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Saskatchewan handbook · chapter 1 · 33 min read

Licensing Program

2. Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program Driver programs and examinations are designed to develop safe and capable drivers who know and understand the rules of the road. Driving is a responsibility and a privilege. It’s not a right. Provincial regulations exist to meet safety needs as well as promote the efficient and safe flow of traffic.

To drive in Saskatchewan you must hold a valid driver’s licence for the type of vehicle you wish to operate. The classified driver‘s licence system establishes minimum standards of skill, knowledge, physical and mental fitness for the safe operation of different types of vehicles. Drivers are then licensed accordingly. The first time you apply for a Saskatchewan driver’s licence, you’ll be asked to provide documents to prove your identity, proof of residency and entitlement to be in Canada. Each docu ment must be from an authority such as a federal or provincial government or a federal agency (a full list of approved documents can be found at sgi.sk.ca/identity-and-residency-verification and in SGI’s Establishing Your Identity pamphlet). They must also be originals, not photocopies. Electronic scans of these documents may be kept on file, in keeping with Canadian standards.

To get a driver’s licence, you must be able to operate a vehicle safely and properly, understand all traffic signs and know the rules of the road. You’re required to complete a driver’s examination if you:

If you’re a new resident wanting a Saskatchewan driver’s licence without being tested, you must meet some requirements: • If you’re a former resident of a Canadian province or territory you must have a valid driver’s licence from that juris diction. An expired driver’s licence (not older than five years) from that jurisdiction is also acceptable. New residents may drive with their valid out-of-province driver’s licence for 90 days after moving to Saskatchewan. 2.1 Driver’s licence

Note: Once a Saskatchewan driver’s licence of any class is validated, the driver’s licence from any home jurisdiction becomes invalid. • If you’re a former resident of one of the countries we honour, as listed on the previous page, a valid licence and a copy of your driving record from that jurisdiction must be provided, accompanied by a translation document acceptable to SGI (i.e. International Driving Permit).

2.1 Driver’s licence Your driver’s licence expires on the last day of your birth month or the last day of the month that your immigration documents expire.

Saskatchewan driver’s licenses offer enhanced security features and meet international standards, integrating facial recognition technology.

You must show your licence if a peace officer asks to see it. If you don’t have your licence with you at the time, the officer may allow you up to 48 hours to produce it. If your licence includes any restrictions, you must obey the restrictions when driving. See the next page for restriction codes.

If you’re a visitor or temporary foreign worker, your existing licence gives you all of the same privileges it does in your home province, territory or state, excluding Class 1 vehicles (semis). If you want to drive a semi, you will need to take Mandatory Entry-Level Training and get a Saskatchewan Class 1 driver’s licence. As a visitor to Saskatchewan, you aren’t eligible to apply for a Saskatchewan driver’s licence. As a visitor, you don’t have to register your vehicle in this province unless you become a resident.

Full-time students attending approved educational institutions, as well as their immediate families, don’t have to exchange their driver’s licence during the time they are living here to attend classes. Your existing licence gives you all of the same privileges it does in your home province, territory or state, excluding Class 1 vehicles (semis). If you become a Saskatchewan resident you may drive using your current driver’s licence and vehicle plates for 90 days after taking up residence.

2.1 Driver’s licence

Restrictions and endorsements Restriction code A – must wear prescribed glasses or contact lenses B – may not drive at night C – may only drive within a 40 kilometre radius of address shown on licence D – may only drive within a 80 kilometre radius of address shown on licence E – may only drive outside the limits of a city, in a city as a learner F – must have two outside rear-view mirrors on vehicle G – driver must present Detail Authority Card H – motorcycles are limited to three-wheeled cycles, two-wheeled as a learner J – motorcycles are limited to cycles under 50 cc’s, larger as a learner K – school bus capacity is limited to under 36 passengers L – may not operate Class 2 or 4 vehicles M – Class 1-3 vehicles are limited to automatic/electronic shift transmission, standard transmission as a learner N – may only drive school bus with automatic transmission R – motorcycles are limited to 400cc’s and under T – may not transport passengers for hire W – restricted commercial class (Canada only) Endorsement code – may operate vehicle with air brakes A – driver must present Detail Authority Card G – motorcycle M – school bus S 1, 2, 3 or 4 – may operate that class of vehicle as a learner – may drive motorcycle as a learner 6 All driving authority is subject to medical approval.

Fake ID Do the right thing and only use your own legal driver’s licence or photo ID card. It’s a criminal offence to alter a photo ID card or the driver’s licence paper certificate in any way. It may not seem like a big deal, but there are serious consequences to using fraudulent ID, or loaning your ID for fraudulent purposes, including: • getting your real driver’s licence suspended for at least three months • a fine of at least $125 • a possible fraud conviction under the Criminal Code that could affect your employment, your education and chances of travelling outside of Canada • getting other people fined, fired or put out of business

2.2 Vehicle registration

2.2 Vehicle registration All vehicles must be properly registered according to purpose and must display the appropriate licence plate.

Licence plates must be securely attached and clearly visible. That means plates must not be obstructed in a way that prevents them from being read or accurately photographed by any enforcement system.

The number or identity of the licence plate must not be altered or changed in any way.

If you’re a new resident you have up to 90 days to register your vehicle in Saskatchewan. Basic insurance coverage is required. A non-resident (someone who does not own, rent or lease a residence in Saskatchewan and, if required, does not pay Saskatchewan income tax) may drive in Saskatchewan indefinitely providing your out-of-province or out-of-country driver’s licence remains valid.

How auto insurance works in Saskatchewan Saskatchewan auto insurance comes in two parts: Basic minimum coverage – Is required by law and is purchased at the same time you pay for your licence plates and vehicle registration. This coverage is compulsory and is provided by SGI.

Additional coverage – Sometimes referred to as extended auto insurance, a package policy or an Auto Pak, additional coverage is tailored to your needs and is provided on a separate auto insurance policy. This important protection may be purchased from the insurance company, broker or agent of your choice.

Licence plate insurance coverage Your licence plate carries basic insurance coverage in three areas:

Collision and comprehensive – Coverage for damage to your vehicle, subject to a deductible.

Personal injury – Benefits for personal injury resulting from a vehicle collision.

Liability – Insurance for damage your vehicle causes to another vehicle or property, or injury to others.

Collision and comprehensive is also known as physical damage coverage. It pays for damage to your vehicle due to a collision or other occurrence such as hail, fire or theft.* * Most vehicles are covered to the actual cash value, which is the market value of your vehicle compared with similar vehicles, with similar equipment, mileage and condition to the insured vehicle (see Coverage limitations referenced in the Driver’s Licence and Basic Auto Insurance brochure). Personal injury benefits provide Saskatchewan residents with injury and death benefits if they are injured or killed in an automobile collision anywhere in Canada or the United States. All Saskatchewan residents have a choice between two equally priced auto injury coverages – No Fault Coverage and Tort Coverage.

2.2 Vehicle registration

Liability coverage protects you as a vehicle owner and driver if you and/or your vehicle are responsible for injuries caused to others or damage to property belonging to others. ‘Others’ may be another motorist, a pedestrian or bicyclist, a passenger in your vehicle, or the owner of property you damage.

To be liable is to be at fault and responsible for damage or injury. You can be liable whether you choose No Fault or Tort injury (all Saskatchewan residents are automatically covered with No Fault injury coverage unless they choose Tort injury coverage and file a declaration form). Liability coverage will pay the cost to defend you if someone claims you are liable, as well as the damages if you are found responsible.

Plate insurance provides up to $200,000 in liability coverage. Although compensation for many injuries and damages is covered under the collision and comprehensive coverage or the personal injury benefits, there are also many situations where compensation will be based on who is at fault, what happened and where it happened (for instance, if you were driving in the U.S. or another Canadian province). These include damage to buildings or fences near a street, to cargo in a vehicle you collide with, or to trains, cargo, and tracks at a level crossing, including environmental damage. If you’re responsible for an injury or death in Saskatchewan of someone whose earnings were greater than the personal injury benefit amount, or to anyone out of province, you will likely have a liability claim.

No Fault Coverage Saskatchewan residents with No Fault Coverage receive a comprehensive package of benefits regardless of the circumstances of the collision. Benefits include coverage for income loss, medical and rehabilitation expenses, permanent impairment and death benefits. Those with No Fault Coverage can sue for certain expenses not covered by their benefits, as well as for income loss which exceeds the benefits provided by the plan. Except in very limited circumstances, they cannot sue for pain and suffering.

Tort Coverage Saskatchewan residents with Tort Coverage receive a basic package of benefits regardless of the circumstances of the collision. Benefits include some coverage for income loss, medical and rehabilitation expenses, permanent impairment and death benefits. Those with Tort Coverage who are not totally at fault for the collision can sue for expenses and income losses not covered by their benefits and for pain and suffering, subject to a $5,000 deductible.

For more information on No Fault Coverage, Tort Coverage or how to choose your auto injury insurance, visit www.sgi.sk.ca or ask any SGI office or SGI motor licence issuing office for informational materials that explain the coverages.

2.2 Vehicle Registration

Your vehicle deductible Your plate insurance covers loss of, or damage to, your vehicle and its equipment from causes such as a collision, upset, fire, theft, windstorm or hail. Subject to your deductible.

A deductible is applicable to any vehicle loss you may have. It’s the amount you are required to pay before your licence plate insurance benefits begin to cover the remaining costs.

For example, if your deductible is $700 and you’re responsible for a collision which causes $2,000 worth of damage to your vehicle, then SGI will pay for damage in excess of your deductible. You’ll be responsible for the first $700, while SGI will pay the remaining $1,300.

However, if it’s determined that another Saskatchewan driver/owner is responsible for the damage and that person can be identified, that person’s insurance will pay for your damage, including your deducti ble and any other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

Coverage for specific single-vehicle losses Single-vehicle collision – Your damages are covered for the amount in excess of your deductible. You may be able to recover your deductible when there is a responsible party to pursue. Your adjuster will assist you with this. In most single-vehicle collisions the driver is responsible and must pay their own deductible.

Storm or weather-related damage – Even though you’re not at fault for weather- related damage, such as hail damage or a tree falling on your vehicle, the deductible applies as there is no responsible party to pursue.

Collision with an animal – If you carry only the compulsory plate insurance, the deductible applies. If you carry additional auto insurance the deductible may be waived for a collision with an animal.

Hit and run – Your damages are covered for the amount in excess of your deductible. You may be able to recover your deductible if the responsible party is identified. Your adjuster will assist you with this.

Theft or vandalism – If you carry only the compulsory plate insurance, the deductible applies. If the responsible party is identified, you may be able to recover your deductible. If you carry additional auto insurance the deductible may be waived for theft of the entire vehicle.

Coverage for multiple-vehicle losses You’re not at fault for the collision – You don’t pay the deductible in most cases. The party found at fault for the collision is responsible for your damage, including your deductible. Once your adjuster has confirmed your coverage, you may have your vehicle repaired at the autobody shop of your choice.

You’re at fault for the collision – As the at-fault driver you’re responsible for your full deductible. Your licence plate insurance will also pay the other driver’s deductible and cover any damage to their vehicle.

2.2 Vehicle Registration

Shared responsibility for the collision – When two motorists are each found partially responsible for a collision, both drivers pay a portion of their deductible if their vehicle is damaged. For example, if you’re found 25% responsible for a collision you pay 25% of your deductible.

Personal Auto Injury Insurance The Personal Auto Injury Insurance program provides coverage for Saskatchewan residents injured in automobile collisions anywhere in Canada or the United States. Coverage provided depends on which of two auto injury products you choose – No Fault Coverage or Tort Coverage.

Extended Auto Insurance Basic plate insurance allows you to drive with minimal coverage, but to protect yourself, your family, your passengers, and your vehicle, you may find you’ll need more than just the basics. A licensed insurance broker or agent will explain your options and provide advice on economical ways to obtain the protection you need.

Extended auto insurance can cover your vehicle for replacement cost, pay for the cost of a rental if your vehicle is damaged, reduce the deductible you pay for damage to your vehicle and top-up your injury coverage. Most importantly, it increases your liability from the minimum $200,000.

Despite your efforts to be a good driver, a moment of distraction, tiredness, inexperience, poor road conditions and many other things can result in major collisions. You can be sued and held responsible for damages if you’re at fault — even if you have No Fault injury coverage. If you don’t have enough insurance or the means to pay for your defence or the damages caused, you may be expected to pay a portion of your earnings for many years as a result of lacking enough coverage. 2.3 Graduated Driver Licensing Program

2.3 Graduated Driver Licensing Program

What is Graduated Driver Licensing? Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is a program designed to improve road safety by exposing new drivers to incremental levels of risk as they gain more driving experience. New drivers, regardless of age, are provided with the support, skills and experience they need as they work towards becoming fully qualified drivers.

There are three stages to Saskatchewan’s Graduated Driver Licensing program – Learner, Novice 1 and Novice 2. As drivers pass through these stages, they will see fewer restrictions at each stage until they graduate to an experienced Class 5 driver’s licence. The Learner, Novice 1 or Novice 2 driving status is indicated on the driver’s licence.

Steps in the Graduated Driver Licensing program 1. Obtain a Learner’s licence. 2. Practise driving for nine months with a supervising driver. 3. Complete the required mandatory driver training education with a certified instructor. 4. Pass a road test. 5. Practise driving as a Class 5 Novice 1 driver for six months. 6. Drive as a Class 5 Novice 2 driver for 12 months with no incidents (e.g., at-fault collision, traffic conviction* and suspension free). In the event of an incident, the Novice 2 driver will be required to restart the 12-month incident-free period again from the loss date/conviction date. Interruptions such as licence suspensions, refusal to issue or non-renewal will extend the 12 months for any period of time the driver did not hold a valid licence. 7. Graduate to an experienced Class 5 driver’s licence.

* Where found to be at fault for a collision or convicted of a traffic offence the 12-month period will restart from the loss date or conviction date respectively.

2.3 Graduated Driver Licensing Program

Restrictions

* Immediate family members are defined as spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, step-parent, step-grandparent, stepsibling, foster parent, foster child, foster sibling, parent-in-law, sibling-in-law or child-in-law. Note: That all drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing program are prohibited from: 1. Operating both hand held and hands-free electronic communication equipment, such as cellphones, while driving. 2. Operating right-hand drive vehicles.

2.3 Graduated Driver Licensing Program • 2.4 Change of name or address

Graduated Driver Licensing Improvement program Drivers in any stage who are found at fault for a collision, or who receive convictions or suspensions, will be placed in the Graduated Driver Licensing Improvement program. Drivers will progress through the following steps: • A warning letter will be sent to the driver if the first traffic incident (conviction) has an assigned rating of two points or fewer.* • If the first traffic incident (conviction, at-fault collision, suspension) has an assigned rating of three to six points, the driver will be required to attend a Traffic Safety Education session.

Each incident thereafter will result in the driver being required to attend further education courses followed by the administrative suspensions:

* For a complete list of offence and driver points, visit our website or call 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744).

Appeals Drivers can appeal all sanctions, with the exception of the warning letter, Traffic Safety Education session, interview request and manual review to the Highway Traffic Board. The board is independent from SGI and has the authority to uphold, alter the decision, issue a restricted licence and reduce or increase the length of any driver’s licence suspension.

2.4 Change of name or address If you change your name and/or address, you must tell SGI within 15 days by writing to us, or at your motor licence issuer’s office. Any changes to name and/or date of birth must be also accompanied by a legal document supporting the change.

You can revise your contact information and change your mailing address, physical address or email address through MySGI at www.mysgi.ca.

You can also notify SGI of your change of address through the Express Address online service at www.expressaddress.com. This service can also notify several other provincial and municipal government organizations of your address change at the same time.

2.5 Classified licence system

2.5 Classified licence system Licence Class 1 – minimum age: 18 Permits the licence holder to operate • Class 1 vehicles – power units and semi trailers, and trucks which have a trailer(s) or vehicle(s) in tow where the gross weight of the towed unit(s) exceeds 4,600 kg • Motor vehicles in classes 2, 3, 4 and 5 Does not permit the licence holder to operate • Vehicles with air brakes, motorcycles or school buses without an appropriate endorsement(s) Requirements Minimum age Medically fit Vision test Knowledge tests Training Trip inspection Road test 18 years and not a novice driver See page 16 See page 18 Class 1 knowledge tests include: Class 1, 2, 3, 4, Basic and Sign Approved Class 1 training program Must demonstrate a trip inspection on a Class 1 vehicle Must take a road test in a Class 1 vehicle

Licence Class 2 – minimum age: 18 Permits the licence holder to operate

Note: For further clarification about the classified licence system, contact your local driver examiner. 1 – Persons with Class 3 or 5 vehicles (registered farm only) with air brakes are not required to have the air brake endorsement

2.5 Classified licence system

Licence Class 3 – minimum age: 18 Permits the licence holder to operate • Class 3 vehicles – trucks with more than two axles, except trucks registered in Class F, and trucks with more than two axles which have a trailer(s) or vehicle(s) in tow, except trucks registered in Class F, where the gross weight of the towed unit(s) does not exceed 4,600 kg • Motor vehicles in classes 4 and 5 • Power units with more than two axles, when not towing a semi trailer • Class 1 or 2 vehicles as a learner with appropriate endorsement Does not permit the licence holder to operate • Vehicles with air brakes1, motorcycles or school buses without an appropriate endorsement(s) Requirements Minimum age Medically fit Vision test Knowledge tests Trip inspection Road test 18 years and not a novice driver See page 16 See page 18 Class 3 knowledge tests include: Class 3, Class 4, Basic and Sign Must demonstrate a trip inspection on a Class 3 vehicle Must take a road test in a Class 3 vehicle

Licence Class 4 – minimum age: 18 Permits the licence holder to operate

2.5 Classified licence system

Licence Class 5 – minimum age: 16 Permits the licence holder to operate • Class 5 vehicles – cars, vans 2 , two-axle trucks, two-axle vehicles having a trailer(s) or vehicle(s) in tow where the gross weight of the towed unit(s) does not exceed 4,600 kg, buses when not transporting passengers, three-axle motorhomes, taxis and ambulances when not used for hire • A taxi, limousine or vehicle as part of a vehicle-for-hire service, or Class PB* vehicle if the driver: 1. is an experienced driver, not in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program; 2. has at least two years post-GDL driving experience; and 3. has a satisfactory driver history (meaning less than 12 points under the Driver Improvement Program in the last two years, and no impaired-driving related suspension in the last 10 years). • School buses with a capacity of no more than 15 passengers when carrying passengers • Law enforcement vehicles when being used for law enforcement purposes • Two-axle power units, when not towing a semi trailer • Two-axle farm trucks towing vehicles which have a gross weight that exceeds 4,600 kg • Farm trucks with more than two axles • Vehicles registered in Class PB or PC when used exclusively to transport, for hire, not more than 24 passengers with a disability and any attendants to these passengers • Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 vehicles as a learner with appropriate Endorsement 1, 2, 3 or 4 (minimum age 18 and not a novice driver) • Three-wheeled vehicles (e.g., has a steering wheel, automotive seating and floor controls - not a three-wheeled motorcycle)

*with seating capacity of 10 or less Does not permit the licence holder to operate • Vehicles with air brakes 3 , motorcycles without an appropriate endorsement(s) Requirements Vision test Knowledge tests See page 18 Class 5 knowledge tests include: Basic and Sign Road test Must hold a Class 7 licence for nine months Must take a road test in a Class 5 vehicle Approved Class 5 training course Training

Licence Class 5 and 7: Note: Persons under age 18 require parental consent to obtain driving privileges. Once consent has been granted it cannot be withdrawn. 2 – Vans with a seating capacity of 15 or less while carrying passengers. If transporting more than 12 passengers, the driver must be at least 18 years of age and not a novice driver 3 – Persons with Class 3 or 5 vehicles (registered farm only) with air brakes are not required to have the air brake endorsement

2.5 Classified licence system

Licence Class 7 – minimum age: 16 15 with High School Driver Education Permits the licence holder to operate • Class 5 vehicles as a learner Note: Does not permit the licence holder to obtain a motorcycle endorsement or operate three-wheeled vehicles as a learner.

Requirements Identification You’re required to show your full name and date of birth by a birth certificate, passport or immigration documents. You need to provide a signature from a Saskatchewan Health card, passport or a driver’s licence from a Canadian jurisdiction or any document acceptable to SGI. Any first-time driver between the ages of 15 and 18 is required to provide a completed Parent/ Guardian signature form/Guarantor form available from SGI Driver Development, motor licence issuers or SGI certified driver educators. If your name has changed due to marriage or for other reasons, please bring documentation to support the name change. Be sure to take several pieces of original identification with you (photocopies are not acceptable). Vision test Knowledge tests See page 18 Class 7 knowledge tests include: Basic and Sign

The holder of a Class 7 licence must be supervised. The driving supervisor must:

Note: The holder of a Class 1 to 5 driver’s licence is permitted to operate a snowmobile or ATV. All snowmobile operators born after Jan. 1, 1989, must have taken an approved safety course in addition to holding a Class 1 to 5 driver’s licence. The holder of a Class 7 driver’s licence is permitted to operate an ATV or snowmobile provided they are accompanied by someone who holds a Class 1 to 5 driver’s licence or supervised (within 5 m of and in view of) by someone on another machine that holds a Class 1 to 5 driver’s licence. The holder of a Class 7 or greater licence is permitted to operate a golf cart on a public roadway if the municipality has passed an SGI-approved bylaw permitting its use. For more information regarding snowmobiles, ATVs and golf carts visit our website or call SGI’s Customer Service Centre at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744).

2.6 Medical requirements

2.6 Medical requirements When you apply for, or renew, your driver’s licence, any medical condition that may affect your ability to drive must be reported to SGI. Write this information on a supplementary medical application, available from all licence issuers. Failure to report medical conditions could result in a loss of insurance coverage. For more information contact SGI’s Customer Service Centre at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744).

Individuals applying for a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 driver’s licence, or a Class 5 licence with a 1, 2, 3, 4, Heavy Trailer or School Bus Endorsement are required to meet medical standards and file a medical report with SGI before testing begins.

2.7 Operating in the United States The United States and Canada have a reciprocity agreement, which recognizes a Canadian-issued commercial driver’s licence as proof of medical fitness. However, in the United States, the operator of a Class 5 vehicle must have a commercial medical, if the vehicle or vehicle combination weighs or has a rated capacity (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) over 4,536 kg.

The United States commercial medical requirements also apply to farm-use vehicles registered in Class F, but do not apply to private-use vehicles (e.g., when vacationing in the United States towing a recreational vehicle).

For more information please refer to the Saskatchewan Professional Driver’s Handbook.

2.8 Mandatory driver education If you have a Class 7 licence you’re not eligible for a higher class of driver’s licence unless you’ve completed the High School Driver Education Program or received a minimum of six hours of in-car and six hours of in-class instruction from an SGI-certified driving instructor. Be sure to attend the parent information night sponsored by your high school educator. When hiring a driving instructor, ask to see their instructor certification card to ensure it’s valid. You can find a list of certified driving instructors at www.sgi.sk.ca/drivereducator. The driver instructor will either add your training record to your electronic SGI customer file or issue a Driver Education Certificate. If there isn’t a training record on your SGI customer file, you must present the Driver Education Certificate to the driver examiner at the time of your Class 5 road test(s). If you’re enrolled in the High School Driver Education Program, you’ll need to set up a free MySGI account to write your exam online. Any SGI motor licence issuer can set you up with an account. You’ll need to present your ID to complete this transaction. If you’re 15 years of age and registered in a certified High School Driver Education Program but have been placed on a waiting list, you’re still eligible to write the class 7 licence exam. In order to write the exam you must present a copy of the Signature/ Guarantor Form confirming you are enrolled or intend to be enrolled in a driver education program. The Signature/Guarantor Form is available either at your high school or on the SGI website at sgi.sk.ca/new-drivers.

2.9 Preparing for your road test

2.9 Preparing for your road test Get plenty of practice under a variety of driving conditions. Be sure to practise exactly the way your instructor taught you. Keep a record of your practice using the Practice Log available from your driver educator or SGI. Learner driver signs and A Guide for Supervisors of New Drivers – Co-Pilot’s Manual booklet are available free of charge from SGI.

Road tests are conducted in English. Examiners use simple and clear language when providing directions. To prepare for the road test, drivers should be familiar with the following terms — right turn, left turn, lane change, traffic lights, intersection, stop, shoulder check and two-point turn.

2.10 Before the examination Once you feel confident enough to take a driver examination, you can book your appointment. Call or visit a motor licence issuer or book online with MySGI for Class 5 road tests, motorcycle road tests and all written appointments. If you provide your cellphone number while booking, you’ll get text messages to confirm your appointment, along with reminders before your appointment (24 hours and one hour before). You can also check-in by text when you arrive for your road test. For all other driver examination appointments call 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744). If you don’t cancel your appointment and fail to show up, you’ll be required to pay for your re-scheduled appointment.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday in Regina and Saskatoon. Written tests are available in Regina and Saskatoon without an appointment and are conducted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

You’re required to show proof of age by a birth certificate, passport or any document acceptable to SGI. If you’re a first-time driver between the ages of 15 and 18, you must provide a completed Signature/Guarantor Form For First Time Drivers providing consent that you may obtain driving privileges. Be sure to take several pieces of original identification with you. Photocopies of these documents are not acceptable. If your name has changed due to marriage or other reasons, please bring documentation that supports the name change.

2.11 Your test For all classes of licence you are required to pass three types of tests including knowledge tests, a vision test and a road test. Some classes of licence also require a medical examination and pre-trip inspection.

Knowledge tests The knowledge tests consist of two parts: driving situations, as well as the rules of the road, and sign identification. If you fail any part of these tests, you’ll be required to rewrite only the examination(s) you failed. Successful written exam results are valid for one year. You may write only once per day. If you’re unsure about the meaning of any of the questions, please ask the examiner to assist you. The use of cellphones or electronic devices is not allowed in the test area.

2.11 Your test

You can find practice test questions as well as helpful animations in the online version of this handbook at www.sgi.sk.ca/quiz.

Vision test The vision test may include:

There are certain minimum vision standards you must meet. If you fail to meet those standards, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrist for further testing, and possible prescription of glasses or contact lenses. If you can pass the eye test only when you are wearing your glasses or contact lenses, you will be issued a restricted licence. This means your driver’s licence will be valid only when you are wearing prescribed corrective lenses.

Learning period The holder of a Class 7 licence must retain that classification for at least nine months before becoming eligible for any examina tions toward obtaining a licence in any other class.

Road test You’re required to take a road test in the appropriate class of vehicle and you must supply the vehicle . If there isn’t a training record on your SGI customer file, you must present your Driver Education Certificate to the driver examiner at the time of your road test.

You must schedule your appointment at your nearest examination office. Road test appointments in smaller centres are reserved for local residents only.

Depending on your location, your examiner may use a paper and a clipboard or a digital app on a tablet to score your driving during the road test.

The road test is an evaluation of your ability to safely operate a vehicle. You’ll be tested on:

When you arrive to your road test, please:

Your examiner will call you at your appointment time to ask some questions and then will come out to meet you. To keep everyone safe, your supervising driver should wait in our waiting room, rather than in our high-traffic parking lot, while you take your road test.

If you have any questions about the test, the examiner will be happy to answer them for you before the test starts.

Note: No pets or passengers, other than examination staff, are permitted in your vehicle during the road test.

A road test will be rescheduled if:

2.11 Your test

If your windshield is cracked and you’re unsure if it will be accepted for a road test, it’s best to have a driver examiner check it before your road test. Visit your local driver examination office to have an examiner look at it in person. You can also visit sgi.sk.ca/windshield to find examples of an acceptable windshield.

You will fail the road test if you:

At the end of the road test, a complete report will be given to you with all errors explained. If you were unsuccessful, the report will indicate where improvement is required. Depending on how the examiner scored your test, you’ll either get a paper copy of your results or have them emailed to you. The emailed results include links to the online Driver’s Handbook so you can follow up on the areas you need to work on. When you have had more practice, you may make an appointment for another road test. You must pay an additional test fee before each road test.

If you’re applying for a Class 5 licence and fail your road test, you must wait two weeks before you are eligible for another road test. Additional training may be recommended or a longer learning period imposed. Successful exam results are valid for 12 months but your licence must be upgraded at any SGI motor licence issuer before you can drive alone.

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Rules of the Road