Written by Tara Garcia with Files 

Those planning on taking their driving test on or after October 25th will be required by SGI to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID 19 test.

Tyler McMurchy, Manager of Media Relations for SGI details the reason for the new requirement.

"The reason we are doing this is we want to keep our customers and our employees safe and the best way to do that is to make sure both of those folks that are in the enclosed vehicle during a road test either have tested negative for COVID-19 recently or even better both are fully vaccinated."

McMurchy adds that obviously there are still some who are yet to be vaccinated and according to the Saskatchewan Health Authority the younger demographic are over-represented among those not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated. This demographic also comprise a large percentage of those taking their driving test.

In addition, McMurchy says that a number of services and venues are implementing this requirement and it shouldn't really come as a surprise that SGI is also.

"When you're talking about a driving test particularly, you're in an enclosed space of a vehicle with someone else, you're in close proximity, you're essentially breathing the same air, so this really shouldn't come as a surprise that this is the type of service where we would require a negative test or ideally somebody to be fully vaccinated."

McMurchy also notes that as employees of government crown in Saskatchewan, SGI employees are also required to be fully vaccinated or provide regular negative test results in order to work and this includes driving examiners.