Saskatchewan's GDL Rules for Teens: A Guide for Parents and New Drivers

For a teenager in Saskatchewan, getting a driver's license is a rite of passage, symbolizing a new level of freedom and responsibility. For parents, it's a time filled with both excitement and a healthy dose of concern. To manage this crucial period, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) has a comprehensive Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.

This system is designed to help teen drivers build skills and experience in a controlled, step-by-step manner. A clear understanding of the rules and restrictions at each stage is essential for both the new driver and their parents to ensure everyone stays safe and legal on the road.

The Foundation of GDL: Safety First

The GDL program is based on a simple principle: experience is the best teacher, but it needs to be gained safely. By gradually introducing more complex driving privileges, the program aims to reduce the high collision rates associated with young and inexperienced drivers. It's a safety partnership between the teen, their parents, and SGI.

There are two unbreakable rules that apply to every teen driver throughout the entire GDL program (Learner, Novice 1, and Novice 2):

Zero Tolerance for Impairment: A Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and drug content of 0.0% is mandatory at all times.
No Cellphone Use: You cannot use a handheld or hands-free cellphone while driving.

Stage 1: The Class 7 Learner's Stage

This is the starting line. All driving at this stage is supervised, and it lasts for a minimum of nine months.

Getting Started:

Minimum Age: A teen can apply for a learner's license at 16 years old. A 15-year-old can apply only if they are enrolled in a High School Driver Education program.
Parental Consent: For any applicant under 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide written consent at an SGI issuer.

The Key Restrictions for Teen Learners:

The Supervising Driver: A teen learner must always be accompanied by a qualified supervising driver. This person isn't just a passenger; they are a co-pilot. The supervising driver must:
- Hold a valid, experienced Class 5 license (not a novice).
- Have held that license for at least one year in the last three years.
- Be seated in the front passenger seat, awake and able to provide guidance.
Passenger Limits: Passengers are limited to the number of working seatbelts in the vehicle. The supervising driver is considered one of these passengers.

A Note for Parents: This nine-month period is your most important teaching opportunity. Your role is to provide calm, clear instruction and ensure your teen practices in a variety of situations—daytime, nighttime, good weather, and challenging Saskatchewan conditions like rain, snow, and gravel roads.

Stage 2: The Class 5 Novice 1 Stage

After passing their first road test (which requires completing mandatory driver education), the teen driver enters the Novice 1 stage. This stage lasts for six months and allows for unsupervised driving, but with a critical safety restriction.

The Key Restriction for Novice 1 Drivers:

Passenger Limit: A Novice 1 driver is only allowed to carry one passenger who is not an immediate family member.
- "Immediate family" is defined as a spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, step-parent, or in-law.
- Example: A 17-year-old Novice 1 driver can drive with their sister and two brothers in the car. However, they can only drive with one friend. If they have one friend in the car, they cannot also have their sister. The total number of passengers is still limited by the number of seatbelts.

This rule is designed specifically to limit distractions from peers, which is a leading cause of collisions among new drivers.

Stage 3: The Class 5 Novice 2 Stage

After six months of incident-free driving in Novice 1, the driver automatically graduates to Novice 2. This stage lasts for 12 months.

The Key Change in the Novice 2 Stage:

Passenger Restrictions are Lifted: A Novice 2 driver can carry as many passengers as there are seatbelts in the vehicle, regardless of their relationship.
Zero Tolerance Continues: The zero BAC/drug content and no-cellphone rules remain strictly in effect.

Consequences for Breaking GDL Rules

Violating any GDL condition is taken very seriously. Penalties can include:

Hefty fines.
Losing points under the Safe Driver Recognition program.
License suspension.
A requirement to restart the current GDL stage from the beginning after a suspension.

Your Role as a Parent is Ongoing

The first year of solo driving is statistically the most dangerous for a teen. Your job doesn't end when they pass their road test.

Set Clear Family Rules: Establish firm rules about vehicle use, destinations, and consequences for breaking rules (e.g., losing car privileges).
Lead by Example: Always model safe driving habits. Put your phone away, obey speed limits, and never drive aggressively.
Talk About It: Have open conversations about the risks of driving, especially regarding impairment and distraction.

By working together, teens and parents can navigate the GDL program safely, building a foundation of responsible driving habits that will last a lifetime.