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New to Saskatchewan? How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's Licence

Welcome to the Land of Living Skies! As you start your new life in Saskatchewan, one of the most important steps is to obtain a local driver's licence. The process, managed by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), is a requirement for all new residents. This guide will walk you through every step of exchanging your licence from another country, whether it's from a reciprocal nation or not.

The 90-Day Rule for New Residents

When you move to Saskatchewan, you can use your valid driver's licence from your previous province or country for a maximum of 90 days. After this 90-day grace period, your out-of-province licence is no longer valid for driving in Saskatchewan, and you must have a Saskatchewan licence.

Understanding Saskatchewan's Reciprocal Licence Exchange

The process for exchanging your licence depends entirely on your country of origin. Saskatchewan has reciprocal agreements with a specific list of countries, which makes the process much simpler for eligible drivers.

Tier 1: Reciprocal Countries (No Testing Required)

If you hold a valid, non-learner licence from one of the following countries, you can directly exchange it for a Saskatchewan Class 5 licence without taking a knowledge or road test.

Reciprocal Countries Include:

  • Any other province or territory in Canada
  • United States
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • France
  • Germany
  • Isle of Man
  • Japan
  • Jersey
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Republic of Ireland
  • South Korea
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

To get a full Class 5 licence, you must prove you have at least two years of driving experience. If you have less than two years, you will be placed into Saskatchewan's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.

Tier 2: Non-Reciprocal Countries (Testing Required)

If your driver's licence is from a country not on the reciprocal list (e.g., India, Pakistan, Philippines, Brazil, Nigeria, China, etc.), you must apply as a new driver and pass all required tests.

Process for Non-Reciprocal Licence Holders:

  1. You must first pass a vision test and a written knowledge test (which includes both a basic rules section and a signs section).
  2. Once you pass the knowledge test, you can book a Class 5 road test.
  3. Your previous driving experience is still valuable. If you can provide an official driving record (abstract) showing two or more years of experience, you may be exempt from some GDL program waiting periods.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exchanging Your Licence

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process at an SGI motor licence issuer.

Step 1: Gather Your Required Documents & Translations

This is the most critical part of the process. All documents must be original.

Documentation Checklist for All Applicants:

  1. Your Original Foreign Driver's Licence: You must surrender your valid, unexpired licence.
  2. Official Translation: If your licence or other documents are not in English, you must provide a translation from an approved SGI translator.
  3. Proof of Identity: You need two pieces of original identification. One must contain your photo. A valid Passport and your Permanent Resident Card or Work/Study Permit are excellent choices.
  4. Proof of Saskatchewan Residency: You need two documents proving you live in Saskatchewan. These must be dated within the last 90 days. Examples include:
    • A utility bill (SaskPower, SaskEnergy)
    • A bank statement
    • A signed lease or rental agreement
  5. Official Driving Record/Abstract (Highly Recommended): This is a letter from the licensing authority in your home country that confirms the type of licence you hold and how long you have had it. It is essential for getting credit for your driving experience. This must also be translated if not in English.

Step 2: Visit an SGI Motor Licence Issuer

You must apply in person. Find a local SGI office or a private motor licence issuer in your city or town.

Step 3: At the SGI Issuer's Office

  • An agent will verify all your original documents and translations.
  • You will be asked to complete a driver's licence application form, which includes declaring any medical conditions that could affect your driving.
  • You will take a vision screening test.
  • You will have your photograph taken.
  • You will pay the required fees. The fee for a new licence and any tests will vary.
  • You will surrender your foreign driver's licence.

Step 4: Testing (If Required)

  • If you are from a non-reciprocal country, you will take the computer-based knowledge and signs tests.
  • After passing these tests, you can book your Class 5 road test for a later date.

Step 5: Receive Your Licence

After completing all requirements, you will be given a temporary paper driver's licence. Your permanent photo licence card will be mailed to your Saskatchewan address.

Exchanging your licence is a key part of settling in Saskatchewan. By preparing your documents and translations well in advance, you can make your trip to the SGI issuer a success.