Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) has announced that individuals with a Ukrainian passenger vehicle license can exchange it for a Saskatchewan driver’s license.
The exchange can apply to anyone holding a full-stage Ukrainian category B passenger vehicle license, which is the equivalent of a Saskatchewan Class 5 license, the Crown insurer explained in a release.
“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 SGI president and CEO Penny McCune.
McCune was appointed president and CEO of SGI just last month,
Read more: SGI appoints new president and CEO
SGI has noted that Saskatchewan already holds driver’s licence reciprocity agreements with 16 other countries, so the insurer and driver’s licensing operator recognize those countries’ Class 5 (or equivalent) licenses as equal.
However, SGI has also stated that the reciprocity policy does not apply to motorcycle or commercial vehicle licences.
Those looking to exchange a license must attend an SGI Motor License issuer with their Ukrainian B (or BE) licence to exchange for a Saskatchewan Class 5 licence. They must also provide supporting documentation which proves their identity, residency in Saskatchewan, and entitlement to be in Canada.
Drivers’ abstract/driving records will not be required by SGI; an abstract dated within 30 days is typically required for reciprocity. The insurer also recognizes that the situation in Ukraine does not make it possible for drivers to get an abstract.
In a release, SGI noted that Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) had announced a similar move following a deep analysis of Ukrainian driver education requirements and testing standards. MPI had shared that work, which helped SGI develop its own license exchange program.
