From Learner to Licensed: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Saskatchewan Driver's License

Getting your driver's license in Saskatchewan is an exciting journey, opening up the freedom to explore the vast and beautiful Land of Living Skies. To ensure every new driver builds the necessary skills and experience to navigate the roads safely, Saskatchewan uses a comprehensive Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, administered by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).

This step-by-step guide will walk you through every stage of the GDL program, from getting your first learner's permit to earning your full, unrestricted Class 5 license. We'll cover the age requirements, necessary tests, rules, and fees to help you on your way.

Understanding Saskatchewan's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program

The GDL program is a safety-focused system that introduces new drivers to driving in stages. The program is designed to minimize risk by allowing you to gain experience in lower-risk environments before facing more complex driving situations. Everyone who has never been licensed before, regardless of age, must complete the GDL program. The program takes a minimum of 18 months to complete.

The Stages of the GDL Program:

1. Stage 1: Class 7 Learner's License - The supervised learning phase.
2. Stage 2: Class 5 Novice 1 License - The first stage of independent driving with restrictions.
3. Stage 3: Class 5 Novice 2 License - The second stage of independent driving with fewer restrictions.
4. Stage 4: Experienced Class 5 Driver - Full, unrestricted driving privileges.

A critical rule throughout the entire GDL program (Learner, Novice 1, and Novice 2) is a zero Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and drug content. There is absolutely no tolerance for impaired driving.

Stage 1: Getting Your Class 7 Learner's License

This is the very beginning of your driving journey. The Class 7 license is your learner's permit, allowing you to practice driving under supervision.

How to Get Your Class 7 License:

To apply, you must visit an SGI motor license issuer.

You must meet these requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 16 years old. If you are 15, you can apply if you are enrolled in a High School Driver Education program.
• Parental Consent: If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide written consent.
• Identification: You must provide original documents to prove your identity, typically two pieces. One must show your legal name and date of birth (e.g., birth certificate, passport), and the second must support your identity (e.g., health card). You also need proof of Saskatchewan residency.
• Pass a Vision Test: Your eyesight will be tested to ensure it meets the minimum standard for safe driving.
• Pass the Written Knowledge Tests: You must pass three written exams:
  • Basic knowledge exam (rules of the road)
  • Signs exam
  • These tests are based on the official Saskatchewan Driver's Handbook.
• Pay the Fee: A fee is required for the written exam and the issuance of your license.

Restrictions of the Class 7 Learner's License:

You must hold this license and follow these rules for a minimum of nine months:

• Supervising Driver: You must always be accompanied by a supervising driver who holds a valid Class 5 license (not a novice) and has held that license for at least one year in the last three years. This person must sit in the front passenger seat.
• Zero BAC/Drug Content: An absolute zero-tolerance policy applies.
• No Curfew: There are no restrictions on when you can drive.
• Passenger Limit: Passengers are limited to the number of working seatbelts in the vehicle.
• No Cellphone Use: You cannot use a cellphone, even hands-free, while driving.

Stage 2: Getting Your Class 5 Novice 1 License

After nine months as a learner, you can take your first road test to graduate to the Novice 1 stage.

How to Get Your Novice 1 License:

• Complete Driver Education: You must successfully complete a certified driver education program (6 hours in-class, 6 hours in-car).
• Pass the Road Test: You must book and pass the Class 5 road test. This practical test assesses your basic driving skills, including vehicle control, observation, and following traffic laws. Maneuvers like parallel parking and three-point turns will be tested.

Restrictions of the Novice 1 License:

You must remain in the Novice 1 stage for six months:

• Zero BAC/Drug Content: The zero-tolerance policy continues.
• Passenger Restrictions: You are only allowed one passenger who is not an immediate family member.
• No Cellphone Use: The ban on cellphone use continues.

Stage 3: Getting Your Class 5 Novice 2 License

After six months as a Novice 1 driver with no incidents (at-fault collisions, suspensions, or disqualifications), you will automatically graduate to the Novice 2 stage.

Restrictions of the Novice 2 License:

You must remain in the Novice 2 stage for 12 months:

• Zero BAC/Drug Content: The zero-tolerance policy continues.
• No Cellphone Use: The ban on cellphone use continues.
• Passenger restrictions are lifted.

Stage 4: Becoming an Experienced Class 5 Driver

After 12 months in the Novice 2 stage (again, with no incidents), you will automatically graduate to a full, experienced Class 5 driver. The GDL restrictions are lifted, and you have achieved full driving privileges. You are now part of the Safe Driver Recognition program, where you can earn discounts on your vehicle insurance for safe driving.

For Newcomers to Saskatchewan

If you are moving to Saskatchewan and hold a valid driver's license from another jurisdiction:

• From Canada, the U.S., or Reciprocal Countries: If you hold a license from another Canadian province, the U.S., or countries with a reciprocal agreement (like the U.K., Germany, Switzerland, etc.), you can typically exchange it for a Saskatchewan Class 5 license without testing. You must do so within 90 days of becoming a resident.
• From Other Countries: You will need to pass vision and written tests. Your previous driving experience may be credited, potentially allowing you to take a road test to get a full license sooner.

By following these steps and respecting the rules at each stage, you'll be on the right path to safely enjoying the freedom of driving in Saskatchewan.