Getting a Driving Licence in Singapore for Motorcars.

Published - 29 January 2018, Monday

If you are interested in driving a motorcar in Singapore, note that there are now 4 types of driving licences: Class 3, Class 3A, Class 3C and Class 3CA.

How and how quickly you can be granted a licence is determined by which type you are applying for.

Motorcar driving licences at a glance

You must be at least 18 years old before you can drive in Singapore. Your citizenship and employment status may further determine which driving licence you are eligible for. 

Here's an overview of the 4 types of licences for motorcars:

  Class 3 Class 3A Class 3C Class 3CA
Eligibility
  • Work Permit holders
  • S-Pass holders
  • Must have a valid foreign driving licence (or an existing Class 3 or 3A licence obtained before 1 Jun 2015)
  • Singaporeans
  • Permanent Residents
  • Employment Pass holders
  • Existing Class 3C or Class 3CA licence holder
  
Good for
  • Motorcars
  • Light goods vehicles
  • Small buses
  • Minivans
 Motorcars
Permissible unladen weight Motorcars up to 3,000 kg built to carry 7 or less passengers plus 1 driver
Motor tractors & vehicles up to 2,500 kg  
Transmission system
  • Manual
  • Automatic
 Automatic only
  • Manual
  • Automatic
 Automatic only
Consideration Requirement for application for a Class 4 or 4A licence   Requirement for application for a Class 3, Class 4 or 4A licence  

Process

Map

How to sign up for driving theory tests (basic/final)

You can book the basic and final driving theory tests at any of these driving schools:

Note that you must pass the Basic Theory Test before you can obtain a Provisional Driving Licence as well as take the Final Theory Test.

How to sign up for the practical driving test

After completing your driving lessons, you must pass the Traffic Police's Practical Driving Test to obtain your driving licence. You can sign up for the test at any of these driving schools:

How to collect your driving licence

Once you pass the Practical Driving Test, you can apply for a driving licence at the Traffic Police Counter of any driving school. You must provide:

  • A matt finish passport-sized colour photograph of yourself against a white background
  • $50

The driving licence will be mailed to you by registered post. You are allowed to drive in Singapore while waiting for your driving licence to be delivered.

How to replace your driving licence

You need to replace your driving licence if you have:

  • Misplaced or lost it
  • Damaged it to the extent where information or the photo cannot be read
  • Changed from a foreign to Singaporean ID
  • Changed your name or other personal particulars printed thereon

Replacement of driving licence has to be done in person at the Traffic Police, Singapore Police Force (10 Ubi Ave 3, Singapore 408865). Please bring along:

  • Misplaced or lost it
  • Your NRIC/Passport/Work pass/Residence pass
  • A matt finish passport-sized colour photograph of yourself against a white background
  • $25
 
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Comments

Richard

  • 3716 comments
  • ELITE
RATED 6.6 / 8
This is a little bit of a pain. However this article does help. Being Australian I understand you can drive on your Australian licence for 12 months, but after that you need to get a Singaporean drivers licence if you're intending to stay longer. I converted mine with a simple theory test, though the process of booking takes some time so plan in advance and make sure you have ALL the right documents. I needed to to write to Australia for one document that required the date I first received my licence. A little tedious, but it gets done in the end. Also the websites are not the most user friendly when it comes to booking. I believe there are only 3 places in all of Singapore where you can book. I now have a motor bike licence, now that is whole new cattle of fish! Good luck...

Amelia

  • 7 comments
  • CONTRIBUTOR
RATED 8 / 8
This is really helpful! I converted my driving a year ago and had a slight difficulty finding a site that concisely describes the process. This is perfect! However, I would highly recommend all who are only looking to drive a couple of days in Singapore to just get an international driving permit! My family who was visiting just had to pay a small amount at the embassy to get their driving licenses validated for an international driving permit.

I think if your driving license is in English, most international rental companies here should accept it. (I believe my cousin did try Avis rental once and it was accepted.) If you're here the long term, just convert! it is so much easier :)

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