Foreigners can get a driver’s license in Singapore. For this, they have two options: convert an existing driving license from their home country or get another license from the Traffic Police Test Center (TPTC). 

The option to get a driver’s license from the Traffic Police Test Center only applies to those who don’t have an existing license from another country. 

For this, you have to pass three tests: the basic theory test, the final theory test, and the practical driving test.  

If you already have a license issued from your home country, then the best option is to convert it into a Singapore driving license, which will require you to take the basic theory test. 

Once you’ve passed, you can apply for conversion in TPTC.

How can I get a driving license in Singapore as a foreigner?

To get a driving license in Singapore as a foreigner, you need to pass the driving tests taken in any of the three approved schools in Singapore. 

The number of tests you need to take will depend on whether you already have a license or not.

As a first-time driver, you need to take Basic Theory Test (BTT), Final Theory Test (FTT), and Practical Driving Test (TP) and then submit your results to the Traffic Police Driving Test Centre to get a license in Singapore. 

A foreigner who has already been issued a license in your home country only needs to take one test and that is BTT. 

Check out the detailed guide below to see what requirements you need to bring to get your driver’s license in Singapore.   

First-Time Drivers

The basic requirement for first-time drivers is to be at least 18 years old with healthy eyesight and a passing score in BTT, FTT, and TP.  

Below is a quick run-through of all the essentials you need as a first-time driver in Singapore. 

Along with it, you will find a step-by-step guide to the application process, starting with finding the right test center down to getting a license in TPTC. 

Requirements 

First-time drivers are required to have eye test results, an ID (passport) that proves they are at least 18 years old, and a certificate from the driving school they’ve taken the tests from. 

Aside from these, there are other requirements you need to submit depending on what stage you are in your application. Use the list below as a guide:

• List of disease or physical disabilities (if any)
• Medical certificate 
• Passport 
• Basic Theory Test (BTT) certificate  
• Provisional Driving License (PDL) 
• Final Theory Test (FTT) certificate 
• Practical Driving Test (PDT) certificate  

Check out the list of registration fees you need to pay for your necessary documents. The registration prices across the three schools approved by Singapore (BBDC, CDC, SSDC) are fixed as stated in the table below: 

Process 

The process to get a driving license in Singapore are as follows: 

• Register with a driving center.
• Pass the eye test.
• Pass the BTT and FTT.
• Get your Provisional Driving License (PDL). 
• Take driving lessons. 
• Take 3 sessions of the driving simulator. 
• Pass the TP.
• Get your license. 

Step 1: Register with a driving center.

You are required to register with a driving center regardless if you want to take your driving lessons with a private instructor or a driving school. 

You can register for a test or a driving lesson at any of the three approved driving schools in Singapore: Butik Batok Driving Center (BBDC), ComfortDelgro Driving Center (CDC), and Singapore Safety Driving Center (SSDC). 

Registration can be done online or right at the self-help kiosk in a center nearest to you. Be sure to enroll in the course you plan to take based on the vehicle you would be driving. 

You can either take Class 3 (manual) or Class 3A (automatic). Class 3 is a popular choice since it covers even the basics of driving automatic vehicles. 

As for the driving centers, you can choose between Butik Batok Driving Center (BBDC), ComfortDelgro Driving Center (CDC), or Singapore Safety Driving Center (SSDC). 

Check out the table below to see a comparison of the main fees from the three centers: 

If you want to visit the schools in person, you can check out their addresses and other information below: 

Step 2: Pass the eye test. 

The eye test is an important part of the process of getting your license. This test identifies whether you are fit to drive in Singapore and if your eyesight is clear enough to identify road signages. 

To get your eye test, you can book an appointment with your chosen driving center. Usually, the eye test is conducted on the first day of your basic theory class before the instructor allows you to get on a vehicle. 

Step 3: Pass the BTT and FTT.

The basic Theory Test and Final Theory Test both determine how much you know about driving, traffic rules, road signages, and interacting with other drivers. 

At this point in the process, you are still not allowed to touch a vehicle since your knowledge in theory is being tested out first. 

Once you pass these exams with a 45 mark or above, you are free to take the next step in the process and acquire a PDL. 

The result of your BTT lasts a lifetime, so you don’t need to retake it even if you don’t practice driving. 

However, FTT results expire within 2 years, so it is important for you to get your license within this period, otherwise, you will have to retake the test. 

Step 4: Get your PDL. 

A Provisional Driving License or PDL is a license that allows you to handle vehicles for learning purposes only. This license states that you are only allowed to drive when your instructor is with you. 

A PDL is valid for 2 years after it has been issued by your driving school. If you don’t use it for the practical driving tests during that time, your PDL will expire and you will have to renew it. 

Step 5: Take driving lessons.

Now that you have the PDL to practice driving, it is time to get a practical lesson in driving. You can either have a private instructor for this or jump in on the chance to learn from the instructors from your chosen driving school. 

The passing rate won’t be affected regardless of your preferred choice, so just pick the option you are most comfortable with. 

Step 6: Take 3 sessions of the driving simulator. 

On December 2019, the Singapore government ordered all driving students to take three compulsory sessions on driving simulators before they can book a practical driving test. 

You can book your three sessions at the driving centers you have registered with. These sessions are created to help you practice driving while also eliminating any risks for you and the public. 

Step 7: Pass the TP.

TP or the practical driving test is where you will get the chance to be in the driver’s seat of an actual vehicle. 

For this test, your driving instructor will order you to perform different tasks like switching gears, parking, and more. 

To score better in your TP, be sure to look back on your driving theory books and generate as much confidence as you can. 

Step 8: Get your license. 

After passing the practical driving test, you are now eligible to apply for the Qualified Driving License (QDL). You can apply for your QDL online at Police@SG and your license would be delivered to you within 7 working days.  

Make sure that you have your digital photograph ready since it is part of the requirement to apply for QDL. As a foreigner with valid work passes from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) or a Student/Long-term Visit pass, you can apply using your Singpass.  

The QDL is valid until you are 65 years old, so there is no need to replace it. 

Foreigners with an Existing Driver’s License

If you already have a driver’s license issued to you by your home country, then you have the option to convert it into a Singaporean license. 

All you have to do is to provide your ID, pass the BTT, and submit a colored passport-sized photo. 

For a more detailed guide on how to convert your foreign license in Singapore, please refer to the information provided below: 

Requirements 

The following documents are everything you need to apply for a driver’s license conversion: 

• BTT result
• Passport 
• Work permit, entry permit, or visit pass
• Recent matte passport-sized colored photo with white background 
• $50 fee 
• International driving permit (for non-English license)

Aside from what was listed above, you also need to keep these details in mind to avoid having problems with your application: 

 Process 

The process to convert a foreign driver’s license to a Singaporean license involves two steps: the first is to take the basic theory test (BTT) and the second is to apply for the conversion online. 

Step 1: Take the basic theory test (BTT).

The BTT you had in your home country is not recognized in Singapore due to the difference in rules applied on the road. For this, you need to take a BTT in any of Singapore’s qualified schools. 

There are only three qualified driving centers in Singapore and these are Butik Batok Driving Center (BBDC), ConmfortDelGro Driving Center (CDC), and Singapore Safety Driving Center (SSDC). 

The table below will show you all the information you need about the schools and their BTT testing fee: 

Step 2: Apply for conversion. 

You can apply for conversion at a Traffic Police Test Center, which is usually located right at your driving school. Simply present your requirements and the desk personnel will process your application. 

Your license will be sent to you approximately two weeks after you applied. Once you received it, you will be under a probation period of 1 year. 

During the one-year period, you are not allowed to have more than 12 demerit points, or else your license will be revoked. 

As a foreigner, your license will be valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. After that, you must renew it at the Traffic Police Test center 1 month before the expiry date. 

Singapore is an excellent place for enthusiastic drivers. With a license, you can easily explore the city and enjoy all the wonderful attractions that Singapore has to offer.