Singapore Driving Licence or Driver Permit

Singapore Driving Licence : Obtaining a driving licence in Singapore allows you to legally operate motor vehicles on public roads. Here is an overview:

Types of Licences

  • Provisional Driving Licence (PDL) – Allows supervised learning. Valid 2 years.
  • Vocational Driving Licence (VDL) – For driving vocational vehicles.
  • Regular Car/Motorcycle Licence – Issued after passing test. Valid 10 years.

Governing Body

The Traffic Police oversees licensing through its Licensing & Testing Department.

Minimum Ages

  • 18 years for PDL and regular car licence
  • 21 years for regular motorcycle licence

Documents Required

  • Application form
  • Identity document
  • Medical report
  • Theory test pass slip
  • Photo
  • Thumbprint
  • Application fee

Getting a Licence

  • Pass Basic Theory Test (BTT)
  • Get Provisional Driving Licence
  • Pass Riding Theory Test (for motorcycles)
  • Undergo practical training
  • Pass practical test
  • Obtain regular driving licence

Applying for Your First Singapore Driving Licence

Follow these steps to get your first driving licence in Singapore:

1. Meet Minimum Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a PDL for cars or 21 years for motorcycles.

2. Pass Basic Theory Test (BTT)

Pass the computerized multiple choice BTT on road safety, rules and regulations.

3. Apply for Provisional Driving Licence

Submit the application form with identity proof, photos, thumbprint and fee.

4. Pass Riding Theory Test (for motorcycles)

Pass this computerized test on road signs and motorcycle riding theory.

5. Undergo Practical Training

Complete training at a licensed driving school.

6. Pass Practical Driving Test

Demonstrate driving skills and road safety knowledge to the examiner.

7. Obtain Regular Driving Licence

Once you pass, you will be issued the regular licence based on vehicle type.

Renewing Your Singapore Driving Licence

Driving licences are valid for 10 years in Singapore. Here is how to renew your licence:

When to Renew

You can renew up to 6 months before the expiry date without retaking tests.

Documents Required

  • Application form
  • Current driving licence
  • Identity document
  • Medical report
  • Photo
  • Thumbprint
  • Fee

Renewal Process

  • Submit required documents to Traffic Police
  • Undertake a medical check
  • Get new licence reflecting new validity period

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Licence

If your driving licence is lost, stolen or damaged, here is how to replace it:

Make a Police Report

Lodge a police report regarding the loss and obtain a police report.

Inform Traffic Police

Inform the Traffic Police Licensing Department about the loss of your licence.

Apply for Replacement

Fill out the application form with the police report, identity proof and photo.

Get Replacement Licence

After verifying your records, a replacement licence will be issued.

Changing Your Address on Driving Licence

To change your address on your Singapore driving licence:

Documents Required

  • Application form
  • Current driving licence
  • Proof of new address
  • Identity document
  • Photo
  • Thumbprint
  • Fee

Process

  • Submit the documents at Traffic Police Licensing Department
  • Get your updated licence reflecting new address

Transferring Foreign Licence to Singapore Licence

If you become a Singapore resident, you can drive for 12 months on your foreign licence. After that:

  • Provide your foreign licence
  • Pass the Basic Theory Test
  • Undergo a medical checkup
  • Pass practical test if required
  • Pay required fees
  • Obtain a Singapore licence

Taking the Driving Test in Singapore

Here are some tips for taking your driving test:

Booking the Test

Book your test appointment online at police.gov.sg or through the TP app. Select test centre, vehicle type and date/time.

Test Vehicle

Bring a registered vehicle with a valid road tax and insurance coverage.

Test Format

The test assesses your vehicle inspection knowledge, parking skills, road driving skills and traffic sign recognition.

Passing Criteria

You must make 10 or fewer mistakes to pass the Singapore driving test.

Failure Policy

Wait 3 working days before retest if you fail. After 3 failures, attend refresher course.

Traffic Violations and Penalties

Some common traffic offences and penalties:

  • Speeding – $130-200 fine
  • Dangerous driving – $1000-2000 fine + jail
  • Drunk driving – $1000-5000 fine + jail
  • Driving without licence – $500-1000 fine
  • Running red light – $200 fine
  • Illegal parking – $70 fine

FAQs on Singapore Driving Licence

Q1. How do I schedule my driving test in Singapore?

You can book driving test appointments online at police.gov.sg or through the TP app by making payment.

Q2. What is the minimum age for getting a driving licence in Singapore?

The minimum age is 18 years for a car and 21 years for a motorcycle licence in Singapore.

Q3. What documents do I need to bring for the test?

Bring your identity document, booking receipt, registered test vehicle with insurance, your spectacles if you need them.

Q4. Can I take the driving test in an auto/hybrid car?

Yes, you can take the Singapore driving test in an auto or hybrid car. However, your licence will only allow you to drive that vehicle type.