Driving in Singapore

To drive in Singapore, foreign nationals must comply with local legislations and regulations in effect with regards to driving licenses.

Permanent residents in Singapore:

Permanent residents in Singapore must imperatively get a local driving license. In order to get a local driving license, foreign nationals under a permanent resident status must prove to the authorities that their stay in Singapore is of more than 1 year with a legitimate reason (study, work). 

To apply for a driving license in Singapore, it is necessary to pass the B.T.T. « Basic Theory Test » in one of the 3 approved driving schools in the country. If the test is successful, you will be able directly to exchange your national driving license for a local driving license in one of the “Traffic Police Driving Test Centers” located inside driving schools.

To proceed with your driving license exchange, the supporting document's checklist includes:

• The original of your passport plus a photocopy;
• Your NRIC card or your study or work permit;
• The original of your national driving license plus a photocopy;
• Payment of the fees (SGD$50);
• A passport-sized photo.

After 5 years in possession of a driving license issued in Singapore, permanent residents will be in a position to get a permanent driving license with mention of their personal identity number. 

If you intend to take the B.T.T. test in order to get your local driving license, contact for example the “Singapore Driving Safety Centre” at http://www.ssdcl.com.SGD/.

Visitors or foreign nationals under a study or work permit status: 

Visitors or foreign nationals under a temporary work or study visa status in Singapore can drive with their national driving license for a period up to 12 months. If their driving license is not in English, it is necessary to get an international driving license. If the international driving license is not available in your country, it will then be necessary to have your national driver's license translated in English. For further information about the official translation of your driving license in English, contact you national embassy in Singapore.

After 12 months in Singapore, it is necessary to exchange your national driving license for a local driving license.

The international driving license:

In order to get an international driving license, formalities and procedures may vary from one country to another. For further information, visit the IDL service online at http://www.idlservice.com/.

 Good to know :

They drive on the left in Singapore !

 Useful links:

Singapore Police Force‭ ‬-‭ Driving in Singapore

‬

http://driving-in-singapore.spf.gov.SGD/

The International driving license

http://www.idlservice.com/

 

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