You need a Saskatchewan Driver’s License to drive legally in the province. However, you may be permitted to use a valid Driver’s License issued by your home country for a limited period.
If you’re new to Saskatchewan, it is most likely that you are wondering how to apply for a Saskatchewan Driver’s License. This article provides step-by-step procedures on how you can apply and be issued a Saskatchewan Driver’s License. It also includes some driving rules you must obey while driving in Saskatchewan.
Driving is not just fun but will help you explore a place quickly as a newcomer. As a visitor in Saskatchewan, you can use a valid full driver’s license from your home country to drive in Saskatchewan for up to 90 days.
However, after 90days, you’re required to use a Saskatchewan Driver’s License.
Please note that you are required to carry an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) from your home country if your foreign license is not in English or French.
Saskatchewan Driver’s License
In Saskatchewan, driver’s licenses are issued using a Graduated Driver’s Licencing (GDL) Program. This system controls the risk for beginner drivers in the province. The GDL system is designed to ensure that they are guided properly before they can drive independently in the province.
Levels of Saskatchewan Driver’s License
Here are the 3 levels of Saskatchewan Driver’s License:
Class 7 Learner’s License
The class 7 learner’s license is the first-level driver’s license issued to newcomers in Saskatchewan. You’re required to pass the multiple-choice knowledge test before you will be issued a learner’s license. With this license, you can learn how to drive in Saskatchewan for at least nine months before you will be issued the next-level driver’s license.
Who is Eligible for the Learner’s License in Saskatchewan?
To be eligible for this driver’s license in Saskatchewan, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be 16 years and above.
- If you are below 18 years, your Saskatchewan Driver’s License application form must be signed by your parents or guardians.
- You must pass the multiple-choice knowledge test, sign exam and vision test.
Restrictions of the Learner’s License in Saskatchewan
Those issued the Learner’s Driver’s License in Saskatchewan are regarded as beginner drivers. Therefore, the following restrictions are placed on them.
- An “L” red sign must be placed at your vehicle’s rear.
- You are not permitted to hold any Portable Electronic Device (mobile phone, bluetooth, etc.) while driving.
- You are restricted from driving in the middle of the night.
- You’re required to have a supervising driver beside you while driving.The supervising driver must have a valid full driver’s license.
- Every passenger in your car must have a seat belt on.
- Your body system must be free from drugs or alcohol.
- You must undergo a compulsory driving education training either in high school or a commercial training.
Class 5 Novice License
There are 2 types of Class 5 Novice License. The first type is the Class 5 Novice 1 license which is issued to the holders of learner’s license after they drive successfully for at least 9 months.
After 6 months or more of driving with the Class 5 Novice 1 License, they will be issued the Class 5 Novice 2 license.
Who is Eligible for the Novice License
To be eligible for the Saskatchewan Novice drivers license, you must meet the following requirements
- You must be at least 16 years old and above.
- You must have held a Learner’s license for a minimum of 9 months
- You must pass a road test. This test lasts for 20 minutes and it assesses your driving skills and safe driving practices
Novice Driver’s License Limitations
Just like the Learner’s License, the Novice Driver’s License has limitations. Here are the limitations:
- Your body system must be free from harmful drugs and alcohol while you’re driving.
- You can only carry one person in your vehicle. It could be your immediate family member or a supervising driver with a full driver’s license.
- You’re restricted from using a Portable Electronic Device (phone, bluetooth, etc) unless for an emergency.
- Every passenger in the vehicle is mandated to use a seat belt.
Class 5 Driver’s License
Class 5 is the highest class of the Saskatchewan Driver’s License.
Who is Eligible for the Class 5 Driver’s License
Here are the eligibility requirements for the Class 5 Driver’s License:
- You must have held a Novice’s license for a minimum of 12 months.
- You must pass the Class 5 road test. This test lasts for 45 minutes and it examines your driving skills.
Class 5 Driver’s License Limitations
Here are the limitations of the Class 5 driver’s license:
- Your vehicle must be covered by a basic auto insurance policy.
- Your Blood Alcohol Level must be lower than 0.08%
How To Apply for Saskatchewan Driver’s License
If you intend to apply for a Saskatchewan driver’s license, you must be 15 years old or above and registered in SGI-certified driver education. If you are below 18-year-old, your parents or guardian must sign your consent form.
Steps in Applying for Saskatchewan Driver’s License
If you meet the above requirements, you may apply for Saskatchewan Driver’s License following these steps:
- Study the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook and take online tests to prepare you for the basic knowledge exam and sign tests.
- If you are ready to take the basic knowledge exam, Schedule an appointment at a Driver Exam Office to take the exam. You can also book and prepay online with MySGI.
- Proceed to pay the examination fee of $25 CAD
- Take a vision test and pass it.
- You will be required to prove your identity and residency in Saskatchewan by showing a valid ID.
- If you pass the knowledge exam, you will be qualified for a learner’s licence.
Before you will be issued the Learner’s license, you are required to pay the license fee. You may decide to pay either 5 yearly payments of $25 CAD, totaling $125, or an upfront payment of $100 CAD.
Foreign Driver’s License Exchange In Saskatchewan
You may not be required to apply for a Saskatchewan Driver’s License if you are a citizen of a country that has a reciprocal agreement for a driver’s license with Canada.
You can exchange your Foreign Driving License with a Saskatchewan Driver’s License if you’re a citizen of the following countries:
- Belgium
- Australia
- Austria
- Germany
- France
- Isle of Man
- Japan
- Ireland
- Korea
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
However, to be eligible for this offer, you must have proof of at least 2 years of driving experience on a foreign full driver’s license that is equivalent to or higher than the Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver’s License.
If you have less than 2 years of experience, you will be regarded as a beginner driver and must enter the GDL program.
What If My Country Has No Reciprocal Agreement for Driver’s Licence?
If your country has no reciprocal agreement with Canada, you cannot exchange your Foreign License with a Saskatchewan Driver’s License. You are required to apply for the GDL program.
However, if you can prove that you have more than 2 years of driving experience, the GDL learning period may be waived.
How Much is the Saskatchewan Driver’s license
Here are the fees associated with the Saskatchewan driver’s license:
- Exam fee: $25 CAD
- Class 5 road test: $55 CAD
- Drivers license renewal (5 years): $100 CAD or 5 yearly payments of $25 CAD
- To replace licence with existing photo: $15 CAD
- To replace licence with new photo: $30 CAD
Saskatchewan Road Safety Rules
You must obey the following Saskatchewan’s road safety rules whether you’re driving with a Saskatchewan Driver’s License or a foreign License.
- You must be on your seat belt. Other passengers in your vehicle must also be on their seatbelts.
- Drive under the speed limit.
- Do not drink and drive
- At a pedestrian crossing, you are mandated to stop completely until pedestrians cross safely to the other side of the road.
- You are required to stop no closer than 5 metres from a stopped school bus with its red light on and/or stop sign on.
- You must not use any Portable Electronic Device (mobile phone, bluetooth, tablets etc.) while driving.
- You must slow down and pull to the right, immediately you notice an emergency vehicle driving behind you with their lights and sirens on. Emergency vehicles may Include police, ambulance or fire engine.
- Lastly, your car must be covered by a valid car insurance.
If you fail to obey any of these rules, you may be penalized. You could be asked to pay a fine or your License seized. In some cases, your car may be impounded.
I Want To Apply for The Saskatchewan Driver’s License
If you need further assistance with applying for the Saskatchewan Driver’s License, it is important you get professional help from immigly.com.
