As of June 8, people holding a Ukrainian passenger vehicle license can exchange for a Saskatchewan driver’s license. 

SGI states the change applies to anyone holding a full-stage Ukrainian category B passenger vehicle licence, the equivalent of a Saskatchewan Class 5 licence. 

“We are doing what we can to alleviate some of the challenges faced by people displaced by the war in Ukraine as they relocate to our province,” said Penny McCune, President and CEO of SGI.

Saskatchewan already holds driver’s licence reciprocity agreements with 16 other countries, which means SGI recognizes those countries’ Class 5 (or Class 5 equivalent) drivers’ licences as equal. Although, the reciprocity policy does not apply to motorcycle or commercial vehicle licences.

To exchange a licence, a driver must go to an SGI Motor Licence Issuer with their Ukrainian B (or BE) licence to exchange for a Saskatchewan Class 5 licence and provide documentation proving their identity, Saskatchewan residency and entitlement to be in Canada. 

SGI states a driver's abstract/driving record will not be required. Normally, SGI requires a driver’s abstract, dated within 30 days for reciprocity, but due to the situation in Ukraine, SGI recognizes that it may not be possible for drivers to get a current driver’s abstract.

Last month, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) announced a similar move, following an in-depth analysis of Ukrainian driver education requirements and testing standards.  MPI shared that work, which aided SGI in doing its in-depth analysis.