Of the many privileges one attains upon turning 18 in Singapore, the driving license is probably the most anticipated of them all. The journey to get that much sought-after card can be quite confusing for first-timers, but what about those who have already obtained their licenses? Converting a foreign license to a local one and upgrading from a Class 3 to a 4 or 5 can be equally complicated processes as well. To help aspiring drivers, perhaps these tips might come in handy:

Driving Centres & Private Instructors

They are the most important people/organisations in your quest to obtain the driving license. As driver’s training is strictly regulated by the authorities, there are only 3 driving centres and a selected few private instructors available for you to learn driving from.

The difference between the centres and private instructors are that the Centres provide all the learning and testing facilities for you in a single location, while the private instructors will require you to take the 2 theory tests yourself as they only focus on the practical driving aspect of training.

The 3 driving centres are:

Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC), located in Woodlands
ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC), located in Ubi
Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC), Located in Bukit Batok

Classes of Driving Licenses

There are a few classes of licenses that are available, but the most common license is the Class 3/3A license which allows you to drive most motorcars found in Singapore. Class 2B/2A/2 licenses are for motorcycles, the Class 4 licenses are for heavy motorcars and goods vehicles and Class 5 for exceptionally heavy vehicles.

Class 1 License: This class of license is meant for motorized vehicles meant for physically disabled persons. However, the Class 1 license is now defunct.

Class 2B License: This is the entry level motorcycle license. This license only allows the holder to ride motorcycles with 200cc and below engine capacity.

Class 2A License: A class 2B license holder can only apply for the Class 2A license after holding the Class 2B license for at least a year. This license allows the holder to ride motorcycles of between 201cc and 400cc engine capacity.

Class 2 License: A Class 2A license holder can only apply for the Class 2 License only after holding the class 2A license for at least a year. This license allows the holder to ride motorcycles of above 400cc engine capacity.

Class 3 License: This is the commonly sought after license class. This license permits the holder to drive both manual and auto transmission motorcars of up to 3000kg with less than 7 passengers excluding the driver. This license also allows the holder to drive trucks or any other motor vehicles of less than 2500kg.

Class 3A License: A new class of license meant for motorcars. The difference between the class 3 and 3A license is that the class 3A license only allows the holder to drive auto-transmission motorcars, while the class 3 license allows the holder to drive both manual-transmission and auto-transmission vehicles. In the Singapore licensing context, auto-transmission is stated as motor vehicles without clutch pedals.

Class 4 License: This class of license is meant for heavy vehicles such as large sized luxury cars or trucks of more than 2500kg. A class 3 license holder needs to have held the license for a least a year before being allowed to take the class 4 license course.

Class 5 License: This is a very rarely obtained license, largely due to the rarity of vehicles of above 7250kg that requires the license to be operated. However, the requirements for obtaining the license is the same as the class 4 license

The following is an explanation of the various parts of getting a driving license in Singapore.

Basic Theory Test (BTT)
This is the 1st of 2 theory tests that you will have to pass in order to obtain a driving license. Consisting of 50 multiple choice questions the BTT tests for a driver’s understanding of the rules and regulations of the road, traffic signs and signals and is a 50 minute test. To apply for the BTT, you will have to apply to take the test at 1 of the 3 driving centres in Singapore. To pass the BTT, you will need to get 45 out of 50 questions correct. Upon passing the BTT, you will be allowed to apply for the Provisional Driving License (PDL) which allows you to learn driving on Singapore roads. The BTT result is valid for life, thus should you require some time off from trying to obtain your license, there is no need to take the test again.

Final Theory Test (FTT)
This is the 2nd of 2 theory test that you will undergo to obtain your driving license. You can take your FTT anytime from the day you pass your BTT to the day before you book your driving test. The FTT comprises of 50 questions to be complete in 50 minutes. You will need to get 45 questions correct to pass, just like that of the BTT. This FTT tests for your knowledge in the proper techniques of driving and also the safety aspects. Unlike the BTT though, the FTT result only lasts for 2 years before you will have to re-take your FTT again should you not be able to obtain your license with the 2 years.

Practical Driving Test (PDT)
The practical driving test is the final test that you will take in your bid to obtain a driving license. There are 2 parts to this test, the driving circuit which tests your ability in various situations such as parking or slopes, and driving on public roads, which tests your ability to drive safely among other road users. You must not accumulate more than 20 demerit points in order to pass the test.

Provisional Driving License (PDL)
You will be able to apply for the PDL immediately upon passing the Basic Theory Test. There is also a need for you to take a eyesight test to check for colour-blindness and the degree of short-sightedness. The validity of the PDL is for 6 months, after which you will need to reapply. There is an application fee of $25 per application for the PDL. This PDL allows you to learn driving on public roads in Singapore with the exception of expressways. However you will need to have a qualified instructor in the car with you at all times while driving. In addition, 2 ‘L’ Plates must be displayed on the front and back of the vehicle that you are in while you are holding the PDL.

Qualified Driving License (QDL)
This QDL is your passport to driving a motorcar down Singapore’s roads and expressways. When you pass the PDT, you will 1st be given a temporary driving license while your QDL is being processed. You will need to submit a photo to the processing office as the driving license is also a photo identification card. The average waiting time for your QDL is 2-3 weeks from the time of you passing your PDT. The license is usually sent via registered mail. In the 1st year after obtaining your QDL, you will need to display a set of probation plates to signify that you are a new driver. This probation period is to allow you to gradually get used to the driving conditions of Singapore roads.

It is because of the strict rules of the licensing authority that the Singapore driving license has gained a reputation of being among the most stringent in the world and thus with it comes the track record of safe and trained drivers. Although some of you may baulk at the many processes to go through before obtaining your license, the whole process is designed to provide you with a strong background in safe driving which will help you greatly as you proceed on to driving on public roads or even overseas.

Steps to obtaining a driving license in Singapore (Driving Centres)

You must be of at least 18 years of age
Register with the driving centre of your choice
Book and take the Basic Theory Test
Apply for a Provisional Driving License
Attend driving lessons in the circuit and on public roads
Book and take the Final Theory Test
Revision of practical driving
Book and take the Practical Driving Test

This process will take approximately 6-9 months to complete, depending on your driving skill level and any retests if needed. The Driving Centres follow a set syllabus for driver training, thus there is very little variation from the approximate timeline. There are generally greater costs in learning from driving centres, with the entire process costing about S$2000

Steps to obtaining a driving license in Singapore (Private Instructors)

Be of at least 18 years of age
Register with a driving centre to take the Basic Theory Test
Apply for a Provisional Driving License
Book and take the Final Theory Test (this can be taken anytime through your learning process)
Attend driving lessons with your instructors

Your instructor will usually help you with booking the 1st practical driving test, if not, book and take the Practical Driving Test

This process gives you more flexibility on the number of lessons that you will have to take. This is advantageous for drivers who are able to pick up driving at a faster pace and thus do not need as many lessons as those who needs more time. This process has a great range of prices depending on your driving ability, thus it can range from $800 to $2000.

Existing Foreign License holders

Apply for and take the Basic Theory Test
Apply for the conversion of your driving license into the Singapore driving license upon passing the BTT.

Please note that not all driving licenses are able to be converted in this manner, please check with the authorities should you not be sure if your license is able to be converted into the Singapore driving license.