Steinbach home to condensed Driver Z course

Young drivers will be able to complete their training in less than half the time thanks to a condensed Driver Z program offered by MPI (Manitoba Public Insurance), this summer.

MPI announced Monday that their typical 12-week program will be shortened to five weeks in July and August.

Four Manitoba cities will be home to the classes in both months, including Steinbach, Winkler, Winnipeg and Brandon.

July courses will also be offered in Arborg, Beausejour and Portage while August courses will also be offered in The Pas.

Driver Z uses a mix of eLessons, virtual and in-person classes, and in-car learning to give students the tools, knowledge, and confidence to reduce risk and prevent collisions.

MPI’s vice president and chief customer and product officer Maria Campos said students will need to complete the lessons, study for the knowledge test and practice driving with their co-pilots to be successful.

“We are able to offer this alternative in the summer months as students are off school and able to participate during the day, making it possible to cover all the course content and ensure they have the necessary training to be safe drivers on our roadways,” she said.

Registration for the summer courses will begin on May 28 at 8 a.m.

A listing of all available summer courses will be published on May 23 at www.mpi.mb.ca.

To register students should visit an Autopac agent or MPI service centre in advance to get set up as a customer and purchase the Driver Z service.

Campos said they have doubled their student capacity from last year by hiring new driving instructors.

To pass, students must attend all classes with no exceptions.