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Saskatchewan Driver's Licence

Saskatchewan Driver's Licence

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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.