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.