Regina, Saskatchewan — Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) resumed road tests for drivers working in specific sectors on May 11.
SGI has developed a modified procedure to offer road tests to drivers seeking a Class 2, 4 or 5 licences for these two sectors, where examiners will follow the student in a trail vehicle when conducting the examination to comply with social distancing protocols.
To complete the test, examiners direct the student via handsfree phone.
SGI also provides applicants with a dashcam to allow the insurer to accurately judge the applicant’s driving. Results are provided within one business day, according to SGI.
Student drivers aiming for their Class 5 license must be accompanied by a driver from their household, who acts as a safety precaution during the test. The accompanying driver is not required to provide instruction or assist the applicant in completing the test.
Class 5 licences entitle drivers to operate “regular” private vehicles. Class 4 licences permit the holder to operate ambulances (as well as taxis, limos, ridesharing vehicles and buses that seat 24 or fewer passengers). Class 2 licences allow a driver to operate buses that seat more than 24 passengers.
“We recognize that some people have a pressing need for a driver’s licence,” said Kwei Quaye, SGI Vice President of Traffic Safety. “Health care workers are providing essential care and we need to ensure they can operate the required vehicles or drive to work or other locations to provide important medical services. Agriculture has been deemed critical to ensure food production continues; seeding is underway and having drivers to support this sector helps ensure a secure food supply chain.”
While current restrictions remain in effect, testing capacity is expected to increase to a maximum of 320 per week by early June, with availability expanded to include Meadow Lake, Humboldt, Weyburn, Kindersley, Lloydminster, Tisdale, Estevan and Moose Jaw. Customers in health care or agriculture, along with customers that had a previously scheduled road test that was cancelled, will continue to receive priority booking.
Currently, people working in health care and agriculture and those who had a test cancelled due to the pandemic are the only ones eligible for road test appointments.
It is expected to take some time before testing re-opens for new appointments. SGI plans to announce when this stage resumes.
