Converting a Foreign Driver’s License in Singapore

Who can use a foreign driver’s license to drive in Singapore?

As a foreigner, you are allowed to drive in Singapore with a foreign licence for a limited period, provided certain conditions are met. However, if you plan to stay longer and continue driving, you’ll need to convert your foreign driving license in Singapore to a local one.

• 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 12 months, after which they must also get a Singapore license.

Who needs to convert their foreign driving license in Singapore?

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. 

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.

Work pass holders intending to drive Class 3 vehicles (motorcars) must pass both the Basic Theory Test (BTT) and the Practical Driving Test (PDT). They will be granted a Class 3C license upon successful conversion, which allows them to drive motorcars with an unladen weight not exceeding 3,000 kg and up to 7 passengers.

Recommended Reading

How to Get an International Driving Permit for Thailand

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

To convert your foreign driver's license in Singapore, you must meet these eligibility requirements;

1. 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.
    
2. 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. Foreigners living in Singapore for fewer than 12 months must hold a valid foreign driving licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by an authorised organisation in their home country. If an IDP is not available, an official English translation of the foreign driving licence is required. However, nationals from ASEAN member states are exempt from the IDP requirement.
    
3. 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.
    
4. 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.

Recommended Reading

Get a Driver's License as an International Student in the USA

Required documents

These are the documents required below to convert your foreign driving license in Singapore online

• 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 for all documents not issued in English, as all document translations must be in English. Translations must be provided by authorised translation providers such as registered translation companies in Singapore. Self-translations are not accepted. 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 must book the BTT online through the websites of the respective driving centres. The test costs S$6.50, plus some extra admin and account setup fees. 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 convert a foreign driving license in Singapore 

1. Submit your application: Once you’ve passed the BTT, apply online for your foreign 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.
    
2. 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.
    
3. 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.
    
4. 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.
    
5. 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. Your Singapore driving licence will also be available digitally via the Singpass app. This digital licence shows your driving status and demerit points, and can be used as official ID when needed.

Costs of foreign driving license conversion 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.