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 is not a right. Certain 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 will be asked to provide documents to prove your identity, proof of residency and entitled 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 in SGI's Establishing your identity pamphlet). They must also be originals, not photocopies. Electronic scans of these documents will be kept on file, in keeping with Canadian standards.
To obtain 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 are required to complete a driver's examination if you:
- have never been a licensed driver;
- have not held a Saskatchewan driver's licence within the past five years;
- wish to change the class of your licence or obtain an endorsement; or
- are a new resident, and the licence you hold is from another province, state or country not honoured or recognized in Saskatchewan. Licences are honoured from the continental United States, Germany, Switzerland, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Japan, Jersey, Netherlands and New Zealand. Saskatchewan may also accept a driver’s licence from a country not listed. Please check with any Saskatchewan motor licence issuer, driver examination office, or visit www.sgi.sk.ca/newresidents or contact us toll free at 1-800-667-9868. The nine-month learning period and driver training requirement will be waived if you can prove past driving experience by providing a valid driver's licence, written in English or French, or a valid licence in another language accompanied by a translation document acceptable to SGI (i.e. International Driving Permit).
New residents wanting a Saskatchewan driver's licence without being tested must meet some requirements:
- If the person is a former resident of a Canadian province or territory then they must have a valid driver's licence from that jurisdiction. 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.
Note: Once a Saskatchewan driver's licence of any class is validated, the driver's licence from any home jurisdiction becomes invalid. - If the person is a former resident of the United States, Germany, Switzerland, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Japan, Jersey, Netherlands or New Zealand, a valid licence and a copy of their driving record from that jurisdiction must be provided, accompanied by a translation document acceptable to SGI (i.e. International Driving Permit).
