New residents who wish to drive in Saskatchewan must obtain a Saskatchewan driver's licence within 90 days of moving to the province, or upon expiry of their out-of-province licence — whichever is earliest.
Out-of-province licence
If you are not a Saskatchewan resident but are a visitor or student, you are permitted to drive under the authority of your non-Saskatchewan driver's licence.
Note: If your licence is not written in English or French, it should be accompanied by an acceptable translation document, such as an International Driving Permit.
Click here to read more information on Temporary Residents.
Exchanging a Reciprocal Licence
This applies to Drivers from the following Jurisdictions:
- Canadian provinces and territories
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Isle of Man
- Japan
- Jersey
- Netherlands
- Republic of Ireland
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- United States
If you are moving from any of the countries listed above, and you hold a valid driver's licence there, you can apply for a Saskatchewan driver's licence at any Saskatchewan motor licence issuing office.
You’ll be required to:
- Surrender your driver’s licence
- Pay applicable fees
- Provide proof of your residency status (two acceptable documents)
- Provide proof of your driving experience:
- if you have more than 2 years driving experience (other than as a learner) you're considered an experienced driver and are eligible for a Saskatchewan licence without any testing.
- if you have less than 2 years driving experience (other than as a learner) you're considered a new driver. You're entered into the appropriate stage of the Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program without any testing. The stage you’re put into is based on how long you've been driving in your last jurisdiction.
- Provide your claims history
- this is used to see if you qualify for a discount under the Safe Driver Recognition (SDR) program. You need to bring a claims history letter from your previous auto insurer.
If your licence is not in French or English, it is recommended that you get an International Driving Permit before leaving your home country OR get an official translation of your out-of-country driver's licence.
International Drivers
If your valid driver’s licence is not from any of the listed regions, you're classified as a new driver who has to complete the 6 steps in the Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program.
However, the SGI may waive the GDL program learning period and/or required education if you can prove you have driven more than 2 years as an experienced driver. To judge your experience, they look at the issuing date on your current, out-of-country licence (if it’s not in English they need a certified translation along with your licence).
If the date on your out-of-country licence doesn’t show enough experience or can’t be verified, they will request either a licence confirmation or a driver’s abstract from your previous jurisdiction.
Acceptable documents
Each document must be from an authority such as the provincial or federal government or a federal agency. They must also be originals and not photocopies. For a detailed list of acceptable documents, please visit: https://www.sgi.sk.ca/identity-and-residency-verification
Location
To find a Motor Licence Issuer, please visit: https://www.sgi.sk.ca/issuer
Saskatchewan Driver's Handbook
To view the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook, please visit: https://www.sgi.sk.ca/handbook
A Few Important Driving Laws
- Canadians drive on the right side of the road.
- Drinking and driving is dangerous and against the law. There are serious penalties if you are caught.
- Right turns are allowed at red lights unless otherwise noted. You must come to a complete stop and ensure the road is clear before making your turn.
- The speed limit is posted on the right side of the road and shows the maximum speed in kilometers. The typical speed for city streets is 50 km, 40 km in school zones and 100 km on highways.
- Wearing of seatbelts is mandatory.
- Do NOT pass a school bus with flashing lights.
- If you see an ambulance, fire truck or police car approaching with their lights flashing, reduce your speed or completely pull off the road to the right and stop.
- Children under the age of 6 must be in the appropriate child safety seat. For more details, please visit: SGI Child Car Seats
- The use of all cellular and handheld devices is prohibited while driving. Hands free devices are allowed.
Vehicle RegistrationSaskatchewan operates a mandatory Vehicle Registration and Insurance Program. When you purchase licence plates, you also purchase a basic package of insurance which includes coverage for damage to your own vehicle subject to a $700 deductible; coverage for personal injury as a result of a vehicle crash; and liability insurance for damage your vehicle may cause to the property of others or injuries it may cause to other people. The basic liability insurance coverage is in the amount of $200,000.
Vehicle registration and the basic package of insurance can be purchased through one of about 400 SGI motor licence issuers located in communities throughout Saskatchewan.
If you wish to purchase additional insurance for your vehicle, for coverage above that provided with your licence plate(s), there are packages available from SGI CANADA, or many other insurance companies. See your insurance broker for more information or click here.
Fees
The cost to register your vehicle is based on what type of vehicle you own, the age and use of your vehicle, your Safe Driver Recognition (SDR) , and the type of insurance you require.
As a new Saskatchewan resident, you may be eligible for a discount under the Safe Driver Recognition program. To see if you qualify for a discount, they will first determine your position on the Safety Rating Scale. The Safety Rating Scale is based on points and works like a slide-ruler – your safety rating moves from side to side (zone to zone) based on your driving record. The zone determines your eligibility for a discount or financial penalty.
Drivers who establish or re-establish residence in Saskatchewan from another jurisdiction will be placed on the safety rating scale according to driving history. By providing your claims experience report or claims history letter from your previous insurer(s), you may improve your safety rating. Some insurers offer claims history for only the last 5 years. However, if your history is free of at-fault claims for more than 5 years (this program considers driving and claims history since Jan. 1, 1995), it is to your advantage to have proof of this.
New Residents and Leased Vehicles
If you are a new resident of Saskatchewan and you have brought your leased vehicle into the province, when you apply for Saskatchewan registration you must provide a letter obtained from your leasing company confirming that Saskatchewan Provincial Sales Tax (PST) is being collected in your leasing fees for the vehicle. If a letter is not provided, PST will be calculated based on the monthly lease charges and the number of lease payments remaining in the lease agreement (which must be presented to the issuer as proof of ownership) and collected at the time of registration.
Click on this link for more information on “How to Register a Vehicle”.
Registration Procedure for Out-of-Province Vehicles
If you are registering a vehicle in Saskatchewan that was most recently licensed in another jurisdiction, there are requirements, including a mechanical safety inspection that it must pass before it can be registered in Saskatchewan.
To determine the registration and insurance rates for your vehicle, please visit thebasic plate calculator.
Contact any SGI motor licence issuer’s office for details. Some exemptions for commercial vehicles apply.
For information on Auto Insurance please call:
Phone: 1-800-667-9868 (anywhere in North America)
Website: www.sgi.sk.ca
Winter driving can be a challenge for all motorists. Conditions can be icy and slippery. Snow drifts and black ice are common. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when driving in the Winter:
* Check to see if your area requires that your vehicle be equipped with winter tires during the winter months.
* Slow down and always give yourself more time to get where you are going during the winter months.
* Always leave more space between you and the car ahead of you allowing for more room to stop.
* Winter driving courses are available from many local driving instructors and are invaluable to newcomers to Canada.
* Stay on the main roads as it is unlikely that back roads will be well plowed.
* Never pass a snowplow on the right-hand side. It is best to stay well back when you see the blue flashing light of a plow.
* Practice emergency braking to understand how your vehicle will react.
* Skidding occurs when your wheels slide out of control on a slippery surface. To reduce the likelihood of this occurring, slow down well in advance of turns and avoid sudden stops.
* Every vehicle should have a winter survival kit. Suggested items to have are:
- Warm winter gloves, toque and boots - Blanket or extra clothing
- Bag of sand or kitty litter - Small shovel
- Ice scraper and/or snow brush - Booster cables
- Non-perishable food items/water - Duct tape
- Extra windshield washer fluid - First Aid kit
- Road maps (not just a GPS unit) - Flashlight and batteries
- Flares - Waterproof matches
- Battery jumper cables - A fully charged cellphone
- Tools - Fire extinguisher
How to prepare for Winter in Canada
Winter in Canada can be unforgiving, with heavy snowfalls and blizzards, high wind chills, freezing rain and extremely cold temperatures. If you are properly prepared for Winter, you can enjoy all the season has to offer.
Wind Chill
During the Winter months, you will hear two different temperatures from the weather reports. One is the actual temperature and the second one is called "wind chill". The "wind chill" is the actual temperature with the wind chill factor included. It is a calculation that takes into account the effect of the wind to provide a reading of the apparent temperature, as opposed to the actual temperature that shows on a thermometer. It is the effect that the wind has on making the air feel colder than it is. For example, if the actual temperature is –10˚C and the wind chill temperature is –20˚C, your skill will feel the –20˚C. For more details on Wind Chill, please visit: Wind Chill - The chilling facts.
Frostbite
When your skin is exposed to extremely low temperatures you risk the chance of getting frostbite. This is the partial freezing of the exposed parts of your body. Frostbite most commonly affects the hands, feet and face. Expose as little skin as possible in very cold weather as frostbite can happen in a very short time.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia, also referred to as exposure, occurs when the body is producing less heat than it is losing. Hypothermia occurs as your body temperature passes below 35°C (95°F). When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can't work normally. It is usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or immersion in cold water. Dress for the weather and avoid long exposure to the cold.
Clothing
Dress warmly in layers and dress for the activity you are doing. You can always remove a layer if you are too warm. Some suggestions to keep warm are:
Feet
· Keep them dry
· Wear wool or thermal socks
· Wear waterproof or water-resistant boots/shoes
· Shoes/Boots should have a good tread to avoid slipping. Avoid leather shoes as they can be slippery on ice.
Hands
· Wear thick or insulated gloves or mittens as your hands can get cold very easily.
· Change them if they get wet
Head
· Most of your body heat is lost through your head so make sure its covered
· Don't forget to protect your ears
· People in Canada often refer to a winter hat as a "toque" (sounds like "tuke")
Neck
· Wear a scarf which can also be used to cover your face/head if needed.
Outer Clothing
· A good coat is perhaps the most important piece of winter clothing you will need.
· Keeping yourself dry is the best way to stay warm
· Purchase one that has a wind and/or waterproof outer layer.
· Buy your coat large enough to wear a sweater underneath.
