Sask. learner’s driving tests see strong numbers in 2022, backlog from pandemic over

By Jaryn Vecchio

The wait time to take the driving test for a Saskatchewan learner’s driving licence is the lowest it has been in years.

According to SGI, it’s taking around two weeks for someone to book a test and officially get behind the wheel with an examiner.

The short wait list comes after the COVID-19 pandemic caused a massive backlog after all tests were cancelled for roughly two months. Even afterward, it was a slow process to get back to normal as many tests had to be uniquely conducted.

“We were following the customer in a different vehicle recording the test and then the examiner had to review the video after,” said Shay Shpak, the director of driver examinations for SGI. “We were only doing about half the number of tests we can do today.”

The average wait time to take a test during that time was around 10 weeks.

The backlog officially became a thing of the past in January of 2022 and it’s no surprise that last year’s numbers were some of the best SGI has seen in the past five years.

Across the province, more than 24,000 people took their written test while nearly 42,000 took the driving test. In comparison, more than 15,000 took the written test in 2020, while nearly 28,000 got behind the wheel with an examiner.

The written test numbers are much lower since they don’t include ones being taken in high school.

As for why there was such a big increase, Shpak believes it’s because of the increase in examiners, which was a result of trying to end the backlog as fast as possible.

“We also have a bit higher capacity of driver examiners right now, which is a result of the pandemic, so we have the ability to do a few more tests than even pre-pandemic,” she said.

SGI also shared stats for 2021 which showed fewer written tests but slightly more roadside tests.

As for 2023, Shpak doesn’t know if numbers will drop or increase. She thinks last year’s spike may have also been caused by people being excited that they didn’t have to wait 10 weeks to take the test.

“It depends on immigration and the number of individuals who are turning 16,” Shpak added.

Those interested in getting their learner’s licence can book a time to take the written test and driving test by visiting SGI’s website.