Manitoba have air brakes. To do this, start by passing an official air brake knowledge test.
In Manitoba, before you may book your road test for a Class 1 licence, you must also complete Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) or the equivalent. The MELT course consists of 121.5 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on training in operating semi-trucks. There is an alternative: a 224-hour Professional Truck Driver Training course. This longer course covers all the material that MELT covers. However, you’ll need an employer’s Conditional Offer of Employment (COE) to take this course.
To obtain the Air Brakes endorsement, you must also pass the official practical air brake test with your Class 1 road test.
The Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) Professional Driver’s Manual and Air Brake Manual are the official references for aspiring commercial drivers in the province. However, if you would like more intensive knowledge training in Class 1 driving than you can get by reading the manuals or taking the courses, we can help!
This 25-question Manitoba Class 1 Knowledge practice test, the first of three such tests we offer, covers the basics of operating Class 1 vehicles (with air brakes). All practice questions are based on the above MPI references. If you get stuck on a question, ask our AI Assistant to give you a hint, discuss the question further, or answer your own questions about commercial driving. If you still miss the question, the AI Assistant will give you the correct answer and an explanation.
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