Upgrading to a Commercial Driver's Licence in Saskatchewan
Moving from a Class 5 licence to a commercial class in Saskatchewan involves a medical review, written exams, supervised practice, and a road test — with extra training required for Class 1.
The steps
- Have a physician complete the Commercial Driver's Licence Medical Report and submit it to SGI's Medical Review Unit (mruinquiries@sgi.sk.ca).
- Once approved, complete the vision test and written exams for your target class at an SGI exam office. Class 1 also requires Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT).
- Visit a SGI motor licence issuer near you to validate your Class 5 with a Professional Learner's endorsement.
- Practice with a supervisor who has held a valid licence for that class for 365 days within the last 3 years.
- Book your road test.
- Once you pass, visit an issuer to have your licence upgraded.
Required tests
Basic knowledge exam, sign exam, endorsement exam(s), and a vision test, plus a trip inspection (3 or fewer demerits to pass, $55) where you identify and explain vehicle safety equipment unassisted.
Road test cost by class
| Class/Endorsement | Cost |
|---|---|
| Class 1, 2, 3 | $100 |
| Class 4 | $55 |
Passing grade: 9 or fewer demerits. You provide the test vehicle (a licensed driver or supervisor can bring it for you).
What vehicles each class allows
- Class 4: buses up to 24 passengers, taxis/rideshare up to 9 passengers, ambulances for hire.
- Class 3: trucks with more than 2 axles, including towing combinations up to 4,600 kg.
- Class 2: buses over 24 passengers, plus everything in Class 3 and below.
- Class 1: full semi-trailer combinations and heavy towing over 4,600 kg, plus everything below.
Air brakes, motorcycles and school buses always require their own specific endorsement regardless of class.
Class 1 MELT requirement
121.5 hours total: 47 hours in-class, 17.5 hours in-yard, and 57 hours in-cab, taken through any SGI-certified Class 1 driver training school.
Moving to Saskatchewan with an existing Class 1
- From a Canadian province with MELT: direct licence exchange, no restrictions.
- From a province without MELT or from the US, held 24+ months: direct exchange.
- Held 12-24 months: exchange allowed, but must pass Class 1 testing (or MELT) within 1 year or be downgraded to Class 3.
- Held under 12 months: issued a Class 3, must complete MELT and testing for Class 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much training does a Class 1 licence require in Saskatchewan?
121.5 hours of Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT), split between in-class, in-yard and in-cab instruction.
How much does a commercial road test cost?
$100 for Class 1, 2 or 3, or $55 for Class 4.
Fees and requirements are set by SGI and can change. Always confirm current details on SGI's official site or with your nearest motor licence issuer before visiting.
