Manitoba drivers: new air brake ticket required

WINNIPEG (Jan. 4) — As of Jan. 1, 1999, the Manitoba Class 1 truck driver’s licence has two air-brake endorsement possibilities. The existing “A” endorsement will continue but has been joined by the new and optional “S” endorsement. An “A” licence will permit driving an air-braked vehicle, but the “S” endorsement will soon be required if the driver also intends to do air-brake adjustment.

Existing “A” licence holders will be allowed to adjust their brakes until Dec. 31, 2000.

After that date, they will have to prove they have been trained to do slack adjustment. Drivers will have three options: 1) prove they’ve been tested in a jurisdiction where the practical adjustment of brakes was part of the driving test; 2) complete an “S” endorsement test administered by the Manitoba Division of Driver and Vehicle Licensing (DDVL); or 3) complete a recognized course in air-brake adjustment.

Drivers intending to take the “S” test must wait to be notified by a letter from DDVL. Only then can they make an appointment to take the test (they’ll also have to buy a $25 “air-brake test receipt” at any DDVL office or rural licensing agent). Information on the test can be found in the revised 1999 Air Brake Manual.

Those choosing not to wait can take the Air Brake Adjustment Course offered by the Manitoba Trucking Association for $75. First dates for the course are Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. and Jan. 16 at 9 a.m. Contact the MTA at 204/632-6600.

The course — like the new endorsement — matches the existing Ontario standard.

Note that Ontario already imposes these new standards on Manitoba drivers travelling into that province.

Note too that drivers cannot take a bake-adjustment test or course for the new “S” endorsement without first having an “A” licence.