Public transport in Singapore is world-class. In fact, it is so safe, efficient, and easy-to-use that tourists rely mainly on the Singaporean public transport to move around and tour the island.
It is rare to have a country’s increased use of public transport to be related to the increased amount of arrivals in the country. Yet, for locals, despite taking great pride in their national transport network, owning a car is part of the Singaporean dream. Not so surprisingly, expats partake in this dream. Yet owning a car in Singapore can be supremely overwhelming. Not only is it a costly affair to participate in the social and economic landscape of the country, but there are tight regulations around it.
In Singapore, street signs are mainly in English and cars are driven on the left-hand-side. Shifting to the touristy gateway of Asia is surely a riddling process – as can be the process of owning a car in the Lion City. How can you get a car and get through all the intense formalities and basic local know-hows of the car acquisition process in Singapore?
The Car Buying Process in Singapore
Yes, Singapore is a pricey place in the world to relocate to. I’m sure you’ve heard enough of being told so repeatedly. However, even in 2021, it is still touted as one of top 10 cities to live in even in 2021. Yet, what is more expensive than the condos, that car – especially if it is brand new.
Regardless, as an expat, there are 2 documents you need for a car purchase:
- Local Driving License
- Local Car Insurance
Costs Associated with Car Ownership in Thailand
While we can’t ascertain any prices related with these 6 main costs for owning a car in Singapore, it is good to understand the different terms behind owning a car in Singapore and what they mean from a legal standpoint.
- A Certificate of Entitlement (COE) is the first thing needed to be able to even drive a car in Singapore. This is given out in specific numbers for the authorities to control the number of cars on the roads. This is to be revalidated after 10 years.
- Electronic Parking Systems (EPS) account for the grey boxes fixed atop the dashboards of cars. These are used to pay for vehicles automatically as they leave through exit barriers of all roads of car parks.
- Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gives shifting rates according to the area and season of day that you are driving.
- Off Peak Car Scheme (OPCS) is in place to encourage drivers to against busy times. This requires a red plate.
- Car Insurance like in Thailand, is compulsory in Singapore. One can pick between the 3 covers: TPO (Third Party Only), Third Party, Fire and Theft and Comprehensive Coverage.
- Car Inspections are also mandatory by law in Singapore. You will receive a notice 3 months prior to your inspection date by the Land Transport Authority. You are responsible for getting your car checked and maintained in that period.
International Driving Permit in Singapore
Driving in Singapore with an International Driving Permit is only valid for 12 months. After that, converting your international permit to a local one is inevitable if you want to continue driving around. And if you can convert it within a required timeframe, you will need to take the entire driving course as any local.
To apply for a local driving license, you need to visit one of the 3 driving centres:
Singapore Safety Driving Centre at Woodlands
Comfort Driving Centre at Ubi
Bukit Batok Driving Centre at Bukit Batok
Step 1 - Book a Basic Theory Test
Step 2 - Apply for a Provisional Driving Licence
Step 3 - Choose between a Driving School or a Private Instructor
Step 4 - The Final Theory Test
Step 5 - The Practical Driving Test
Know that this will be valid only for 5 years since you are a foreigner. You will then have to renew the same at the Traffic Police Department.
In case of any Car Accidents
If this may reassure you, despite the increase in number of vehicles in Singapore over the past 10 years, road accidents have barely increased. This is a good thing. However, by measure of safe practice, in case of an accident, do not panic and remain calm.
Singapore's transit regulations are probably the most rigid on the planet, so drivers should be careful about potential traps of the congested hour.
Know these little tips exclusive to the Singaporean driving landscape:
- In case of a collision or any sort of derailment, make sure to bring your vehicle to a stop. Driving off immediately after an accident is an offence that comes with both a fine and imprisonment.
- Do clear the road quickly after an accident and the thorough formalities. Obstructing traffic even after an accident is a violation.
- Don’t enter an argument with the drivers involved. Insurers are there to settle disputes for you. After all, you don’t want to make enemies in a country you are just getting to know more about.  Simply, make sure to take their full name, NRIC number, contact details and address as well as their insurance details.