Photo: waferboard, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Driver education is mandatory in Saskatchewan. You cannot upgrade from a Class 7 learner licence to Class 5 until you finish one of two SGI-approved routes: the high school driver education program (30 hours in-class, 6 hours in-car) or a course from an SGI-certified driver instructor (6 hours in-class, 6 hours in-car). This guide compares the two and explains the proof you need on road test day.
The two routes compared
| High school program | SGI-certified instructor | |
|---|---|---|
| In-class | 30 hours | At least 6 hours |
| In-car | 6 hours | At least 6 hours |
| Earliest learner licence | 15 | 16 |
| Who it suits | Students whose school offers the program | Anyone 16 or older, including adults |
Both routes are delivered by SGI-certified driver instructors. Check the current cost with your school or driving school.
Why the high school route lets you start at 15
The minimum age for a Saskatchewan Class 7 is 16, or 15 with high school driver education. If you are 15 and registered in a certified high school program, or on its waiting list, you can still write the Class 7 exam. Bring a copy of the Signature/Guarantor Form confirming you are enrolled or intend to enrol. Schools have the form, and it is also on SGI’s new drivers page.
High school students write the exam online through a free MySGI account. Any SGI motor licence issuer can set one up for you; bring your ID. SGI also asks you to attend the parent information night your school’s educator runs.
Choosing an SGI-certified instructor
- Ask to see the instructor’s certification card and check it is valid.
- SGI publishes a list of certified driving instructors on its website (search “SGI driver educator”).
- Ask for the Practice Log so you can record your supervised driving between lessons.
Proof of training on road test day
Your instructor either adds a training record to your electronic SGI customer file or gives you a Driver Education Certificate. If there is no record on your file, you must hand the certificate to the driver examiner at your Class 5 road test. Without either, the test is rescheduled.
Checklist before booking your Class 5 road test
- Driver education finished and recorded (or certificate in hand)
- At least nine months held on your Class 7
- Exam fee paid and correct licence held
- A road-safe vehicle to bring (see the SGI road test guide)
Does driver education shorten the learner stage in Saskatchewan?
No. The nine-month learner period applies to everyone. Driver education is a requirement, not a shortcut. If you fail the road test, the examiner may recommend more training or set a longer learning period.
Common questions
Is driver ed mandatory for adults in Saskatchewan?
Yes. Any Class 7 holder must complete a certified program before getting a higher class. Adults take the instructor route (age 16 and up).
Can a parent teach instead of a certified instructor?
A parent can supervise your practice as a learner, but that does not replace the mandatory course with an SGI-certified instructor.
How do I know my training is on file?
Ask your instructor whether they added a training record to your SGI file or issued a certificate. If you get a certificate, bring it to the road test.
Can I take my road test before finishing driver ed?
No. The examiner will reschedule if you cannot prove you completed it.
What study materials does SGI give for free?
The Practice Log, learner driver signs and the supervisor booklet “A Guide for Supervisors of New Drivers: Co-Pilot’s Manual” are free from SGI.
Next steps: the full Saskatchewan licensing guide, the SGI written test and the learner and novice rules.
Sources
- SGI, “Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook: A guide to safe driving 2026-27” (sgi.sk.ca)
- SGI, “Graduated Driver Licensing program” (sgi.sk.ca)
- SGI, “Your test” (sgi.sk.ca)