How licensing works in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program run by SGI. You start with a Class 7 learner’s licence, then move through two novice stages before you get a full licence.
| Stage | Minimum time | Key rules |
|---|---|---|
| Learner (Class 7) | 9 months | Supervisor in the front seat at all times; midnight to 5 a.m. passengers must be immediate family |
| Novice 1 (Class 5) | 6 months | One passenger who is not immediate family |
| Novice 2 (Class 5) | 12 months with no at-fault collision, conviction or suspension | Any incident restarts the 12 months |
Time does not count while your licence is interrupted, for example by a suspension. You can get a learner’s licence at 16, or at 15 if you are in the high school driver education program.
Rules for every GDL stage
- Zero alcohol and drugs. You cannot consume any amount and drive.
- No cellphones, hand-held or hands-free, while driving.
- No right-hand drive vehicles.
- No more passengers than seatbelts.
Who can supervise a learner
Your supervising driver must hold a Class 5 or higher licence from Canada or the U.S., must have held a valid licence for at least 365 days in the last three years, and must not be a novice driver. They sit in the front passenger seat and must be able to take over at any time. Learners cannot supervise anyone and cannot get a commercial licence or school bus endorsement.
Mandatory driver education
Before moving up, you must complete driver education. The high school program has 30 hours in class and 6 hours in the car. Training with an SGI-certified instructor (age 16+) has 6 hours in class and 6 hours in the car.
The SGI written test
The written test for a learner’s licence covers driving situations and the rules of the road, plus sign identification. Study the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook and use SGI’s practice questions.
- Results are valid for one year.
- You may write the test only once per day.
- Bring several original pieces of identification. Photocopies are not accepted.
- In Regina and Saskatoon, the handbook says written tests are offered without an appointment, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
Rules that are specific to Saskatchewan
Speed
Where there are no signs, the limit is 80 km/h. Inside communities, the community’s own limits apply unless otherwise posted. School zone limits are set by local bylaws, so slow down and watch for children even if you do not see a sign.
School buses
Stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing, including when it is coming toward you on an undivided highway. Stop no closer than 5 metres from the front or back of the bus. Do not move until the lights and stop arm are off and the children have crossed.
On an undivided road, traffic in both directions stops for a school bus with red lights flashing.
- Car 1, behind the bus, stops no closer than 5 metres.
- Car 2, coming the other way, also stops.
Stopped emergency and roadside vehicles
Slow to 60 km/h when passing a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck or highway equipment with lights flashing. For emergency vehicles and tow trucks, this does not apply to traffic on the other side of a divided highway.
Following distance and distractions
- Keep a three-second following distance. If someone tailgates you, increase it to five or six seconds.
- Hand-held cellphone use is banned for all drivers.
- A repeat distracted driving offence within 12 months can lead to a seven-day vehicle impoundment.
- Slow down when you see animals on or near the road.
Test-day tips
- Bring original ID, not copies.
- Read each question fully. Look for words like “learner” or “novice”.
- If you are unsure, choose the safest and most legal answer.
- If you fail, review the handbook chapters you struggled with and try again another day.
Keep studying
This guide covers Saskatchewan’s own licensing rules. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, signals, lanes and parking, are in the national Canada driving study guide. Read it too, and check the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook for full details.