Driving In Saskatchewan

All new residents that wish to be driving in Saskatchewan, are required to obtain a Saskatchewan driving licence within 90 days of moving to the province or when your "out of province" licence expires which ever is sooner. Licensing And Driver Examinations are done through the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).

Saskatchewan has a probationary licence program; this means you are classed as a probationary driver for two to three years after attaining you full-privilege (class 5) licence. There are no special driving restrictions but your driving activity will be monitored for this period of time. If you are obtaining a learners licence (class 7) you must hold this for a minimum of six months before gaining your full licence.

As a new resident you will be required to pass a written, vision and road examination. If you can prove past driving experience by providing a valid drivers license in either English or French, or a valid licence in another language accompanied by a translation document recognized by SGI, then the six month waiting period may be waived. Regardless of your previous driving experience you will be classed as a probationary driver.

However if the drivers license you hold is recognized and honoured by Saskatchewan you may not need to take the examinations. Another Canadian jurisdiction, Continental United States, Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Austria's licences are all honoured, however, there are certain requirements that you must meet. You must hold a valid or expired in the last five years drivers licence - if you are from Germany, Austria or Switzerland you must also provide a copy of your driving record accompanied by a translation document that is recognized by the SGI. You will be required to surrender your out of province driver's licence when applying for a Saskatchewan drivers licence and pay the necessary fees.

You will be classed as a probationary driver unless you can prove at least two years driving experience (not as a learner) in your previous jurisdiction.

The Driving In Saskatchewan Handbook is available online or at any SGI motor licence issuer. It is a good resource for anyone who is new to driving in Saskatchewan.

One of the major considerations about driving in Canada is when winter hits. Definitely familiarise yourself with the section on Winter Driving.

Vehicle Registration

For driving in Saskatchewan there is a mandatory vehicle Registration And Insurance Program, so when you purchase licence plates you also purchase a basic vehicle insurance package. This offers third party liability up to $200,000, coverage for damage to your own vehicle with a $700 deductible and coverage for personal injury as a result of a vehicle crash. If you wish to purchase Additional Vehicle Insurance you can do so through any insurance company.

When registering any vehicle you will need a bill of sale, and when registering a new vehicle you must have the New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) which the dealer will give you, as you cannot register a vehicle without these.

Another vital service that is available if you are looking to Buy a Preowned Vehicle is the vehicle history checking by Carproof. For a small fee they will provide a full report on any previous accidents, odometer level, the correct owner/registrant and if there are any other claims against the vehicle ownership. No one needs their vehicle to be repossessed because it has finance against it or find out it has been previously written off! For more information click on the logo - remember peace of mind is priceless!

For your convenience, here are links to other relevant pages:

1. Alberta
2. British Columbia
3. Manitoba
4. New Brunswick
5. Newfoundland and Labrador
6. Auto Insurance

1. Nova Scotia
2. Ontario
3. Prince Edward Island
4. Saskatchewan
5. Winter Driving