Driving License in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners

Whether you’re moving to Singapore for work, study, or long-term residence, getting a driving license in Singapore is an important step if you plan to drive.

This article by Thao & Co. provides everything you need, from eligibility and license types to the Singapore driving license conversion process, required documents, and related fees.

Overview of Foreign Driving License in Singapore

Can foreigners drive in Singapore?

The answer is YES, but your ability to drive with a foreign license depends on your immigration status and how long you’ve been residing in the country.

You can drive with a foreign license if you are:

1. • A foreigner staying for less than 12 months in Singapore and holding a valid foreign driving license.
2. • A driver employed under a Work Permit or S-Pass and residing in Singapore for under 12 months.
3. • A New Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident. You are permitted to drive with a foreign license for up to 3 months after obtaining your new status.

Foreigners staying in Singapore for less than 12 months may drive with a valid foreign license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). If an IDP is not available, an official English translation of your license is required.

ASEAN nationals are exempt from the IDP requirement but must hold a valid foreign license.

Who Must Convert Their Foreign Driving License in Singapore?

You must convert your foreign driving license if you are:

1. • A Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
2. • A foreigner living in Singapore for more than 12 months.
3. • A Work Permit or S-Pass holder who needs to drive as part of your job.

New Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents who previously obtained a local driving license under their Foreign Identification Number (FIN) must apply for a driving license replacement in Singapore using their National Registration Identity Card (NRIC).

Types of Singapore driving license for foreigners

Before converting your foreign driving license in Singapore, it’s important to understand how local licenses are classified.

Here’s a breakdown of the main types of driving licenses issued in Singapore and what they mean for foreign residents.

Provisional Driving License (PDL)

A Provisional Driving License is a temporary permit issued to learner drivers in Singapore after they pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT). It allows them to practice driving under supervision and is applicable to learners of Class 3/Class 3A (car) or Class 2B (motorcycle).

Foreigners cannot convert an overseas learner’s permit into a Singapore PDL. They must take the BTT and start the local process from scratch if they haven’t yet obtained a full driving license in their home country.

Qualified Driving License (QDL)

The Qualified Driving License (QDL) is the standard full license issued in Singapore after you’ve completed the required theory and practical tests. It comes with a one-year probation period during which you must display a probationary “P-plate” on your vehicle.

The QDL is divided into several classes based on vehicle type.

For motorcycles:

1. ▶ Class 2B: Up to 200cc.
2. ▶ Class 2A: Up to 400cc.
3. ▶ Class 2: Above 400cc.

For cars:

1. ▶ Class 3A: Automatic transmission vehicles.
2. ▶ Class 3: Manual transmission vehicles.
3. ▶ Class 3C and 3CA: Manual (3C) and automatic (3CA) transmission vehicles designated for Work Permit and S-Pass holders converting their foreign driver’s licenses.

Most valid foreign licenses can be converted to an equivalent Singapore license class if the original issue date is verifiable. Work Permit and S-Pass holders typically receive a Class 3C or 3CA after passing the BTT. However, they must pass the Proficient Driving Test (PDT) to drive Class 3 or 3A vehicles for work purposes.

Vocational Driving Licence (VDL)

A Vocational Driving License (VDL) is required for driving commercial or heavy vehicles such as buses, trucks, or taxis. The main vocational license classes include:

1. ▶ Class 4: Heavy motor vehicles such as large trucks and vans
2. ▶ Class 4A: Public buses
3. ▶ Class 5: Very heavy vehicles like trailers and articulated trucks

Unlike standard driving licenses, vocational licenses cannot be obtained through foreign license conversion. You must complete local training and meet specific requirements set by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA).

Documents Required for Singapore Driving License Conversion

Before converting your foreign driving license in Singapore, you must meet basic requirements and prepare the necessary documents to prove your driving experience and eligibility.

Singapore driving license conversion checklist

To complete your application, prepare both originals and photocopies of the following documents:

1. ➤ A passport-size photo (taken within the last 3 months)
2. ➤ Basic Theory Test result slip
3. ➤ Identification documents, depending on your residency status in Singapore:

+ Singapore Citizens: NRIC, passport, and new citizen certificate

+ Permanent Residents: Entry permit and passport (with first entry stamp)

+ Foreigners: Passport, FIN card, and relevant work or long-term pass

+ Work Permit holders: MOM employment history report

1. ➤ A valid foreign driving license
2. ➤ A driving license extract or endorsement letter (If your license doesn’t show the original date of issue)
3. ➤ An official English translation if your license is not issued in English.
4. ➤ Proof of residency in the issuing country: Passport stamps, employment records, or tax documents (Only needed if the license was obtained after receiving permanent residence status or a work pass)
5. ➤ For motorcycle license conversion (Class 2A or 2): Proof of training, driving test, and engine capacity.

Also read: Certified Translation Services in Singapore – Latest Rates 

Additional requirements for older drivers and those with medical conditions

Drivers aged 65 and above must pass a medical exam conducted by a Singapore-registered doctor. If certified fit to drive:

1. • Class 2B, 2A, 2, 3A, and 3 licenses are valid for three years
2. • Class 4, 4A, and 5 must be renewed yearly until age 75.

If medical results are unfavorable, you may be required to surrender your license.

Applicants with medical conditions or disabilities must provide a fitness-to-drive certificate. In some cases, they may need to pass an additional driving test.

How to Convert a Foreign Driving License in Singapore

If you’re planning to drive long-term in Singapore and currently hold a foreign driving license, you’ll need to go through the official Singapore driving license conversion process.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you complete it smoothly.

Step 1: Before applying for a conversion, you must pass the Basic Theory Test at one of Singapore’s 3 authorized driving centres:

1. • Bukit Batok Driving Centre
2. • ComfortDelGro Driving Centre
3. • Singapore Safety Driving Centre

Step 2: After passing the BTT, submit your foreign license conversion application through the official FormSG portal:

➤ go.gov.sg/fdlconversioninfo

You’ll receive an email confirming receipt of your application.

Step 3: Wait for the Traffic Police to review your application. If approved, you’ll get an appointment email with the date and time for your visit. This process may take up to 6 weeks.

Step 4: Prepare original copies and photocopies of the required documents. Refer to the list of documents in the previous section to avoid delays.

Step 5: Attend your appointment at the Traffic Police Headquarters on your scheduled date. Bring along all the required documents and pay the processing fee.

Step 6: If your application is approved, you will be issued a Singapore driving license valid for 5 years. This includes both:

1. • A physical photocard license
2. • A digital version accessible via the Singpass app.

Important: You may only convert your foreign driving license once, no matter how many licenses you hold. All foreign licenses must be declared during your first application, as future additions are not allowed.

Singapore Driving License Cost: What to Expect

Converting your foreign driving license in Singapore involves several fees. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs you should prepare for:

1. ➤ Basic Theory Test: Around S$6–10
2. ➤ Conversion application fee: S$50
3. ➤ Medical check (if required): S$50–100

If your foreign driving license is not in English, you must provide an official translation for your Singapore driving license conversion. Translation costs vary depending on the language pair, turnaround time, and whether notarization or consular authentication is required.

Certified Translation Services for Driving License Conversion

Converting a foreign driving license in Singapore can be a paperwork-heavy process, especially if your documents are not in English. These may include your driving license, endorsement letters, or proof of residency.

That’s why working with a reliable translation partner is crucial to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely processing with the Singapore Traffice Police.

Why Choose Thao & Co.?

At Thao & Co., we are proud to deliver top-tier translations tailored specifically for Singapore driving license conversion and related official procedures.

Here’s why we stand out:

1. ✦ Extensive language support covering over 50 languages
2. ✦ Translations with complete legal validity, backed by our team of seasoned linguists familiar with Singapore’s regulatory standards
3. ✦ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
4. ✦ Utmost confidentiality guaranteed by strict NDAs.
5. ✦ Our secure proprietary platform for smooth file management and seamless project tracking.

Need professional translations to convert your foreign driving license into the local driving license in Singapore? Simply leave your information in our Get a Quote form. Our specialists will respond promptly to assist you!