Driver Improvement Program

The Driver Improvement Program monitors the records of all Saskatchewan drivers for traffic convictions and at-fault collisions. The program aims to make Saskatchewan roads safer for everyone by reducing high-risk behaviour by motorists.

Drivers are assigned points every time they are convicted of a traffic offence or are responsible for a vehicle collision. Drivers are assigned 6 points for every collision they are responsible for.

Points accumulated under the Driver Improvement Program are completely independent of the Safe Driver Recognition Program and will not affect the cost of your automobile insurance.

How the program works

The Driver Improvement Program looks at a driver’s most recent 730 days (2 years) of driving experience in order to determine whether a sanction level has been reached. If a driver is entered into the program, they will remain in it until they have driven for 730 days incident free. For every additional 3 or more points accumulated, the driver will face increased sanctions.

Please note that the 730 days are accumulative and not consecutive. Each incident (i.e., traffic conviction, at-fault collision or suspension) restarts the accumulation of the 730 clear days. Interruptions such as non-renewal or refusal of the driver’s licence will not be counted towards accumulating the 730 days.

Consequences of a poor driving record - action taken

A number of sanctions will be applied depending on the number of driver points the driver has incurred. The more points the driver accumulates, the tougher the sanctions become.

Warning letter (9+ points)

If a driver accumulates 9 or more driver points, he or she is sent a warning letter advising the driver of his or her deteriorating driving record and they are automatically placed in the Driver Improvement Program.

The warning letter informs the driver of the consequences if his or her driving record does not improve. About half of drivers who receive warning letters change their behaviour and no further action is taken.

Traffic Safety Education (additional 3 or more points)

Drivers receiving a traffic conviction(s) or responsible for a collision(s) who have previously received a warning letter and who then incur 3 or more additional points, will be required to attend a Traffic Safety Education session. The goals of this session are to provide information that results in:

• a reduction in collisions and convictions
• a better understanding of the rules of the road
• an understanding of the consequences of future convictions and collisions

Defensive Driving course (additional 3 or more points)

The Defensive Driving course is designed to help drivers develop safe driving skills for today’s complex traffic environment. Drivers will learn techniques to help them avoid collisions

The course is provided by the Saskatchewan Safety Council for a fee.

Driver Improvement Training (additional 3 or more points)

Driver Improvement Training is designed to educate drivers on the responsibilities and consequences associated with driving, and to encourage safe driving habits.

The Driver Improvement Training course is offered by accredited driver educators throughout the province. The driver is responsible for the $150 course fee (paid to the driver educator).

Driver's licence suspensions

Drivers who are responsible for continued collisions and/or traffic convictions will have their driver’s licences suspended. The length of suspension depends on the number of points on the driver’s record.

30-day suspension (additional 3 or more points)
90-day suspension (additional 3 or more points)
180-day suspension (additional 3 or more points)

Interview and sanction (additional 3 or more points)

The interview is an opportunity for driver examiners to review and discuss the driver’s record with the driver, their driving behaviour and the circumstances of each conviction and/or collision. A sanction will also be levied against the driver.

Manual review and sanction (additional 3 or more points)

The review is an opportunity for SGI staff to review the driver's record and to determine the best course of action with regards to the driver's unsafe driving habits.

Here's an example of how someone would progress through the program:

Appeals

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

For more information about the Driver Improvement Program, please contact SGI’s Customer Service Centre at 775-6900 in Regina or toll free at 1-800-667-9868.