A controversial claim that Manitoba drivers aged 65 and up now face mandatory medical exams every two years has sparked concern—and confusion—among the province’s senior population.
For 89-year-old Mel Holod, the news, which turned out to be false, stirred a range of emotions.
“I don’t know if it’s good or bad. I’m way over that, so I just hope I can get my licence.”
While Holod remains unsure, others voiced strong opinions about what they believed to be abrupt changes that could punish years of safe driving.
“It takes us how many years to get all these points for good driving? And with one slice of the knife, all of a sudden, we have to take a medical,” says Brian Ostapowich.
Confusion between licensing and insurance systems
As discussion grew, many seniors questioned whether mandatory medical checks—if real—might be linked to rising insurance premiums. Holod, who hasn’t renewed yet, says he received a letter warning of a $500 increase.
“Driver’s licence and insurance, that’s two different conversations,” says one man in the group, highlighting the blurred lines in the ongoing debate.
Holod says his daughter, acting as his caregiver, flagged the increase, but no explanation followed. No one else he knows has seen a similar hike.
MPI denies any age-based testing
Tara Seel, media and public relations lead for Manitoba Public Insurance, says unequivocally that no such testing requirement exists.
“We don’t have mandatory age-based tests here,” notes Seel. “This is just—it’s not a thing, it doesn’t exist.”
Seel says the confusion likely stemmed from misinformation posted online. MPI has since followed up with efforts to correct the record.
Medical assessments tied to condition, not age
She clarifies that while some drivers—such as those with medical conditions or commercial licences—may need to file reports more frequently, these requirements have nothing to do with age.
“We are very engaged and interested in what impairs or affects someone’s ability to drive,” says Seel. “But it’s not age-based.”
Physicians and optometrists are required to report serious conditions that affect driving. In some cases, this may lead to follow-up exams or restricted licensing—but always based on health, not age.
Concern over rising premiums remains
On the insurance side, Seel says rate hikes are determined by multiple factors, including driving history and the type of vehicle owned.
“There’s nothing that came into place that said this is going to go up $500,” she adds.
She encourages anyone confused about charges to call MPI’s contact centre, where staff can review their file and explain the breakdown.
False claims raise real concerns
Even though the website’s claims have been debunked, the damage lingers. Holod still doesn’t have his licence back after a disputed health diagnosis and feels frustrated by the lack of clarity.
“I never felt any difference,” he says. “So that’s my pleasure.”
Seel emphasizes that there have been no changes to MPI’s driver fitness processes, and that licensing remains a provincial matter—contrary to the website’s suggestion of national regulations.
“No mandatory age-based testing in Manitoba,” she repeats.
Still, the incident has left seniors shaken, calling attention to the need for clearer communication around licensing and insurance policies as Manitobans age.
Having learned of the false news, Brian Ostapowich notes he saw red flags from the start.
"Well, I had my suspicions on it because I hadn't heard from either our friend Google or any releases by MPI or Manitoba Drivers Association that anything would have changed. So, I was suspicious from the first, but it stands."
He adds, "life takes its different turns, this is just another story and we'll wait to hear the rest of the story from MPI or at such time as they release something."