How to Get a Saskatchewan Drivers License
A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting your Saskatchewan driver’s license is an exciting milestone, but it also means understanding the road rules and completing Saskatchewan’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. This program helps new drivers gain experience and build their skills before getting a full license. Whether you’re a teen eager to get on the road or a newcomer to Saskatchewan, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting your driver’s license in Saskatchewan.
Understanding the Saskatchewan Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program
Saskatchewan’s GDL program consists of three stages: Learner, Novice 1, and Novice 2. You’ll gradually gain more driving freedom as you progress through each stage and gain experience.
01
Learner’s License (Class 7)
This is where your driving journey begins. To apply for a Class 7 learner’s license, you must be at least 15 years old and enrolled in a High School Driver Education program or 16 years old with parental/guardian consent.
Before getting behind the wheel, you must pass the knowledge and signs exams. The Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook is packed with valuable information to prepare you. Test your knowledge with SGI’s online practice quiz before taking the real exams.
You’re officially a learner once you pass the exams, including a vision test. You’ll receive your Class 7 learner’s license, allowing you to practice driving for at least 12 months with a supervising driver with a full Class 5 license. As a learner, some restrictions apply.
- You cannot drive between midnight and 5 am unless accompanied by a family member.
- Each passenger needs a working seat belt.
- Zero alcohol or drugs are permitted in your system while driving.
- No cell phone use is allowed, including hands-free devices.
02
Class 5 Novice 1 License
After holding your Class 7 learner’s license for at least nine months and completing driver’s education, you’re ready for the Class 5 Novice 1 license. You must be at least 16 years old with parental/guardian consent and pass a 20-minute road test to obtain this license.
This test will assess your driving skills, including parking, lane changes, and observing traffic signals. If you pass, you’ll graduate with the Class 5 Novice 1 license for at least six months.
Some restrictions still apply at this stage. These restrictions are the same as those in Class 7, with the added restriction of only one passenger who is not an immediate family member. You also cannot be a supervising driver for a learner.
03
Class 5 Novice 2 License
After six months of incident-free driving with your Class 5 Novice 1 license, you’ll automatically receive your Class 5 Novice 2 license by mail. This stage requires another 12 months of driving practice with fewer restrictions.
The only restrictions at this stage are:
- Zero alcohol or drug consumption.
- No cell phone use.
- Each passenger needs a working seatbelt.
You still cannot be a supervising driver for a learner driver. This stage lets you refine your driving skills before getting a full license.
04
Class 5 License
This is the final stage. Once you’ve held your Novice 2 license for 12 consecutive months with no at-fault collisions, license suspensions, or traffic convictions, you graduate to the Class 5 license – your ticket to driving freedom.
It’s time to celebrate, but this newfound freedom comes with responsibilities. As a fully licensed driver in Saskatchewan, remember that every vehicle you operate must have auto insurance, and your blood alcohol content (BAC) cannot exceed 0.08%, with a THC limit of five nanograms or less per milliliter of blood.
What if I'm a New Resident of Saskatchewan?
If you’re new to Saskatchewan and have a valid driver’s license from another province or country, you may be able to exchange it for a Saskatchewan license.
Suppose your current license is in English or French, and you have two or more years of driving experience. In that case, you must visit a motor license issuer, provide the necessary documentation, and pay the applicable fees. You must obtain an International Driver’s Permit if your driver’s license is not in English or French.
However, if you’re moving from a country with a reciprocal agreement for driver’s licenses, Saskatchewan might already have an agreement with your home country. This generally means a straightforward process to transfer your existing license.
If your current driver’s license was issued in a country without a reciprocal agreement, or you have less than two years of driving experience, you’ll likely need to navigate the GDL program. Your prior driving experience might allow you to skip some stages. Be prepared to take a knowledge and road tests to demonstrate your driving skills according to Saskatchewan’s regulations.
No matter your situation, obtaining your Saskatchewan driver’s license is achievable with proper preparation and guidance. Understanding the specific rules and regulations surrounding new residents will ensure a smooth licensing experience.
What is the Fee for a Saskatchewan Driver's License?
A Saskatchewan driver’s license fee can vary depending on whether you want to pay per year or in one lump sum for five years. For both methods, the cost will depend on whether you pay for a standard license, a three-wheeled motorcycle, or a motorcycle.
As of 2017, the fee structure for a Saskatchewan driver’s license is as follows:
| Type of License | One upfront payment (5 years) | Annual Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $100 | $25 |
| Three-Wheeled Motorcycle | $80 | $20 |
| Motorcycle | $60 | $15 |
These fees can change at any time. In addition to the license fee, you must consider the cost of the written exam, which is $25, driver’s training, and a medical exam if applicable.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re more familiar with the process, here are some extra tips for successfully getting your Saskatchewan driver’s license:
- Start early. Beginning the process early, especially if you’re 15, allows you ample time to finish each stage, learn at your pace, and gain valuable experience before obtaining your full license.
- Study the handbook carefully. Knowing the rules of the road is key. Thoroughly study the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook, paying attention to details about traffic signs, road regulations, and safe driving practices.
- Take the practice quizzes. SGI offers helpful online practice quizzes. Use these practice tests to refresh your memory and identify areas needing extra attention.
- Practice consistently. Nothing beats hands-on experience.
- Choose a qualified supervising driver. Ask an experienced driver you trust, such as a family member, friend, or licensed driving instructor, to guide you.
- Stay informed. Subscribe to SGI’s newsletter or check their website regularly to keep up with any changes or updates to Saskatchewan’s driving laws and regulations.
- Contact SGI directly. For specific questions, contact SGI directly by phone, email, or in person at a local motor license issuer’s office.
Additional Resources for Newcomers
If you are a newcomer to Canada, there are a plethora of helpful resources that can help you acclimate to your new home. They can also ensure that you’re aware of and in compliance with Canadian Laws, as well as Provincial Laws for Saskatchewan:
- Saskatoon Open Door Society: Provides many programs and services for new immigrants to help them settle into the city. To get more information call (306) 653-4464, visit their website, or email them at [email protected].
FAQs
How do you get a driving license in Saskatchewan?
To obtain your driver’s license in Saskatchewan, you must complete all three stages of the GDL program unless you are exempt. Whether you are exempt from the GDL program depends on where your original license was issued.
What are the stages of a license in Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program consists of three levels: Class 7 or learners, Class 5 Novice 1, and Class 5 Novice 2. You graduate to each stage after fulfilling the time requirements of each stage while driving incident-free.
Can I drive in Saskatchewan with an Ontario license?
Ontario and Saskatchewan are Canadian provinces, so you can drive using an Ontario license. If you are moving to Saskatchewan, you can drive for 90 days with your Ontario driver’s license, after which you must switch to a Saskatchewan driver’s license.
How much does it cost to get your license in Saskatchewan?
In Saskatchewan, you can either pay an annual fee or pay for five years in one lump sum. The five-year lump sum costs $100, and the annual fee costs $25 for $125 over five years. This cost is just for a standard driver’s license. Motorcycle and three-wheeled motorcycle licenses will have different costs.