Students leave Winnipeg for driving tests due to 8-week wait

WINNIPEG — Driving school students who are eager to get their licences are being told they have to wait up to 60 days to take the test in Winnipeg.

Teenagers who are eager to get that ticket to freedom are finding it’s worth the drive out of town to take the test right away.

“We went and asked if there were any spots in Winnipeg, and they said it was all full,” said Sydney Kellington, a Grade 11 student. “The only options were Selkirk and Brandon.”

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Kellington and many of her friends are travelling to towns outside Winnipeg in order to do their tests right away.

This is the busiest time of year for driver testing, said Brian Smiley at Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Typically the heaviest times are September and October,” said Smiley.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to take the test before the eight-week wait. MPI encourages students to be persistent and call every morning, since some spots will open up due to cancellations.

Smiley also said despite rumours to the contrary, the tests are standard across the province.

“They may think that the lesser traffic volumes would be easier, but the testers are using the same tests and restrictions that they do in the city of Winnipeg.”