Saskatchewan Driver's Licence
Introduction
In Saskatchewan, all driver’s licences are issued by SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance). This guide introduces the main licence classes, restrictions, and the steps required to obtain a licence as a newcomer.
Licence Types
Class 7 (Learner’s Licence)
- Minimum age: 16
- Must pass the knowledge test (rules of the road, road signs, vision test)
- Can only drive when accompanied by a supervising driver holding a full Class 5 (Experienced) licence or higher (must sit in the front seat)
- Novice drivers cannot supervise
Restrictions:
- Must be supervised by a full Class 5 or higher licence holder
- Cannot operate taxis or commercial vehicles
- Zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs
- No cellphone use (even hands-free)
- Cannot supervise another driver
- Between midnight and 5 AM: only immediate family (spouse, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, in-laws) as passengers
Class 5 Novice 1
- Minimum age: 16
- Must have held a Class 7 licence for at least 9 months
- Must pass the road test
- If you do not have a valid Iranian licence (with approved Canadian translation), you must complete a mandatory training course (6 hours classroom + 6 hours in-car, ~$500)
Restrictions:
- Cannot operate taxis or commercial vehicles
- Zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs
- No cellphone use
- Cannot supervise another driver
- Only one non-immediate family member as passenger
Class 5 Novice 2
- After 12 months of clean driving (no tickets, at-fault accidents, or suspensions) as Novice 1, you are upgraded to Novice 2
Restrictions:
- Same as Novice 1, but you may carry more passengers
Class 5 (Experienced)
- After another 12 consecutive clean months as Novice 2, your licence is upgraded to full Class 5 (Experienced)
Understanding Your SGI Driver’s Licence
Your SGI licence displays:
- Personal information
- Licence class
- Restriction codes (Rest.) and endorsements (End.)
- Example: Code A means "must wear eyeglasses or corrective lenses"
- Your licence expires on the last day of your birth month (or last day of your study/work permit). Renew online here.
Steps to Get Your Licence
1. Knowledge Test (Written Exam)
- Study the SGI Driver’s Handbook
- Automatic Persian translation is available on the SGI website and at the test kiosk
- Test location: SGI Main Office – 623 2nd Ave N, Saskatoon
- Fee: $25 per attempt (walk-in, no appointment required)
2. For Drivers with an Iranian Licence
- Bring your original Iranian licence and an official Canadian translation (see below)
- You do not need to complete the mandatory training course
- You may proceed directly to the road test
- Notes:
- Expired Iranian licences are accepted as proof of driving history
- No need for letters from “Shahrak-e Azmayesh” or other proof of history in Saskatchewan
- Bilingual licences still require translation
- International Driving Permits are not accepted as proof of an Iranian licence
- Translations must be done in Canada by an approved translator. In Saskatoon, only the Saskatoon Iranian Cultural Association is accepted by SGI.
3. Road Test (Class 5)
- Book at any of three SGI test centres (Centre, East, North). East location usually has lighter traffic.
- Book by phone: 306-683-2320 or online via MySGI
- Fee: $55 per attempt
Road Test Requirements:
- Vehicle must be in good condition (lights, brakes, mirrors, undamaged windshield)
- Learners cannot drive themselves to the test
- Only the examiner and driver are allowed in the vehicle
- Test is conducted in English (must understand basic commands)
Road Test Results:
- ≤ 9 points, but examiner not fully convinced → Class 5 Novice 2
- ≤ 9 points, with examiner’s confidence → May be issued full Class 5 (Experienced)
- > 9 points → Test failed, must reschedule and pay again
- Dangerous driving (e.g., running a red light) → May be required to complete the 12-hour training (6+6)
Important Reminder on Alcohol
Even with a full licence, blood alcohol content must remain below 0.08. Violations are criminal and may result in serious consequences, including loss of work or study permit.
Receiving Your Licence
- To get your first Class 7 licence, visit any SGI Licensed Issuer office, pay $15, and have your photo taken.
- You'll receive a temporary paper licence; your permanent card will be mailed to you.
- After passing further steps (e.g., road test), your new licence will be mailed automatically.
For more details, visit the official SGI Newcomer Page.