Don’t Miss This If You Are Holding a Class 3C Driving Licence..

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chinnian (Flickr)

Singapore government has announced and introduction new Class 3 licences in Jun 2015.

How is the new Class 3 licences going to affect current Class 3C driving licence holders?

Class 3C driving licence holders are mainly foreigners working in Singapore holding Work Permit or S-Pass. They have an existing foreign driving licence that is recognized in Singapore and could be converted to a Class 3C driving licence upon passing the Basic Theory Test.

However, Class 3C driving licence has an expiry date and need to be renew routinely.

Current Class 3C driving licence holders are still able to drive light goods & small buses. However, it will be a serious traffic offence after 31 May 2017.

You will need to do a Class 3C/3CA driving licence conversion to Class 3 or 3A driving licence.

Companies with existing employees under Work Permit or a S Pass Holder will need to take note of this new Class 3 driving licences scheme.

Work Permit and S-Pass holders are required to convert their existing Class 3C/3CA driving licence to Class 3 or 3A driving licence by 31 May, 2017 if they wish to continue to drive light goods & small buses.

Even though, there are still sufficient time for Work Permit and S-Pass holders to complete the transition process of acquiring their Class 3 licence. It will not be wise to do it at the last min.

To avoid disruption to daily commutes or business operation, it is recommended to get your Class 3 licence as soon as possible.

Do take note that the practical driving test slots and the availability of private driving instructors are limited.

Steps for Class 3C or 3CA Licence Conversion to Class 3/3A

  1. Obtain a Provisional Driving Licence
  2. Make a Request for our Qualified Private Driving Instructor
  3. Take Private Driving Lessons
  4. Pass your Class 3/3A Practical Driving Test

Acquiring A Class 3 or 3A Driving Licence in Singapore

 

Sources: ChannelNewsAsia, eCitizen

Which to get? Class 3 or Class 3A driving licence?

private_driving_instructor_speed_gaugeThis is a question most often asked by students when they wish to pick up driving in Singapore. It is a usually a personal choice when deciding whether to apply for a Class 3 or Class 3A licence.

It is best to understand what Class 3 and 3A driving licences allows you to do.

Both Class 3 and 3A driving licences apply to:

  • Vehicles with unladen weight weighing 3,000 kg or less (max 7 passengers with one driver)
  • Other vehicles with unladen weight not exceeding 2,500 kg.

However, there are differences between the Class 3 and Class 3A licences.

Class 3 driving licence

  1. You can drive a car with manual transmission and a clutch pedal.
  2. You can also drive an automatic transmission vehicle (Class 3A).
  3. You will need a Class 3 licence to apply for a Class 4 or Class 4A licence.

Class 3A driving licence

  1. You can drive only an auto transmission car with an automatic transmission.
  2. You cannot drive manual transmission vehicles (Class 3); and
  3. You cannot use a Class 3A licence to apply for a Class 4 or Class 4A licence.

 

Depends on your needs and with the above information, you are able to reach a better decision on which licence to apply for in Singapore.

After making your decision, you will need to engage a driving instructor to start your driving lessons.

 

 

Getting your driving licence in Singapore

Time to get your driving licence in Singapore

Most young adults start looking to get their driving licence when they turn 18 years old. It signifies the transition from adolescence to adult. At this age, it is a good time to learn driving before stepping into the workforce where new priorities set in. If your situation allows you to start learning, it always good to start early. With a driving licence, it brings convenient and additional option to move around in Singapore or Overseas.

How to get your driving licence ?

Singapore adopts a systematic approach for Singaporeans or residents to obtain their driving licence. Singapore driving licence is recognized worldwide. You will need to pass two theory tests and a practical test to obtain your driving licence. The theory tests are:

  • Basic Driving Theory Test (BTT) – It tests your basic knowledge of rules and regulation of the road, the traffic signs and signals.
  • Final Driving Theory Test (FTT) – It tests your knowledge of the safety aspect and proper driving techniques.

With many resources available , preparation for the tests is easy. Most people could pass them on the first or second attempt.

The Final Test which is the most crucial test that you will need to take is the Practical Driving Test (PDT) or some called it the Road Test. The PDT will tests your driving techniques on the road and your situation handling on the road. In order to take the PDT, Singaporeans or residents needs to look for either driving schools or private driving instructors to start their driving lessons. students-taking-an-exam

 

Upon passing the PDT, you will be able to get your driving licence and rejoice!

 

What are the cost involved ?

The test fees for BTT and FTT are $6.50 each.

 

The test fees for PDT is $26.00 and will be increased to $33.00 on 1 June, 2016.

 

The driving lessons fees are dependent on your choice. You can choose to learn from private driving instructors where there are several advantages such as better savings in money or the driving schools for its more structured driving lessons.

 

How long does it takes to get a driving licence?

On average, it ranges from 3 months – 9 months. It really depends on the students’ ability to learn and grasp the driving theory and their driving techniques. The more driving practices you have the higher chances of passing your PDT.
What are the steps to follow to get driving licence?

When do I need to convert my foreign Class 2B / 3 / 3A driving licence to drive in Singapore?

Short term visit (less than 12 months) in Singapore

If you are planning for a short-term stay in Singapore not longer than 12 months, you do not need to convert your driving licence. However, you will need to be above 18 years old and have a valid class 3, 3A or 2B foreign qualified driving licence written in English language. An international driving permit or an official English translation of the licence is required.

Long  term stay in Singapore

Foreigners who hold a Work Pass/Dependent Pass/Student Pass may drive in Singapore with their valid class 3, 3A or 2B foreign qualified driving licence up to a period of 12 months. After 12 months, it is mandatory for foreigners to acquire a Singapore driving licence when driving in Singapore.

If you are planning for a long-term stay in Singapore of more than 12 months, you need to convert your driving licence after 12 months. It will be advisable to start your conversion as early as possible, probably on the 9th month of your stay to avoid any inconvenience. The process of foreign driving licence conversion requires some administration and you will need to pass the Basic Driving Theory Test (BTT)  and the Class 3 Practical Driving Test (PDT).

 

Working in Singapore

Foreigners holding a Work Permit is not allowed to drive in the course of work on public roads unless the occupation stated in the Work Permit shows he is employed as a driver. It is advisable for foreigners holding a Work Permit to acquire a Singapore driving licence.

 

Singaporean/PR  with foreign driving licence

If you are a Singaporean or a Permanent Resident, you will need to convert your foreign qualified driving licence upon returning to Singapore and upon obtaining PR status respectively.

You will need to provide documentation proof that you have valid reason to be staying in a foreign country for a period of 1 year or more due to work or study, and have a total stay of 6 months within the one year period.

Foreigners, Singaporeans or PR who wish to convert their foreign Class 3 driving licence are required to pass the Basic Driving Theory Test (BTT)  and the Class 3 Practical Driving Test (PDT).

It will be appropriate and advisable to seek the help of a private driving instructor or driving centres on the process of passing the Class 3 PDT.

Our private driving instructor will be able to help you familiarize with individual driving centres test routes and provide crucial and important insights on what to look out for during the Class 3 PDT.

Four simple steps to get your Singapore driving licence

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How to get Singapore driving licence?

We know that you are eager to start learning to drive and pass your driving test with us. Before we get to that, you are able to start your driving lessons if you meet the minimum requirements.

Requirements

  • You have to be at least 18 years of age before you can apply for a Singapore driving licence to drive a Class 3/3C/3A/3CA motor vehicle.

 

Step 1 – Pass your Basic Theory Test (BTT)

The Basic Theory Test (BTT) – You will need to pass the BTT that test your knowledge of the rules and regulations of the road, the traffic signs and signals. The costs for the Basic Theory Test is $6.50. Upon passing, this allows you to obtain the provisional driving licence. There is no expiry for BTT. To register, you will need to bring along your

  • NRIC or Passport with Work Permit/Employment Pass.

 

Step 2 – Get your Provisional driving licence (PDL)

Provisional driving licence (PDL) – This is a temporary provisional driving licence that is renewed annually at $25.00. You will need to apply personally at the Test Centre (for example, Comfort Driving Centre) and bring along your

  • NRIC or Passport with Work Permit/Employment Pass
  • Pass Basic Theory Test (BTT) Result Slip
  • Pass the pre-requisite eyesight test conducted by TP staff counter

Upon getting your PDL, let’s start your driving lessons.

 

Step 3 – Pass your Final Theory Test (FTT)

The Final Theory Test (FTT) – You will need to pass the FTT that test your knowledge of the safety aspects and proper techniques of driving. The costs for the Final Theory Test is $6.50. The FTT is only valid for 2 years from the date of passing FTT. Thus, you have to pass the Practical Driving Test within 2 years. Upon passing, this allows you to proceed to apply for your practical driving test. You will need to bring along your

  • NRIC or Passport with Work Permit/Employment Pass.
  • Pass Basic Theory Test (BTT) Result Slip

 

Step 4 – Get your Singapore driving licence

The Practical Driving Test (PDT) – You will need to pass the PDT that test your knowledge of the rules and regulations of the road, the traffic signs and signals to get your Singapore driving licence. The costs for the Practical Driving Test is $26.00 and will be $33 on June 1, 2016. You will need to bring along your

  • NRIC or Passport with Work Permit/Employment Pass.
  • Valid Final Theory Test (FTT) result
  • Valid Provisional Driving Licence (PDL)

 

Important Notes: For work permit and S Pass holders with foreign driving licences and those who wish to convert to a Class 3 licence, you are required to pass the Class 3 Practical Driving Test (PDT) on top of the existing requirement to pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT).

 

 

Fees to increase for driving theory and practical driving test

 

On 29 May 2015, The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has announced an increase in the Traffic Police’s theory & practical test fees due to rise in operation costs over the years.

The current test fees for the theory and practical tests, and the Proficiency Driving Test, have remained unchanged since 1997.

From June 1, 2015, the test fee for the Basic Driving Theory Test (BTT), Final Driving Theory Test (FTT) and Motorcycle Riding Theory Test will be increased from $6 to $6.50.

The test fee for the Practical Riding Test, Practical Driving Test, and Proficiency Driving Test will be increased from $20 to $26 on June 1, 2015 and subsequently to $33 on June 1, 2016.

This fee hike will be applicable on or after June 1, 2015.

At private driving instructor, students can be rest assured that there are no plans to increase the enrollment fee.