Converting a Foreign Driver’s License in Singapore
Created: Aug 13, 2024 | Updated: Sep 19, 2024
Did you know that Singapore is consistently ranked among the top countries for the best public transportation systems in the world? Despite this, many people prefer driving themselves, thanks to the country’s impeccable road conditions and strict traffic regulation enforcement. If you're a foreigner in Singapore who wishes to drive too, you’ll need to convert your foreign driver’s license into a local one.
We’ll cover the types of driver’s licenses, eligibility criteria, and the conversion process, ensuring you know the rules to keep you compliant and safe on the road.
Who can use a foreign driver’s license to drive in Singapore?
If you are a newly arrived foreigner in Singapore, you may use your foreign driver’s license for a limited time under specific conditions.
- Temporary Stay: If you plan to stay for less than 12 months and have a valid foreign driving license, you can drive in Singapore. This is applicable regardless of the type of visa you hold. However, you must get a Singapore driving license if your stay exceeds one year.
- New Citizens and Permanent Residents: You can also use your foreign driver’s license for three months after becoming a permanent resident or obtaining citizenship. You must get a Singaporean driver’s license within this period, as your foreign license becomes invalid after the allotted time.
- Work Pass Holders: People with a work pass can also drive in Singapore using their domestic license for six months, after which they must also get a Singapore license.
Who needs to convert their foreign driving licenses?
As we already outlined, long-term visitors, work pass holders, new citizens and permanent residents must convert their foreign driver’s licenses to Singaporean licenses after certain periods.
Also, Singapore recognises driving license categories which may be similar to those in your home country, such as class 2B, 3 or 3A license types. If your foreign license falls under any of these categories, you must convert it to the equivalent driving license in Singapore.
Types of driving licenses in Singapore
Driving licenses are categorised according to the type of vehicle you are authorised to operate, including:
- Provisional Driving License: This is a temporary driving permit for beginners, allowing them to practice their driving skills under certain conditions while accompanied by a qualified instructor.
- Qualified Driving License: This is issued after you pass the Practical Driving Test (PDT). It comes with a one-year probationary period during which you must display a probation plate on your vehicle. It is divided into these general classes:
- Class 2B, 2A, and 2 (for motorcycles with varying engine capacities).
- Class 3C, 3A, and 3 (for motorcars).
- Vocational Driving License: For drivers who operate commercial vehicles like taxis, buses, and trucks. Its classes include:
- Class 4A (for buses).
- Class 4 and 5 (for heavy motor vehicles such as trucks and large vans).
- Class 3C/3CA (for light goods vehicles and mini-buses).
Eligibility criteria for converting a foreign driver’s license in Singapore
- Pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT): This test covers essential traffic rules and regulations in Singapore, ensuring you understand the local driving laws. You can book the BTT at an approved driving centre in Singapore.
- Hold a Valid Foreign Driving License: Your domestic license must be valid and recognised by Singaporean authorities. Sometimes, you may be required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your driver’s license.
- Minimum Duration of License Ownership: You must have held your foreign driving license for at least six months from its first issuance. This ensures you have sufficient driving experience before being granted a Singaporean driving license.
- Proof of Residency or Employment: Depending on your status in Singapore (whether you’re a new citizen, permanent resident, or work pass holder), you must provide proof of your residency or employment. This could include your National Registration Identity Card (NRIC), entry permit, employment pass, or other relevant documents.
Required documents
- For Singapore Citizens / New Citizens and Permanent Residents: Passport, NRIC, citizen or renunciation certificates, and a valid foreign driving license.
- For Other Pass Holders: Passport with the entry date stamp, SG Arrival Card, valid work or employment passes, and your foreign driving license.
- Additional Documents: You may need to get certified translation services in Singapore for all documents not issued in English. You may also require specific documents like a driver's license extract or an endorsement letter from your country’s Embassy in Singapore.
Preparing for the BTT
The BTT is a written assessment that tests your knowledge of Singapore’s road signs, traffic signals, and fundamental driving rules. It is designed to ensure all drivers, local or foreign, understand the legal and safety requirements for driving in Singapore.
Public driving centres in Singapore like the Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC) offer preparatory courses you can take before the BTT which typically include:
- A 100-minute session covering theoretical aspects of driving in Singapore, available in English or Chinese.
- Four practice tests simulating the BTT, typically available in several languages including English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and Japanese.
The BTT covers the following key areas:
- Traffic laws, road signs and police hand signals.
- Driving license types and classifications.
- Penalties for traffic violations.
- An eyesight test, to ensure you meet the necessary visual standards for safe driving.
Booking the BTT
You can book the BTT at any approved driving centre in Singapore either in-person or through an online application. It’s advisable to book your test as early as possible, as slots can fill up quickly.
Test Day Requirements
Ensure you have your identification, such as your passport or NRIC, and your test booking confirmation slip. If you need glasses or contact lenses for driving, bring them along to the venue.
After Passing the BTT
Upon successfully passing the BTT, you will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate is essential for your license conversion application, so keep it safe.
How to get a driving license in Singapore
- Submit Your Application: Once you’ve passed the BTT, apply online for license conversion using the Traffic Police FormSG. This is an online form where you’ll provide all the necessary information and upload the required documents. After submission, you should receive an auto-reply acknowledgement in your email confirming that your application has been received and is being processed.
- Wait for Eligibility Verification: The Traffic Police will review your application to verify your eligibility for conversion. This process can take up to six weeks. During this time, they will check your documents and ensure you meet all the necessary criteria. If your application is successful, you’ll receive an email with an appointment slot to visit the Traffic Police Headquarters.
- Prepare Your Documents: Before your appointment, ensure you have all the required documents ready (both in their original form and as photocopies). This includes your passport, NRIC (if applicable), foreign driving license, and any other documents specified during the application process.
- Attend the Appointment: Take all your prepared documents to the Traffic Police Headquarters for verification and pay a processing fee of S$50 to complete your application.
- Get Your Singapore Driving License: If you pass the verification process, you will be issued a Singapore driving license. It is typically valid for five years, after which you’ll need to renew it.
Costs of converting a foreign driver’s license in Singapore
- Basic Theory Test (BTT): Approximately S$6 to S$10, depending on the driving centre.
- License Conversion Application Fee: S$50.
- Medical Examination Fees (If Applicable): Ranges from S$50 to S$100 depending on the clinic.
Processing time
Converting your foreign driving license to a Singapore driving license generally takes about 8 to 10 weeks from start to finish. First, you'll need to pass the BTT, which can be booked within one to two weeks.
Afterwards, you submit your application online, which takes around six weeks for the Traffic Police to review and verify your eligibility. If approved, you’ll receive an appointment to visit the Traffic Police Headquarters, where your documents will be verified, and your Singaporean driving license will be issued, typically on the same day or shortly after.
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