Obtaining a driver's license in Saskatchewan is a lengthy process to undergo. As it is no longer as simple as taking a test and being good to go, it is important for new drivers to understand what limitations come into play when they hit the road for the first time. 

There are three stages in the graduated drivers licensing program:  

Eligibility to become a Class 7 Learner begins when individuals turn 15-years-old. This status is before an official SGI road test has been taken. There are many restrictions that come along with being a class 7 learner driver, such as a mandatory supervising driver in the front passenger seat at all hours. Along with that, there are specific times of the day when new drivers can and cannot be behind the wheel. Of course, there is also a zero tolerance for any impairing substance.  

Once passed the official road test, the next step up is Novice One. There are slightly fewer restrictions at the novice one stage, the biggest difference being that drivers no longer need to be supervised at all times. Drivers are then allowed to only have one passenger who is not an immediate family member, and any additional passengers must be immediate family members.  

After maintaining a clean driving record for six months, drivers are then eligible to be a Novice Two driver. The number of passengers is then limited to the number of seatbelts in the vehicle, the zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs remains. Still being a novice driver, you are not allowed to be somebody else's supervising driver. 

Once the Novice Two stage has been completed, the last stop is an experienced driver, or a graduated driver. If traffic convictions or collisions occur in the 12-month novice time period, the clock resets. This includes anything that the driver is found to be at fault for, including traffic tickets.  

“It's really important that new drivers study the rules of the road and know what their restrictions are. We do want them to get out there and practicing driving, but you want to lay a good foundation for a lifetime of safe driving. It's not just about passing the written exam so you can get your learner's license or passing the road test. We want people to be a safe driver for their entire driving life,” said Tyler McMurchy, Media Relations Manager with SGI. 

He also advises all new drivers to only drive within a comfort level when it comes to tricky weather conditions.  

“When winter weather first hits, we see the number of collisions go up. That doesn't just include new drivers that includes drivers. Right across the spectrum, it does introduce an added layer of complexity to driving. It's very important to drive at a speed appropriate for the road conditions, and that doesn't mean always the speed limit.” 

“If the road is slippery or icy, or snowy, or there's poor visibility, you need to reduce your speed. You need to increase your following distance. You need to give yourself extra time to get where you're going so you don't feel rushed to drive and tempted to drive at a speed beyond the what is appropriate for the conditions.”  

There's also a number of techniques that new drivers, or just drivers in general, should demonstrate when driving on slippery conditions. It is important to start out slow, and get a feel for the road and how your vehicle is performing. There are factors to take into account also, such as whether you have winter tires, the time-of-day, and the weather conditions at that that time. 

He adds that it is smart to make sure that all directions are clearly visible, and to take the time to clean off vehicles and make sure all lights work properly.  

Regardless of age, for those who are in the drivers licensing program, both alcohol and distracted driving are considered to be zero tolerance offenses. Even hands-free, it's better to not have the cell phone anywhere near you. 

“Driving is fun. It's absolutely fun and we want people to understand that. But it's also a very big responsibility. You have the capacity if you're driving a vehicle to cause tremendous amount of damage and or injury to yourself and others. If you are not doing so properly. So that's why it's so important to know the rules of the road.”