About this lesson
Winnipeg winters are long, and the first real snowfall catches out new and experienced drivers alike. We teach in winter conditions on purpose, choosing safe locations and adapting the route to what the weather is doing that day.
Lesson plan
- 1
Clear & prepare
Clearing snow and ice fully, block heater basics, wiper and defrost settings.
- 2
Traction & braking
Gentle inputs, longer following distance and threshold braking where safe.
- 3
Turns on snow
Slowing before the turn, steering smoothly and recovering a slight slide.
- 4
Visibility
Ice fog, blowing snow, low sun on snowbanks and being seen in short daylight.
- 5
If you get stuck
Rocking the car out of a rut, what to keep in the trunk and when not to drive.
Who it's for
- Learners who have only driven in summer
- Newcomers facing their first prairie winter
- Anyone nervous after a slide or near-miss
You'll leave with
- Smooth control on snow and ice
- A winter checklist for your own car
- Confidence through the darkest months
What to bring
- Warm boots you can feel the pedals in
- Gloves that still let you grip the wheel
- Your licence
Lessons are rescheduled at no cost if Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a weather warning (for example blizzard or extreme cold) for Winnipeg.
