drivers_handbook.pdf

2023-24 Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook A guide to safe driving  2023-24 Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook A guide to safe driving You can view this handbook online at sg...

2023-24 Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook A guide to safe driving  2023-24 Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook A guide to safe driving You can view this handbook online at sgi.sk.ca/handbook. There, you can use the Tools function to have the handbook translated* into a language of your choice. This handbook is accurate as of September 2023. Please consult the online version at sgi.sk.ca/handbook for the most up-to-date information. * Google Translate is a third-party tool, and is not owned or administered by SGI. SGI is not responsible for any errors or omissions as a result of the translation. In case of a difference in interpretation between the translated version and the laws and regulations governing Saskatchewan drivers and vehicles, the laws and regulations prevail. Table of contents Table of contents 1. INTRODUCTION.................................................... 1 2. SASKATCHEWAN’S DRIVER’S LICENCE PROGRAM................... 2 2.1 Driver’s licence........................................................ 3 Restrictions and endorsements.......................................... 4 Fake ID.............................................................. 4 2.2 Vehicle registration.................................................... 5 How auto insurance works in Saskatchewan............................... 5 Licence plate insurance coverage........................................ 5 Your vehicle deductible................................................. 7 Coverage for specific single-vehicle losses................................ 7 Coverage for multiple-vehicle losses...................................... 7 Personal Auto Injury Insurance........................................... 8 Extended Auto Insurance............................................... 8 2.3 Graduated Driver Licensing Program..................................... 9 What is Graduated Driver Licensing?..................................... 9 Steps in the Graduated Driver Licensing program........................... 9 Graduated Driver Licensing Improvement program......................... 11 Appeals............................................................. 11 2.4 Change of name or address............................................ 11 2.5 Classified licence system.............................................. 12 Licence Class 1 – minimum age: 18..................................... 12 Licence Class 2 – minimum age: 18..................................... 12 Licence Class 3 – minimum age: 18..................................... 13 Licence Class 4 – minimum age: 18..................................... 13 Licence Class 5 – minimum age: 16..................................... 14 Licence Class 7 – minimum age: 16..................................... 15 2.6 Medical requirements................................................. 16 2.7 Operating in the United States......................................... 16 2.8 Mandatory driver education............................................ 16 2.9 Preparing for your road test............................................ 17 2.10 Before the examination................................................ 17 2.11 Your test............................................................ 17 Knowledge tests..................................................... 17 Vision test........................................................... 18 Learning period...................................................... 18 Road test........................................................... 18 3. BASIC INFORMATION AND RULES OF THE ROAD................... 21 The six basic driving conditions......................................... 21 3.1 Speeding, stunting and racing.......................................... 22 3.2 Distracted driving..................................................... 23 Cellphones.......................................................... 23 3.3 Stopping and parking................................................. 24 3.4 Sharing the road..................................................... 24 Sharing the road with large trucks....................................... 24 Sharing the road with snow plows....................................... 26 Sharing the road with snowmobiles, ATVs and golf carts.................... 26 Sharing the road with emergency vehicles................................ 27 Sharing the road with farm equipment and overwidth vehicles................ 27 i Table of contents Sharing the road with school buses..................................... 27 Sharing the road with motorcycles...................................... 28 Sharing the road with bicycles.......................................... 29 Sharing the road with e-scooters (electric kick scooters)................................................ 30 Sharing the road with tow trucks and vehicles rendering assistance on the roadside...................................................... 30 Sharing the road with funeral processions................................ 30 3.5 The concept of gates................................................. 31 3.6 Blind spots.......................................................... 32 3.7 Directional dividing lines............................................... 33 3.8 Traffic lanes......................................................... 34 3.9 Lane position........................................................ 34 3.10 Lane selection....................................................... 34 3.11 Signalling........................................................... 35 Turn signals......................................................... 35 3.12 Changing lanes...................................................... 36 3.13 Passing............................................................. 36 Passing Lanes............................................................. 37 3.14 Bus lanes and bicycle lanes............................................ 38 3.15 Turning............................................................. 40 Right turns.......................................................... 40 Left turns........................................................... 42 3.16 Centre turning lanes.................................................. 45 3.17 Right of way......................................................... 46 Uncontrolled intersections............................................. 46 Controlled intersections............................................... 48 Construction or maintenance vehicles.................................... 49 Zipper merge........................................................ 49 3.18 Stopping positions................................................... 50 3.19 Interchanges......................................................... 51 Roundabouts........................................................ 51 Diverging Diamond Interchange......................................... 52 Restricted Crossing U-Turn............................................ 54 3.20 Highways........................................................... 55 Driving to the left of centre............................................. 55 One-way highways................................................... 55 Divided highways..................................................... 55 Controlled access highways............................................ 55 3.21 Pedestrians......................................................... 55 Jaywalkers.......................................................... 55 3.22 Crossing urban streets................................................ 56 3.23 Wheelchairs and medical scooters...................................... 56 3.24 Motorcycles......................................................... 57 3.25 Medians............................................................ 57 3.26 Parking lots.......................................................... 58 3.27 Headlights.......................................................... 59 3.28 Night driving and low visibility........................................... 60 3.29 Choosing the right speed.............................................. 60 3.30 Rules related to vehicles............................................... 61 ii Table of contents 4. TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS.................................... 62 4.1 Traffic signs......................................................... 62 4.2 Six basic sign shapes every driver must know............................. 62 4.3 Standard sign colours................................................. 64 4.4 Regulatory signs..................................................... 64 4.5 Regulatory parking signs............................................... 66 4.6 Regulatory pedestrian crossing signs.................................... 66 4.7 Regulatory lane designation signs....................................... 67 4.8 Regulatory turn control signs........................................... 68 4.9 Warning signs....................................................... 69 4.10 Construction signs................................................... 73 4.11 Railway crossings.................................................... 74 Automatic protected crossings......................................... 74 4.12 Crossroad delineators................................................. 75 4.13 Guide signs......................................................... 75 4.14 Information signs..................................................... 76 4.15 Traffic signals........................................................ 77 5. BASIC DRIVING SKILLS........................................... 80 5.1 Hazards............................................................ 80 Real and potential hazards............................................. 80 5.2 The IPDE method of driving............................................ 81 Identify............................................................. 81 Predict............................................................. 81 Decide............................................................. 82 Execute............................................................. 82 Practice makes perfect................................................ 82 5.3 Time – the key to judgment­­............................................ 83 The language of time.................................................. 84 Using time to estimate your following distance............................ 85 5.4 Eye use............................................................. 88 Steer where you look.................................................. 88 Search patterns on highways and rural roads.............................. 89 Looking up on highways............................................... 89 Referencing down on highways......................................... 91 Sweeping highways with your eyes...................................... 91 Filling in the gap on highways.......................................... 91 Checking your gates on highways....................................... 91 Checking your instruments on highways.................................. 92 Search patterns in urban areas......................................... 92 Looking up in urban areas.............................................. 92 Referencing down in urban areas....................................... 92 Sweeping with your eyes in urban areas.................................. 93 Filling in the gap in urban areas......................................... 93 Checking your gates in urban areas..................................... 93 Checking your instruments in urban areas................................ 93 Search patterns at night............................................... 93 Search patterns in emergencies........................................ 93 Preventing potential collisions.......................................... 94 Driving in dense traffic................................................. 95 5.5 Before you drive...................................................... 95 Vehicle familiarization.................................................. 95 Design components for safety.......................................... 96 iii  Table of contents Seating position...................................................... 99 5.6 Steering........................................................... 101 Hand positions...................................................... 101 “Hand over hand”................................................... 102 “Hand-to-hand”..................................................... 102 5.7 Accelerating........................................................ 103 5.8 Standard (manual) transmission vehicles................................ 103 Neutral/clutch....................................................... 103 5.9 Automatic transmission vehicles....................................... 104 5.10 Low speed skills.................................................... 104 Low speed manoeuvring.............................................. 104 Backing............................................................ 105 Steering techniques for backing....................................... 106 6. ADVANCED DRIVING SKILLS..................................... 107 6.1 Parking............................................................ 107 Parallel parking...................................................... 107 Back-up cameras.................................................... 108 Angle parking....................................................... 109 Parking on a hill..................................................... 110 6.2 Turning­­­­­............................................................ 110 U-turns............................................................ 110 Two-point turns..................................................... 111 6.3 Highway driving..................................................... 112 Cruise control...................................................... 113 Restricted access freeways........................................... 113 Entering a freeway................................................... 113 While on the freeway................................................. 113 Leaving a freeway................................................... 114 If you miss an exit.................................................... 114 Emergencies on the freeway.......................................... 114 6.4 Passing............................................................ 115 Estimation of safe passing time........................................ 115 Estimation of the closing time of two vehicles............................ 116 The safe/unsafe judgment............................................ 116 The actual passing judgment.......................................... 117 Being passed....................................................... 117 6.5 Curves and corners.................................................. 118 6.6 Driving in mountains................................................. 119 6.­­­­­7 Grid, municipal and resource access roads............................. 119 Driving techniques for gravel roads..................................... 119 6.8 Winter driving....................................................... 120 Preparing your vehicle................................................ 120 Preparing to see and to be seen....................................... 121 Driving on slippery surfaces........................................... 121 How to get moving.................................................. 123 How to stop on slippery surfaces...................................... 123 Temptations to resist................................................. 123 Whiteouts.......................................................... 123 The first snowfalls................................................... 123 Survival............................................................ 124 6.9 Braking............................................................ 124 Threshold braking................................................... 125 iv Table of contents Four-wheel lock braking.............................................. 125 6.10 Emergency driving................................................... 126 Where to look....................................................... 126 Emergency braking techniques........................................ 126 Emergency steering techniques........................................ 126 Combined braking and steering........................................ 128 Neutral/declutch.................................................... 128 Skidding........................................................... 128 Drifting onto a soft shoulder.......................................... 130 Ditches........................................................... 130 Blow-outs......................................................... 131 Brake failure........................................................ 131 Power steering or power brake failure................................... 132 Accelerator sticking.................................................. 132 Headlight failure..................................................... 132 Animals on the road.................................................. 132 6.11 Understanding collisions............................................. 134 6.12 What to do if you’re in a collision....................................... 135 Protect the scene................................................... 135 Check all injuries.................................................... 135 Contact the police................................................... 135 Check for witnesses................................................ 136 Take photographs.................................................. 136 When to provide a report to police.................................... 136 Dangerous goods.................................................. 136 Power lines........................................................ 136 Exchange information with other drivers................................. 137 Report to SGI...................................................... 137 6.13 Impairing factors (other than drugs and alcohol)......................... 139 Fatigue........................................................... 139 Personal stress and illness........................................... 139 Aggressive driving.................................................. 140 Fog, dust, heavy rain and poor visibility................................. 140 Cellphones......................................................... 141 Cigarette smoke.................................................... 141 7. DRINKING, DRUGS AND DRIVING................................ 142 7.1 Alcohol............................................................ 142 Facts about drinking and driving in Saskatchewan*:....................... 142 The impairing effects of alcohol on the brain............................. 142 Sequence of effects on the body....................................... 142 How alcohol affects you.............................................. 143 Likelihood of a crash................................................ 144 BAC and time...................................................... 144 7.2 Drugs............................................................. 145 Facts about drugs and driving in Saskatchewan*:......................... 145 Prescription, over-the-counter, and recreational drugs..................... 145 Illegal drugs........................................................ 147 7.3 Drinking and drugs combined........................................ 148 Students Against Drinking and Driving (SADD).......................... 149 v  Table of contents 8. COMPLYING WITH THE LAW WHEN DRIVING...................... 150 8.1 The Traffic Safety Act........................................... 150 Enforcement....................................................... 150 Stopping when signalled by police.................................... 150 Producing driver’s licence and registration.............................. 150 Unsafe vehicles.................................................... 150 Vehicle impoundments.............................................. 150 Impaired driving..................................................... 151 8.2 The Criminal Code of Canada........................................ 154 Impaired Driving Offences........................................... 154 Other Criminal Code driving offences.................................. 156 Arrest............................................................ 156 Licence disqualifications............................................. 156 Reinstatement of driving privileges..................................... 157 Special restricted driver’s licence..................................... 158 8.3 Traffic tickets...................................................... 158 8.4 Driver Improvement Program......................................... 159 8.5 Safe Driver Recognition............................................. 160 Safety Rating Scale................................................. 160 How it works....................................................... 161 Fuel-efficient driving techniques........................................ 163 INDEX............................................................. 166 vi Introduction 1 1. Introduction Thanks for picking up the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook! Driver training is a rite of passage many of us share. Now that the time has come to get your driver’s licence, SGI wants to help you get ready. We created this handbook to teach you the basics, like: traffic signs and signals the rules of the road driving in different weather conditions, like snow, rain and fog sharing the road with other vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists The handbook also covers advanced skills, like how to predict what other drivers might do, and then how to respond in the moment. A handy resource for new and experienced drivers alike, study this book before your test and keep consulting it even after you get your licence. It can help you pass your driver’s test and lay the groundwork for decades of safe driving. If we could offer one piece of advice, it’s to get as much practice as you can with your supervising driver. The confidence gained from hands-on experience behind the wheel will help you when it’s time for your road test. Good luck on your path to becoming a great driver. We’ll see you on the road! 1 2 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2. Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program Driver programs and examinations are designed to develop safe and capable drivers who know and understand the rules of the road. Driving is a responsibility and a privilege. It’s not a right. Provincial regulations exist to meet safety needs as well as promote the efficient and safe flow of traffic. To drive in Saskatchewan you must hold a valid driver’s licence for the type of vehicle you wish to operate. The classified driver‘s licence system establishes minimum standards of skill, knowledge, physical and mental fitness for the safe operation of different types of vehicles. Drivers are then licensed accordingly. The first time you apply for a Saskatchewan driver’s licence, you’ll be asked to provide documents to prove your identity, proof of residency and entitlement to be in Canada. Each docu­ment must be from an authority such as a federal or provincial government or a federal agency (a full list of approved documents can be found in SGI’s Establishing Your Identity pamphlet). They must also be originals, not photocopies. Electronic scans of these documents may be kept on file, in keeping with Canadian standards. To get a driver’s licence, you must be able to operate a vehicle safely and properly, understand all traffic signs and know the rules of the road. You’re required to complete a driver’s examination if you: Have never been a licensed driver; Have not held a Saskatchewan driver’s licence or specific Class or Endorsement within the past five years; Wish to become a certified driver instructor in Saskatchewan; Want to change the class of your licence or obtain an endorsement; or Are a new resident, and the licence you hold is from another province, state or country not honoured or recognized in Saskatchewan. Licences may be honoured from the United States. Licences from Germany, Switzerland, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Japan, Jersey, Netherlands, New Zealand, Ukraine and Taiwan may be exchanged for a Saskatchewan Class 5 driver’s licence and motorcycle endorsement, where applicable. Saskatchewan may also accept a driver’s licence from a country not listed. Please check with any Saskatchewan motor licence issuer, driver examination office, or visit www.sgi.sk.ca/ newresidents or contact us toll free at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744). The nine-month learning period and driver training requirement may be waived if you can prove past driving experience by providing a valid driver’s licence, written in English or French, or a valid licence in another language accompanied by a translation document acceptable to SGI (i.e. International Driving Permit). If you’re a new resident wanting a Saskatchewan driver’s licence without being tested, you must meet some requirements: If you’re a former resident of a Canadian province or territory you must have a valid driver’s licence from that juris­diction. An expired driver’s licence (not older than five years) from that jurisdiction is also acceptable. New residents may drive with their valid out-of-province driver’s licence for 90 days after moving to Saskatchewan. 2 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.1 Driver’s licence 2 Note: Once a Saskatchewan driver’s licence of any class is validated, the driver’s licence from any home jurisdiction becomes invalid. If you’re a former resident of one of the countries we honour, as listed on the previous page, a valid licence and a copy of your driving record from that jurisdiction must be provided, accompanied by a translation document acceptable to SGI (i.e. International Driving Permit). 2.1 Driver’s licence Your driver’s licence expires on the last day of your birth month or the last day of the month that your immigration documents expire. Saskatchewan driver’s licenses offer enhanced security features and meet international standards, integrating facial recognition technology. The driver’s licence shown here was implemented on April 1, 2016. You must show your licence if a peace officer asks to see it. If you don’t have your licence with you at the time, the officer may allow you up to 48 hours to produce it. If your licence includes any restrictions, you must obey the restrictions when driving. See the next page for restriction codes. If you’re a visitor or temporary foreign worker, your existing licence gives you all of the same privileges it does in your home province, territory or state, excluding Class 1 vehicles (semis). If you want to drive a semi, you will need to take Mandatory Entry-Level Training and get a Saskatchewan Class 1 driver’s licence. As a visitor to Saskatchewan, you aren’t eligible to apply for a Saskatchewan driver’s licence. As a visitor, you don’t have to register your vehicle in this province unless you become a resident. Full-time students attending approved educational institutions, as well as their immediate families, don’t have to exchange their driver’s licence during the time they are living here to attend classes. Your existing licence gives you all of the same privileges it does in your home province, territory or state, excluding Class 1 vehicles (semis). If you become a Saskatchewan resident you may drive using your current driver’s licence and vehicle plates for 90 days after taking up residence. 3 2 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.1 Driver’s licence Restrictions and endorsements Restriction code A – must wear prescribed glasses or contact lenses B – may not drive at night C – may only drive within a 40 kilometre radius of address shown on licence D – may only drive within a 80 kilometre radius of address shown on licence E – may only drive outside the limits of a city, in a city as a learner F – must have two outside rear-view mirrors on vehicle G – driver must present Detail Authority Card H – motorcycles are limited to three-wheeled cycles, two-wheeled as a learner J – motorcycles are limited to cycles under 50 cc’s, larger as a learner K – school bus capacity is limited to under 36 passengers L – may not operate Class 2 or 4 vehicles M – Class 1-3 vehicles are limited to automatic/electronic shift transmission, standard transmission as a learner N – may only drive school bus with automatic transmission R – motorcycles are limited to 400cc’s and under T – may not transport passengers for hire W – restricted commercial class (Canada only) Endorsement code A – may operate vehicle with air brakes G – driver must present Detail Authority Card M – motorcycle All driving authority is subject S – school bus to medical approval. 1, 2, 3 or 4 – may operate that class of vehicle as a learner 6 – may drive motorcycle as a learner Fake ID Do the right thing and only use your own legal driver’s licence or photo ID card. It’s a criminal offence to alter a photo ID card or the driver’s licence paper certificate in any way. It may not seem like a big deal, but there are serious consequences to using fraudulent ID, or loaning your ID for fraudulent purposes, including: getting your real driver’s licence suspended for at least three months a fine of at least $125 a possible fraud conviction under the Criminal Code that could affect your employment, your education and chances of travelling outside of Canada getting other people fined, fired or put out of business 4 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.2 Vehicle registration 2 2.2 Vehicle registration All vehicles must be properly registered according to purpose and must display the appropriate licence plate. Licence plates must be securely attached and clearly visible. That means plates must not be obstructed in a way that prevents them from being read or accurately photographed by any enforcement system. The number or identity of the licence plate must not be altered or changed in any way. If you’re a new resident you have up to 90 days to register your vehicle in Saskatchewan. Basic insurance coverage is required. A non-resident (someone who does not own, rent or lease a residence in Saskatchewan and, if required, does not pay Saskatchewan income tax) may drive in Saskatchewan indefinitely providing your out-of-province or out-of-country driver’s licence remains valid. How auto insurance works in Saskatchewan Saskatchewan auto insurance comes in two parts: Basic minimum coverage – Is required by law and is purchased at the same time you pay for your licence plates and vehicle registration. This coverage is compulsory and is provided by SGI. Additional coverage – Sometimes referred to as extended auto insurance, a package policy or an Auto Pak, additional coverage is tailored to your needs and is provided on a separate auto insurance policy. This important protection may be purchased from the insurance company, broker or agent of your choice. Licence plate insurance coverage Your licence plate carries basic insurance coverage in three areas: Collision and comprehensive – Coverage for damage to your vehicle, subject to a deductible. Personal injury – Benefits for personal injury resulting from a vehicle collision. Liability – Insurance for damage your vehicle causes to another vehicle or property, or injury to others. Collision and comprehensive is also known as physical damage coverage. It pays for damage to your vehicle due to a collision or other occurrence such as hail, fire or theft.* * Most vehicles are covered to the actual cash value, which is the market value of your vehicle compared with similar vehicles, with similar equipment, mileage and condition to the insured vehicle (see Coverage limitations referenced in the Driver’s Licence and Basic Auto Insurance brochure). Personal injury benefits provide Saskatchewan residents with injury and death benefits if they are injured or killed in an automobile collision anywhere in Canada or the United States. All Saskatchewan residents have a choice between two equally priced auto injury coverages – No Fault Coverage and Tort Coverage. 5 2 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.2 Vehicle registration Liability coverage protects you as a vehicle owner and driver if you and/or your vehicle are responsible for injuries caused to others or damage to property belonging to others. ‘Others’ may be another motorist, a pedestrian or bicyclist, a passenger in your vehicle, or the owner of property you damage. To be liable is to be at fault and responsible for damage or injury. You can be liable whether you choose No Fault or Tort injury (all Saskatchewan residents are automatically covered with No Fault injury coverage unless they choose Tort injury coverage and file a declaration form). Liability coverage will pay the cost to defend you if someone claims you are liable, as well as the damages if you are found responsible. Plate insurance provides up to $200,000 in liability coverage. Although compensation for many injuries and damages is covered under the collision and comprehensive coverage or the personal injury benefits, there are also many situations where compensation will be based on who is at fault, what happened and where it happened (for instance, if you were driving in the U.S. or another Canadian province). These include damage to buildings or fences near a street, to cargo in a vehicle you collide with, or to trains, cargo, and tracks at a level crossing, including environmental damage. If you’re responsible for an injury or death in Saskatchewan of someone whose earnings were greater than the personal injury benefit amount, or to anyone out of province, you will likely have a liability claim. No Fault Coverage Saskatchewan residents with No Fault Coverage receive a comprehensive package of benefits regardless of the circumstances of the collision. Benefits include coverage for income loss, medical and rehabilitation expenses, permanent impairment and death benefits. Those with No Fault Coverage can sue for certain expenses not covered by their benefits, as well as for income loss which exceeds the benefits provided by the plan. Except in very limited circumstances, they cannot sue for pain and suffering. Tort Coverage Saskatchewan residents with Tort Coverage receive a basic package of benefits regardless of the circumstances of the collision. Benefits include some coverage for income loss, medical and rehabilitation expenses, permanent impairment and death benefits. Those with Tort Coverage who are not totally at fault for the collision can sue for expenses and income losses not covered by their benefits and for pain and suffering, subject to a $5,000 deductible. For more information on No Fault Coverage, Tort Coverage or how to choose your auto injury insurance, visit www.sgi.sk.ca or ask any SGI office or SGI motor licence issuing office for informational materials that explain the coverages. 6 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.2 Vehicle Registration 2 Your vehicle deductible Your plate insurance covers loss of, or damage to, your vehicle and its equipment from causes such as a collision, upset, fire, theft, windstorm or hail. Subject to your deductible. A deductible is applicable to any vehicle loss you may have. It’s the amount you are required to pay before your licence plate insurance benefits begin to cover the remaining costs. For example, if your deductible is $700 and you’re responsible for a collision which causes $2,000 worth of damage to your vehicle, then SGI will pay for damage in excess of your deductible. You’ll be responsible for the first $700, while SGI will pay the remaining $1,300. However, if it’s determined that another Saskatchewan driver/owner is responsible for the damage and that person can be identified, that person’s insurance will pay for your damage, including your deducti­ble and any other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Coverage for specific single-vehicle losses Single-vehicle collision – Your damages are covered for the amount in excess of your deductible. You may be able to recover your deductible when there is a responsible party to pursue. Your adjuster will assist you with this. In most single-vehicle collisions the driver is responsible and must pay their own deductible. Storm or weather-related damage – Even though you’re not at fault for weather- related damage, such as hail damage or a tree falling on your vehicle, the deductible applies as there is no responsible party to pursue. Collision with an animal – If you carry only the compulsory plate insurance, the deductible applies. If you carry additional auto insurance the deductible may be waived for a collision with an animal. Hit and run – Your damages are covered for the amount in excess of your deductible. You may be able to recover your deductible if the responsible party is identified. Your adjuster will assist you with this. Theft or vandalism – If you carry only the compulsory plate insurance, the deductible applies. If the responsible party is identified, you may be able to recover your deductible. If you carry additional auto insurance the deductible may be waived for theft of the entire vehicle. Coverage for multiple-vehicle losses You’re not at fault for the collision – You don’t pay the deductible in most cases. The party found at fault for the collision is responsible for your damage, including your deductible. Once your adjuster has confirmed your coverage, you may have your vehicle repaired at the autobody shop of your choice. You’re at fault for the collision – As the at-fault driver you’re responsible for your full deductible. Your licence plate insurance will also pay the other driver’s deductible and cover any damage to their vehicle. 7 2 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.2 Vehicle Registration Shared responsibility for the collision – When two motorists are each found partially responsible for a collision, both drivers pay a portion of their deductible if their vehicle is damaged. For example, if you’re found 25% responsible for a collision you pay 25% of your deductible. Personal Auto Injury Insurance The Personal Auto Injury Insurance program provides coverage for Saskatchewan residents injured in automobile collisions anywhere in Canada or the United States. Coverage provided depends on which of two auto injury products you choose – No Fault Coverage or Tort Coverage. Extended Auto Insurance Basic plate insurance allows you to drive with minimal coverage, but to protect yourself, your family, your passengers, and your vehicle, you may find you’ll need more than just the basics. A licensed insurance broker or agent will explain your options and provide advice on economical ways to obtain the protection you need. Extended auto insurance can cover your vehicle for replacement cost, pay for the cost of a rental if your vehicle is damaged, reduce the deductible you pay for damage to your vehicle and top-up your injury coverage. Most importantly, it increases your liability from the minimum $200,000. Despite your efforts to be a good driver, a moment of distraction, tiredness, inexperience, poor road conditions and many other things can result in major collisions. You can be sued and held responsible for damages if you’re at fault — even if you have No Fault injury coverage. If you don’t have enough insurance or the means to pay for your defence or the damages caused, you may be expected to pay a portion of your earnings for many years as a result of lacking enough coverage. 8 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.3 Graduated Driver Licensing Program 2 2.3 Graduated Driver Licensing Program What is Graduated Driver Licensing? Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is a program designed to improve road safety by exposing new drivers to incremental levels of risk as they gain more driving experience. New drivers, regardless of age, are provided with the support, skills and experience they need as they work towards becoming fully qualified drivers. There are three stages to Saskatchewan’s Graduated Driver Licensing program – Learner, Novice 1 and Novice 2. As drivers pass through these stages, they will see fewer restrictions at each stage until they graduate to an experienced Class 5 driver’s licence. The Learner, Novice 1 or Novice 2 driving status is indicated on the driver’s licence. Steps in the Graduated Driver Licensing program 1. Obtain a Learner’s licence. 2. Practise driving for nine months with a supervising driver. 3. Complete the required mandatory driver training education. 4. Pass a road test. 5. Practise driving as a Class 5 Novice 1 driver for six months. 6. Drive as a Class 5 Novice 2 driver for 12 months with no incidents (e.g., at-fault collision, traffic conviction* and suspension free). In the event of an incident, the Novice 2 driver will be required to restart the 12-month incident-free period again from the loss date/conviction date. Interruptions such as licence suspensions, refusal to issue or non-renewal will extend the 12 months for any period of time the driver did not hold a valid licence. 7. Graduate to an experienced Class 5 driver’s licence. * Where found to be at fault for a collision or convicted of a traffic offence the 12-month period will restart from the loss date or conviction date respectively. 9 2 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.3 Graduated Driver Licensing Program Graduated Driver Licensing program Class 7 – Learner Class 5 – Novice 1 Class 5 – Novice 2 9 months 6 months 12 months 16 years of age (15 years of 16 years of age age in high school program) Pass written test Pass Class 5 road test Nine months – excludes Six months – excludes 12 months – excludes interruptions (non-renewal, interruptions interruptions refusal, licence suspension) (non-renewal, refusal, (non-renewal, refusal, Requirements licence suspension) licence suspension); and YOU HAVE GRADUATED TO AN EXPERIENCED LICENCE! 12 months – at-fault collision, traffic conviction and licence suspension free Mandatory education – high school training (30 hours in-class, six hours in-car) or commercial training (six hours in-class, six hours in-car) Must have a supervising One passenger only who driver in the front passenger is not an immediate family seat at all hours member; and Supervising driver must be an experienced, licensed driver Between the hours of Other passengers must be midnight and 5 a.m., immediate family members* passengers (excluding the Restrictions supervising driver) must be immediate family members* Number of passengers Number of passengers Number of passengers limited to the number of limited to the number of limited to the number of seatbelts seatbelts seatbelts Cannot consume any Cannot consume any Cannot consume any amount of alcohol or drugs amount of alcohol or drugs amount of alcohol or drugs and drive (0 BAC) and drive (0 BAC) and drive (0 BAC) Cannot be a supervising Cannot be a supervising Cannot be a supervising driver driver driver Cannot obtain a commercial Cannot obtain a commercial Cannot obtain a commercial driver’s licence or school driver’s licence or school driver’s licence or school bus endorsement bus endorsement bus endorsement * Immediate family members are defined as spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, step-parent, step-grandparent, stepsibling, foster parent, foster child, foster sibling, parent-in-law, sibling-in-law or child-in-law. Note: That all drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing program are prohibited from: 1. Operating both hand held and hands-free electronic communication equipment, such as cellphones, while driving. 2. Operating right-hand drive vehicles. 10 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.3 Graduated Driver Licensing Program 2.4 Change of name or address 2 Graduated Driver Licensing Improvement program Drivers in any stage who are found at fault for a collision, or who receive convictions or suspensions, will be placed in the Graduated Driver Licensing Improvement program. Drivers will progress through the following steps: A warning letter will be sent to the driver if the first traffic incident (conviction) has an assigned rating of two points or fewer.* If the first traffic incident (conviction, at-fault collision, suspension) has an assigned rating of three to six points, the driver will be required to attend a Traffic Safety Education session. Each incident thereafter will result in the driver being required to attend further education courses followed by the administrative suspensions: Defensive Driving course Driver Improvement training ­– educates drivers on the responsibilities and consequences associated with driving and encourages safe driving habits 30-day driver’s licence suspension 90-day driver’s licence suspension 180-day driver’s licence suspension interview and further action * For a complete list of offence and driver points, call 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744). Appeals Drivers can appeal all sanctions, with the exception of the warning letter, Traffic Safety Education session, interview request and manual review to the Highway Traffic Board. The board is independent from SGI and has the authority to uphold, alter the decision, issue a restricted licence and reduce or increase the length of any driver’s licence suspension. 2.4 Change of name or address If you change your name and/or address, you must tell SGI within 15 days by writing to us, or at your motor licence issuer’s office. Any changes to name and/or date of birth must be also accompanied by a legal document supporting the change. You can revise your contact information and change your mailing address, physical address or email address through MySGI at www.mysgi.ca. You can also notify SGI of your change of address through the Express­Address online service at www.expressaddress.com. This service can also notify several other provincial and municipal government organizations of your address change at the same time. 11 2 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.5 Classified licence system 2.5 Classified licence system Licence Class 1 – minimum age: 18 Permits the licence holder to operate Class 1 vehicles – power units and semi trailers, and trucks which have a trailer(s) or vehicle(s) in tow where the gross weight of the towed unit(s) exceeds 4,600 kg Motor vehicles in classes 2, 3, 4 and 5 Does not permit the licence holder to operate Vehicles with air brakes, motorcycles or school buses without an appropriate endorsement(s) Requirements Minimum age 18 years and not a novice driver Medically fit See page 16 Vision test See page 18 Knowledge tests Class 1 knowledge tests include: Class 1, 2, 3, 4, Basic and Sign Training Approved Class 1 training program Trip inspection Must demonstrate a trip inspection on a Class 1 vehicle Road test Must take a road test in a Class 1 vehicle Licence Class 2 – minimum age: 18 Permits the licence holder to operate Class 2 vehicles – buses having a seating capacity in excess of 24 passengers, while carrying a passenger or passengers Motor vehicles in classes 3, 4 and 5 Class 1 vehicles as a learner with appropriate endorsement Does not permit the licence holder to operate Vehicles with air brakes, motorcycles or school buses without an appropriate endorsement(s) Requirements Minimum age 18 years and not a novice driver Medically fit See page 16 Vision test See page 18 Knowledge tests Class 2 knowledge tests include: Class 2, 3, 4, Basic and Sign Trip inspection Must demonstrate a trip inspection on a Class 2 vehicle Road test Must take a road test in a Class 2 vehicle Note: For further clarification about the classified licence system, contact your local driver examiner. 1 –P  ersons with Class 3 or 5 vehicles (registered farm only) with air brakes are not required to have the air brake endorsement 12 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.5 Classified licence system 2 Licence Class 3 – minimum age: 18 Permits the licence holder to operate Class 3 vehicles – trucks with more than two axles, except trucks registered in Class F, and trucks with more than two axles which have a trailer(s) or vehicle(s) in tow, except trucks registered in Class F, where the gross weight of the towed unit(s) does not exceed 4,600 kg Motor vehicles in classes 4 and 5 Power units with more than two axles, when not towing a semi trailer Class 1 or 2 vehicles as a learner with appropriate endorsement Does not permit the licence holder to operate Vehicles with air brakes1, motorcycles or school buses without an appropriate endorsement(s) Requirements Minimum age 18 years and not a novice driver Medically fit See page 16 Vision test See page 18 Knowledge tests Class 3 knowledge tests include: Class 3, Class 4, Basic and Sign Trip inspection Must demonstrate a trip inspection on a Class 3 vehicle Road test Must take a road test in a Class 3 vehicle Licence Class 4 – minimum age: 18 Permits the licence holder to operate Class 4 vehicles – buses that have a seating capacity of not more than 24 passengers, when transporting passengers vehicles registered in Class PT when transporting not more than 24 passengers for hire vehicles registered in Class PB or PC – when transporting not more than 24 passengers for hire; and – when not used exclusively to transport passengers with a disability and any attendants to those passengers ambulances when being used for hire motor vehicles in Class 5. To operate a taxi, limosine or ride share vehicle, the driver must be authorized by SGI. Does not permit the licence holder to operate Vehicles with air brakes, motorcycles or school buses without an appropriate endorsement(s) Requirements Minimum age 18 years and not a novice driver Medically fit See page 16 Vision test See page 18 Knowledge tests Class 4 knowledge tests include: Class 4, Basic and Sign Trip inspection Must demonstrate a trip inspection on a Class 4 vehicle Road test Must take a road test in a Class 4 or 5 vehicle 13 2 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.5 Classified licence system Licence Class 5 – minimum age: 16 Permits the licence holder to operate Class 5 vehicles – cars, vans2, two-axle trucks, two-axle vehicles having a trailer(s) or vehicle(s) in tow where the gross weight of the towed unit(s) does not exceed 4,600 kg, buses when not transporting passengers, three-axle motorhomes, taxis and ambulances when not used for hire A taxi, limousine or vehicle as part of a vehicle-for-hire service, or Class PB* vehicle if the driver: 1. is an experienced driver, not in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program; 2. has at least two years post-GDL driving experience; and 3. has a satisfactory driver history (meaning less than 12 points under the Driver Improvement Program in the last two years, and no impaired-driving related suspension in the last 10 years). School buses with a capacity of no more than 15 passengers when carrying passengers Law enforcement vehicles when being used for law enforcement purposes Two-axle power units, when not towing a semi trailer Two-axle farm trucks towing vehicles which have a gross weight that exceeds 4,600 kg Farm trucks with more than two axles Vehicles registered in Class PB or PC when used exclusively to transport, for hire, not more than 24 passengers with a disability and any attendants to these passengers Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 vehicles as a learner with appropriate Endorsement 1, 2, 3 or 4 (minimum age 18 and not a novice driver) Three-wheeled vehicles (e.g., has a steering wheel, automotive seating and floor controls - not a three-wheeled motorcycle) *with seating capacity of 10 or less Does not permit the licence holder to operate Vehicles with air brakes3, motorcycles without an appropriate endorsement(s) Requirements Vision test See page 18 Knowledge tests Class 5 knowledge tests include: Basic and Sign Road test Must hold a Class 7 licence for nine months Must take a road test in a Class 5 vehicle Training Approved Class 5 training course Licence Class 5 and 7: Note: Persons under age 18 require parental consent to obtain driving privileges. Once consent has been granted it cannot be withdrawn. 2 –V  ans with a seating capacity of 15 or less while carrying passengers. If transporting more than 12 passengers, the driver must be at least 18 years of age and not a novice driver 3 – Persons  with Class 3 or 5 vehicles (registered farm only) with air brakes are not required to have the air brake endorsement 14 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.5 Classified licence system 2 Licence Class 7 – minimum age: 16 15 with High School Driver Education Permits the licence holder to operate Class 5 vehicles as a learner Note: Does not permit the licence holder to obtain a motorcycle endorsement or operate three-wheeled vehicles as a learner. Requirements Identification You’re required to show your full name and date of birth by a birth certificate, passport or immigration documents. You need to provide a signature from a Saskatchewan Health card, passport or a driver’s licence from a Canadian jurisdiction or any document acceptable to SGI. Any first-time driver between the ages of 15 and 18 is required to provide a completed Parent/ Guardian signature form/Guarantor form available from SGI Driver Development, motor licence issuers or SGI certified driver educators. If your name has changed due to marriage or for other reasons, please bring documentation to support the name change. Be sure to take several pieces of original identification with you (photocopies are not acceptable). Vision test See page 18 Knowledge tests Class 7 knowledge tests include: Basic and Sign The holder of a Class 7 licence must be supervised. The driving supervisor must: at all times, be capable of assuming operation of the vehicle; hold the equivalent of a Class 5 or greater driver’s licence issued by a Canadian or U.S. jurisdiction; have held a valid licence for a minimum of 365 days in the preceding three years (but is not a novice driver); and occupy the seat nearest to the driver and the vehicle controls. Note: The holder of a Class 1 to 5 driver’s licence is permitted to operate a snowmobile or ATV. All snowmobile operators born after Jan. 1, 1989, must have taken an approved safety course in addition to holding a Class 1 to 5 driver’s licence. The holder of a Class 7 driver’s licence is permitted to operate an ATV or snowmobile provided they are accompanied by someone who holds a Class 1 to 5 driver’s licence or supervised (within 5 m of and in view of) by someone on another machine that holds a Class 1 to 5 driver’s licence. The holder of a Class 7 or greater licence is permitted to operate a golf cart on a public roadway if the municipality has passed an SGI-approved bylaw permitting its use. For more information regarding snowmobiles, ATVs and golf carts call SGI’s Customer Service Centre at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744). 15 2 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.6 Medical requirements 2.7 Operating in the United States 2.8 Mandatory driver education 2.6 Medical requirements When you apply for, or renew, your driver’s licence, any medical condition that may affect your ability to drive must be reported to SGI. Write this information on a supplementary medical application, available from all licence issuers. Failure to report medical conditions could result in a loss of insurance coverage. For more information contact SGI’s Customer Service Centre at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744). Individuals applying for a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 driver’s licence, or a Class 5 licence with a 1, 2, 3, 4, Heavy Trailer or School Bus Endorsement are required to meet medical standards and file a medical report with SGI before testing begins. 2.7 Operating in the United States The United States and Canada have a reciprocity agreement, which recognizes a Canadian-issued commercial driver’s licence as proof of medical fitness. However, in the United States, the operator of a Class 5 vehicle must have a commercial medical, if the vehicle or vehicle combination weighs or has a rated capacity (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) over 4,536 kg. The United States commercial medical requirements also apply to farm-use vehicles registered in Class F, but do not apply to private-use vehicles (e.g., when vacationing in the United States towing a recreational vehicle). For more information please refer to the Saskatchewan Professional Driver’s Handbook. 2.8 Mandatory driver education If you have a Class 7 licence you’re not eligible for a higher class of driver’s licence unless you’ve completed the High School Driver Education Program or received a minimum of six hours of in-car and six hours of in-class instruction from an SGI-certified driving instructor. Be sure to attend the parent information night sponsored by your high school educator. When hiring a driving instructor, ask to see their instructor certification card to ensure it’s valid. You can find a list of certified driving instructors at www.sgi.sk.ca/onlineservices. The driver instructor will either add your training record to your electronic SGI customer file or issue a Driver Education Certificate. If there isn’t a training record on your SGI customer file, you must present the Driver Education Certificate to the driver examiner at the time of your Class 5 road test(s). If you’re enrolled in the High School Driver Education Program, you’ll need to set up a free MySGI account to write your exam online. Any SGI motor licence issuer can set you up with an account. You’ll need to present your ID to complete this transaction. If you’re 15 years of age and registered in a certified High School Driver Education Program but have been placed on a waiting list, you’re still eligible to write the class 7 licence exam. In order to write the exam you must present a copy of the Signature/ Guarantor Form confirming you are enrolled or intend to be enrolled in a driver education program. The Signature/Guarantor Form is available either at your high school or on the SGI website at sgi.sk.ca/new-drivers. 16 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.9 Preparing for your road test 2.10 Before the examination 2.11 Your test 2 2.9 Preparing for your road test Get plenty of practice under a variety of driving conditions. Be sure to practise exactly the way your instructor taught you. Keep a record of your practice using the Practice Log available from your driver educator or SGI. Learner driver signs and A Guide for Supervisors of New Drivers – Co-Pilot’s Manual booklet are available free of charge from SGI. Road tests are conducted in English. Examiners use simple and clear language when providing directions. To prepare for the road test, drivers should be familiar with the following terms — right turn, left turn, lane change, parallel park, traffic lights, intersection, stop, shoulder check and two-point turn. 2.10 Before the examination Once you feel confident enough to take a driver examination, you can book your appointment. Call or visit a motor licence issuer or book online with MySGI for Class 5 road tests, motorcycle road tests and all written appointments. If you provide your cellphone number while booking, you’ll get text messages to confirm your appointment, along with reminders before your appointment (24 hours and one hour before). You can also check-in by text when you arrive for your road test. For all other driver examination appointments call 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744). If you don’t cancel your appointment and fail to show up, you’ll be required to pay for your re-scheduled appointment. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday in Regina and Saskatoon. Written tests are available in Regina and Saskatoon without an appointment and are conducted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Tests are not available on Saturdays of long weekends. You’re required to show proof of age by a birth certificate, passport or any document acceptable to SGI. If you’re a first-time driver between the ages of 15 and 18, you must provide a completed Signature/Guarantor Form For First Time Drivers providing consent that you may obtain driving privileges. Be sure to take several pieces of original identification with you. Photocopies of these documents are not acceptable. If your name has changed due to marriage or other reasons, please bring documentation that supports the name change. 2.11 Your test For all classes of licence you are required to pass three types of tests including knowledge tests, a vision test and a road test. Some classes of licence also require a medical examination and pre-trip inspection. Knowledge tests The knowledge tests consist of two parts: driving situations, as well as the rules of the road, and sign identification. If you fail any part of these tests, you’ll be required to rewrite only the examination(s) you failed. Successful written exam results are valid for one year. You may write only once per day. If you’re unsure about the meaning of any of the questions, please ask the examiner to assist you. The use of cellphones or electronic devices is not allowed in the test area. 17 2 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.11 Your test You can find practice test questions as well as helpful animations in the online version of this handbook at www.sgi.sk.ca/quiz. Vision test The vision test may include: a field of vision test a visual acuity test distance judgment There are certain minimum vision standards you must meet. If you fail to meet those standards, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrist for further testing, and possible prescription of glasses or contact lenses. If you can pass the eye test only when you are wearing your glasses or contact lenses, you will be issued a restricted licence. This means your driver’s licence will be valid only when you are wearing prescribed corrective lenses. Learning period The holder of a Class 7 licence must retain that classification for at least nine­­­­months before becoming eligible for any examina­tions toward obtaining a licence in any other class. Road test You’re required to take a road test in the appropriate class of vehicle and you must supply the vehicle. You must schedule your appointment at your nearest examination office. Road test appointments in smaller centres are reserved for local residents only. Depending on your location, your examiner may use a paper and a clipboard or a digital app on a tablet to score your driving during the road test. The road test is an evaluation of your ability to safely operate a vehicle. You’ll be tested on: abiding by road signs along the route stopping anticipation of potential hazards traffic signs and signals parallel parking and backing up travelling through controlled and proper lane driving uncontrolled intersections shoulder checking turning starting various safe driving practices like speed selection and steering techniques 18 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.11 Your test 2 When you arrive to your road test, please: park and turn off your vehicle; stay in your vehicle and text “Here” if you signed up for text notifications; make sure your cellphone and ringer/vibrate are on; and have your photo ID ready. Your examiner will call you at your appointment time to ask some questions and then will come out to meet you. To keep everyone safe, your supervising driver should wait in our waiting room, rather than in our high-traffic parking lot, while you take your road test. If you have any questions about the test, the examiner will be happy to answer them for you before the test starts. Note: No pets or passengers, other than examination staff, are permitted in your vehicle during the road test. A road test will be rescheduled if: you cannot provide proof of having completed the required driver education (training record on your electronic SGI file or Driver Education Certificate) you’re late for your appointment you don’t have the appropriate driver’s licence or have not paid the exam fee you haven’t held a Class 7 licence for at least nine months you don’t meet the vision or medical fitness standards you drive to the test office illegally the vehicle you provide for the road test is unsafe or not equipped in accordance with the law. The Driver Examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins. The following list of equipment must be in working order, or the test can be rescheduled: horn unobstructed windshield signal lights no aftermarket tinting on the brake lights windshield or front side windows headlights (as required) functioning driver’s and front passenger’s doors windshield wipers (as required) proper seats working defrost (as required) the passenger compartment of the seatbelts and airbags vehicle is not clean or free of strong speedometer scent or odour one valid licence plate properly the vehicle is not the right class for the attached to the rear of the vehicle licence you want 19 2 Saskatchewan’s driver’s licence program 2.11 Your test If your windshield is cracked and you’re unsure if it will be accepted for a road test, it’s best to have a driver examiner check it before your road test. Visit your local driver examination office to have an examiner look at it in person. You can also visit sgi.sk.ca/windshield to find examples of an acceptable windshield. You will fail the road test if you: exceed the speed limit are involved in a collision for which you are 50% or more responsible fail to stop where required fail to yield to vehicles and pedestrians fail to wear a seatbelt cannot parallel park disobey traffic lights fail to follow a request from the examiner require the assistance of the examiner make a combination of minor mistakes At the end of the road test, a complete report will be given to you with all errors explained. If you were unsuccessful, the report will indicate where improvement is required. Depending on how the examiner scored your test, you’ll either get a paper copy of your results or have them emailed to you. The emailed results include links to the online Driver’s Handbook so you can follow up on the areas you need to work on. When you have had more practice, you may make an appointment for another road test. You must pay an additional test fee before each road test. If you’re applying for a Class 5 licence and fail your road test, you must wait two weeks before you are eligible for another road test. Additional training may be recommended or a longer learning period imposed. Successful exam results are valid for 12 months but your licence must be upgraded at any SGI motor licence issuer before you can drive alone. 20 Basic information and rules of the road 3 3. Basic information and rules of the road The six basic driving conditions Driver condition Driver condition refers to your physical, mental and emotional fitness to drive. It’s the most important of the six conditions, because a driver in top physical, mental and emotional shape can adjust to all the other conditions and to the errors of other drivers as well. Vehicle condition Vehicle condition affects your ability to control your vehicle, your ability to see and be seen, and to communicate with other drivers and pedestrians. Your chances of staying out of a collision are better with a vehicle in tip-top condition than they are with one that has operational defects. You are the only one who knows when something isn’t working right. Only you can spot possible vehicle defects and either repair them or get them corrected by a qualified mechanic. Light condition The first requirement of safe driving is to see and be seen. This ability is affected by light condition. The presence of natural or artificial light; you can have too little light, or too much light. The hazard of too little light is found in the fact that the nighttime fatal collision rate is more than double the daytime rate. Weather condition Bad weather can affect traction, visibility and vehicle control. Rain, snow and ice make road surfaces slippery. Adverse weather can obscure your vision with rain, snow, fog or road splatter, as well, steam up glass with interior vapour. Other drivers find it harder to see you, and pedestrians hide behind umbrellas so they fail to see cars approaching. High winds make steering difficult and cause vehicles to veer to the wrong side of the road. Road condition Road condition refers to the total roadway and the type and condition of the road surface. These can affect your ability to steer, stop and manoeuver. Adverse road conditions can be produced by weather. Conditions change from one kind of road to another – from a side street to a thoroughfare, from a secondary road to a main highway, from a two-lane road to an expressway. Any trip may involve a number of different road conditions, each requiring an adjustment in your driving. 21 3 Basic information and rules of the road 3.1 Speed Traffic condition Traffic conditions are created by the number of vehicles and pedestrians using the same road or street at the same time you are, and to a large extent by how well the road has been engineered to accommodate the amount of traffic present at a given time. More cars mean more conflict in traffic and more chance for a collision. Traffic conditions are influenced by the time of day, day of the week, even time of year in the case of holiday periods, and by the nature of the environment, such as a shopping centre, sports arena, factory or school. 3.1 Speeding, stunting and racing There are speed limits on all Saskatchewan roads, streets and highways. Always drive your vehicle within the posted speed limit. Emergency vehicles responding to an emergency may exceed the speed limit. On most provincial highways, and in urban areas, speed limit signs are posted. In the absence of signs, the speed limit is 80 km/h. Most urban centres post speed limit signs at the entrances to the town or city. Those speed limits apply to all locations within community boundaries, unless otherwise posted. The speed limit means the fastest you can travel under ideal conditions. Stunting and racing can have serious and often life-threatening consequences. Some of the things that could land you a ticket, licence suspension and impoundment are: racing side by side with another vehicle while disobeying the speed limit chasing another vehicle speeding in and out of lanes to unsafely pass vehicles attempting to lift some or all tires from the roadway (including driving a motorcycle on one wheel) attempting to spin a vehicle to cause it to spin or circle driving a vehicle while not sitting in the driver’s seat driving your vehicle in a way that prevents another vehicle from passing stopping or slowing down to interfere with the movement of another vehicle The maximum speed limit when passing tow trucks or emergency vehicles that are stopped with their lights flashing or when passing Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure equipment with lights flashing, whether in motion or not, is 60 km/h. Within the work zone (road maintenance areas), motorists are required to slow down and travel no faster than the posted speed. Fines for speeding triple when passing highway workers or equipment occupied by a worker in the work zone. Some cities have bylaws requiring drivers to obey work zone speed limits through the entire construction area. Please be familiar with the bylaws in your area. Drivers are also required to reduce their speed to 60 km/h when passing a tow truck stopped on the roadside with its amber or amber and blue lights flashing while it’s assisting to a disabled vehicle. In school zones drivers must be particularly careful. Each city or town sets speed limits in school zones through local bylaws. As a result, laws vary from place to place so watch for signs. If there are no signs, you should still reduce your speed and proceed cautiously in school zones. 22 Basic information and rules of the road 3.2 Distracted driving 3 Police use photo radar to enforce speed limits in some work zones, school zones and high-risk locations. Photo radar tickets are issued to the registered owner of the speeding vehicle driven through the zone. You must slow down when approaching animals on or near the road. Regardless of the posted or basic speed limit you must never travel faster than conditions allow for safe and reasonable passage. At the same time, travelling too slowly can be hazardous. You should never drive at a speed slow enough to impede or block other traffic, unless proper safety precautions have been taken. 3.2 Distracted driving Always drive with care, attention and reasonable con­sidera­tion for other road users. It’s illegal for you, or any of your passengers, to perform stunts or other activities that distract, startle or interfere with other road users. Driver inattention and distraction is responsible for 14% of all collisions. On average, it leads to 19 fatalities a year in Saskatchewan (based on an average from 2019 – 2021). Driving requires you to do more than two things at once – steering, braking, shifting gears and watching for traffic all occur at the same time. When you add distractions like eating, grooming, talking or texting on cellphones, the results can be disastrous. Drivers should devote their full attention to driving. Some of the most common driver distractions include persons, objects or events outside the vehicle, distraction from passengers, looking for or at something in the vehicle, adjusting radio, climate or vehicle controls, smoking and eating or drinking. You also shouldn’t distract other road users - deliberately creating loud and unnecessary noise with a motor vehicle is not permitted. Cellphones Holding, viewing or manipulating a hand-held cellphone or mobile device is prohibited in Saskatchewan. Experienced drivers, who are no longer in the GDL, can use hands- free cellphones if they’re activated with voice commands or one-touch, and are dashboard, visor or cradle mounted. Note: Hands-free cellphone or mobile devices are prohibited for drivers in the GDL program. Hands-free use of cellphones while driving is allowed for experienced drivers*, including: devices that clip to the visor headsets, either wired or wireless voice-activated devices devices built into the vehicle, such as OnStar or those with Bluetooth technology Bluetooth ear pieces 23 3 Basic information and rules of the road 3.3 Stopping and parking 3.4 Sharing the road one-touch activation of a speakerphone feature on a cellphone placed within easy reach making 9-1-1 calls on cellphones while driving for both new and experienced drivers making a call on a cellphone when parked on the side of the road, for both new and experienced drivers * Experienced drivers are drivers who are not in the GDL program. If you have a previous conviction (within a 12-month period) for using electronic communication devices while driving, or driving without reasonable care or consideration, and receive another ticket for either of these offences, it will result in the vehicle you’re driving to be impounded for seven days, regardless of who the vehicle owner is. 3.3 Stopping and parking You must move as far to the right as possible when stopping on a road. When stopping on a rural road or highway you must be 30 m (98 ft.) away from any vehicle stopped on the opposite side of the road or highway. Vehicles stopped on rural roads or highways at night must be marked with flares, hazard lights or reflectors. You must not tamper with the devices used to mark stopped vehicles. Always come to a complete stop at all stop signs and at railway crossings where signals or gates are activated. After stopping, only proceed from a stop sign, or a railway crossing without gates, when it’s safe to do so. You must also stop when signaled to by a police officer or a flagperson. If there are painted curbs or signs that prohibit parking please follow them and park somewhere else. Be considerate of others and your own safety. If you must stop in your lane (possibly due to heavy traffic) always stop behind the crosswalk, before entering an intersection or before a railway crossing so you don’t obstruct pedestrians or other traffic. 3.4 Sharing the road You have to share the road with people who drive a variety of vehicles. The more you know about the particular driving requirements of different vehicles, the better equipped you’ll be to share the road and predict the actions of other drivers. Sharing the road with large trucks The large truck is a special vehicle. Its motor is not much larger than a large car engine and yet the load it carries can be 50 or more times the weight of a car. When accelerating up to speed, truck drivers use up to 18 gear changes. Once they get into top gear, they do not appreciate having to start again. Therefore, avoid forcing a truck driver to slow down. 24 Basic information and rules of the road 3.4 Sharing the road 3 Large trucks will decrease speed when going uphill. You can expect truck drivers to pick up speed when going down hills to help them get up the other side. Plan your passing manoeuvre accordingly. It takes longer to stop a large truck than a car, so a truck driver needs a longer following distance to be safe and in control. Don’t cut in front of a large truck immediately after you have passed it. Truck drivers have problems seeing smaller vehicles. Although they have mirrors that help them to see each side, you may not be visible to the driver if you follow too closely. (Besides, you can’t see anything yourself.) Realize that in poor weather, exterior mirrors become spotted with rain and dirt and the truck driver doesn’t have an interior mirror. Be sure to make yourself visible. Drive with your headlights on. The driver of a large truck or bus has difficulty turning sharp corners, particularly to the right. If the driver follows the proper procedure, vehicles facing them on the street they are entering should be prepared for the large truck or bus to enter their half of the roadway. If the large truck operator is not following the proper procedure, vehicles on their right in the street they are leaving should stay well back to avoid being crushed between the large truck and the curb. When you see a large truck or bus making a sharp right turn, give it the room it needs. All drivers should avoid a large truck’s “no-zone.” The no-zone refers to the blindspot areas around big trucks, where crashes are most likely to occur. Just like cars, large trucks have blindspots on both sides, but a large truck’s are considerably bigger. These blindspots can mean trouble if a trucker decides to change lanes and a car is in the blindspot. In addition to the blindspots on the sides of a large truck, drivers should be careful around the front end of large trucks. Truckers sit up high and the hood of the cab obscures part of the road ahead. This is why when drivers in a car are passing a large truck, they should make sure they can see the entire truck cab in their rear-view mirror before pulling in front. If a car cuts in too soon, truck drivers are forced to react with little time or room to spare. Large trucks also have deep rear blindspots. A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t see the large truck’s mirrors, the truck driver can’t see you. 25 3 Basic information and rules of the road 3.4 Sharing the road Sharing the road with snow plows Slow down – STAY BACK and STAY ALIVE when you approach the mini blizzard created by a snow plow. Every winter, snow plows are hit by motorists who don’t see them or see them too late. The vast majority of these incidents are rear-end collisions where motorists have failed to adjust to changing road and weather conditions. Snow plow operators are working in difficult weather conditions on the highways to clear snow and ice and make the roads safer for all motorists. Drivers must slow to 60 km/h when passing snow plows or other highway equipment that are stopped on the highway with blue and amber warning lights flashing. Snow plows that are in motion, can be passed on the highway if it’s safe to do so. Drivers in this case are not limited to travelling 60 km/h. Snow plows must travel slower than average traffic when clearing snow and spreading salt and sand. Be patient and proceed with caution. Ministry of Highways crews clear major highways within six hours of the end of the storm to make winter driving safe. Please give them room to work safely. Sharing the road with snowmobiles, ATVs and golf carts If snowmobiles and ATVs were always operated according to the law, there would be little chance of conflict with other vehicles on the streets and highways. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Snowmobiles are difficult to see because they are small and low. These features, accompanied by exposure to weather, also make it difficult for the snowmobile operator to see. As snowmobiles are useful in storms, they’re likely to be out when visibility is poor. Also, children with little road experience operate snowmobiles and ATVs. When you see a snowmobile or ATV, anticipate that it may cross the road suddenly or go out of control, and decide how you will react. In some municipalities, local bylaws allow snowmobiles, ATVs and golf carts to be operated on the street. 26 Basic information and rules of the road 3.4 Sharing the road 3 Sharing the road with emergency vehicles All emergency vehicles (fire engines, police vehicles and ambulances) have the right of way when displaying flashing lights and using sirens (sound devices). When approached by an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing or sirens engaged, you must immediately drive as closely as possible to the right edge of the roadway and not enter the next intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed. The only exception is if a peace officer gives you other directions. On one-way streets, pull right or left to the nearest curb. At an intersection, you must stop and let the emergency vehicle through the intersection, unless given other directions by a peace officer. If the emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, but no siren engaged, motorists in the vicinity should extend the same privilege as previously mentioned while meeting or being overtaken by the emergency vehicle. When an emergency vehicle is stopped on the highway with its emergency lights in operation, you must slow down to 60 km/h when passing it. This doesn’t apply to vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on a divided highway. However, this does apply when travelling in the opposite direction on an undivided highway. Never attempt to follow an emergency vehicle going to, or coming from, an emergency. Sharing the road with farm equipment and overwidth vehicles Saskatchewan’s agricultural base means that farm equipment such as combines, tractors, large cultivators, etc. may be on highways and grid roads from early spring until late fall. These vehicles create a hazard, as they travel very slowly – 10 to 40 km/h. Therefore, you may come upon them very quickly and you’ll need to stop or change lanes rapidly. Watch for them on the road and only pass them when it’s safe to do so. Sharing the road with school buses School bus drivers have a difficult job. There are plenty of distractions inside the bus. Knowing this, you should make extra allowances, and be aware of the possibility that the bus driver may not see you or your signals. Rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of crash involving school buses and are usually caused by another driver failing to stop while the bus is loading or unloading passengers. 27 3 Basic information and rules of the road 3.4 Sharing the road When approaching a school bus, if you see amber flashing lights, slow down and proceed with caution. If the red flashing lights are activated, you must come to a complete stop. If you’re approaching the bus from the opposite direction on an undivided highway, you must also stop. The single greatest threat to the safety of children who ride school buses is motorists who pass the bus when children are loading or unloading. When approaching a bus that has its stop arm out and its red flashing lights activated, as a driver: You must stop no closer than 5 m (15 ft.) from the front or back of the bus. You must not advance your vehicle until the bus driver turns off the flashing red stop lamps and deactivates the stop arm. Before moving, check to see that all children have safely crossed the roadway. Passing a school bus with red flashing lights is a serious offence and will result in a minimum fine of $360. You don’t have to stop for a school bus if you’re travelling in the opposite direction on a divided highway. Some cities, towns and villages may have a bylaw prohibiting the use of flashing red stop lamps and stop arms on school buses. In those communities you’re allowed to pass the bus. Drivers aren’t required to stop for buses displaying four-way hazard lamps; however, use caution, go slowly and always watch for children crossing. Sharing the road with motorcycles When a motorcycle and a four-wheel vehicle collide, the motorcyclist is at a high risk for being killed or severely injured. Since motor­cycles are more agile than cars, their actions are more difficult to predict and their size makes them hard to see. Most motorcycles are wired so that their headlights are on at all times, making it easier for you to see them. Be a