Manitoba Public Insurance is getting in gear to recruit more instructors to teach driver education courses in rural communities.
Currently, four instructors deliver Driver Z programming in Stonewall, Selkirk and surrounding areas. Driver Z is MPI’s high school driver education program delivered in communities across the province.
“The program’s goal is to develop long-term safe drivers, reduce collisions and develop a proactive traffic safety culture among Manitoba’s youngest licence holders,” said communications manager Kristy Rydz.
“It does this using a mix of online and in-car learning that gives Driver Z students the tools, knowledge and confidence to improve their driving ability and prepare them to make responsible decisions behind the wheel.”
Each year, thousands of students complete the Driver Z program to gain the skills to become safe, responsible and confident drivers.
“According to MPI’s data, Driver Z students consistently score higher on the Class 5 knowledge and pass the road test at a higher rate than the general public,” Rydz added.
MPI is actively recruiting in the Interlake and hopes to add additional instructors in the future.
“MPI’s ability to offer courses in rural communities depends on the availability of qualified Driver Z instructors in those communities. During the pandemic, many rural instructors left the profession, exacerbating pre-pandemic shortages,” she said.
“Despite ongoing recruitment efforts and incentives to financially support new instructors, interest continues to be low in rural areas of the province.”
In the months ahead, MPI will be rolling out several strategies to help boost the number of courses offered across the province and better meet the driver training needs of rural communities.
“These include reviewing compensation, training and support for instructors to attract and retain instructors, especially in areas of the province currently experiencing low or no instructor availability. Individuals who are interested in supporting their community and sharing their passion for road safety are encouraged to apply through the posting on MPI’s website,” Rydz said.
“Additionally, the corporation is exploring alternative delivery models for the course and a review of current catchment requirements.”
And for Manitoba high school students who would like to register for the Driver Z program, they will need to complete three steps, along with their parents and guardians. First, they need to visit an Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre to get set up as an MPI customer. After that, they need to purchase a Driver Z service and register in a Driver Z course. Students need to be at least 15-and-a-half years old to register for Driver Z.
“To make the process as smooth as possible, Steps 1 and 2 can be completed before Driver Z registration day,” Rydz said. “Customers who have completed these first two steps in advance can register by phone through MPI’s Contact Centre or in person at an Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre when courses become available.”
To learn more, visit the Manitoba Public Insurance website at www.mpi.mb.ca.
