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How to Convert Your Foreign Driving License in Singapore (Get Singapore Driving License Fast!)

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Getting a Conversion Driving License

Are you a foreigner looking to convert your driving license? 

If you’re still confused or unsure of what to do, here’s a comprehensive guide for you to get started. 

Who Needs to Convert Their License?

If you’re planning to drive in Singapore for more than 12 months, you must convert your foreign driving license to a Singaporean driving license. This applies to Singaporeans, PRs and long-term pass holders like Employment Pass (EP), Dependent Pass (DP), Student Pass (STP) and Long Term Pass Holders (LTVP).

For short term pass holders holding a Work Permit (WP) or S-Pass, you’re only allowed to use their foreign driving license for up to 6 months, after which you’ll have to convert it.

Individuals who have newly obtained their Singapore citizenship or PR status are only allowed to use their foreign driving license for up to 3 months upon their citizenship status change. Similarly, you’ll have to convert your license if you wish to continue to drive.

I’m Just Visiting. Do I Need to Convert?

No, you don’t. Tourists and short-term visitors from ASEAN member states (e.g. Malaysians, Thais, Indonesians) are allowed to drive in Singapore with a valid foreign driving license. If your country is not an ASEAN member state, you will need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued from your country of origin. 

If there’s no IDP available in your country, an official translation of your driving license in English is required.

Steps to Convert Your Driving License

Follow the instructions closely. Upon successful conversion, you will be granted a Class 3C/3CA conversion license.

Step 1: Pass Your Basic Theory Test (BTT)

To convert your foreign license, you need to pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT). The BTT is a computer-based test that assesses your knowledge of Singapore's traffic rules and regulations.

How to Register for BTT:

  • Enrol in a Driving School: You can register for the BTT through any of the 3 driving centers: Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC), ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC), or Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC). Please note that for BBDC, you’ll need to go to the driving centre in person if you’d like to opt for the self-study option.
  • Attend your BTT Theory Lessons: BBDC requires students to take 2 lessons (BTL 1.01 and 1.02) before you go for your test.
  • Prepare for the Test: Study the official handbook, Basic Theory of Driving (pdf). For extra practice, you can attempt some questions here.
  • Take the Test: The test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you need to score at least 45 out of 50 within 50 minutes.

If you’ve passed your BTT before, you are not required to take the test again.

Here’s the contact information for the 3 driving schools:

Bukit Batok Driving Centre

Address: 815 Bukit Batok West Ave 5, Singapore 659085
Phone: 1800 666 8888 | 6561 1233
Website: https://info.bbdc.sg/

ComfortDelGro Driving Centre

Address: 205 Ubi Ave 4, Singapore 408805
Phone: 6978 8199 | 6287 2923
Website: https://www.cdc.com.sg/

Singapore Safety Driving Centre

Address: 2 Woodlands Industrial Park E4, Singapore 757387
Phone: 6482 6060
Website: https://ssdcl.com.sg/

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Once you’ve passed the BTT, you can submit your application through FormSG to convert your foreign license. 

You will receive an auto-reply acknowledgement in your email upon submission.

Traffic Police will verify your eligibility for the conversion before informing you of the outcome via email within 6 weeks. 

Only successful applicants will receive an appointment slot to provide their original documents for verification and to complete the application process at the Traffic Police Headquarters.

Step 3: Complete your application at Traffic Police Headquarters

After you’ve successfully received an appointment slot, prepare the following documents (both originals and photocopies):

1) Singaporeans/New Citizens:

  • A recent coloured passport size photograph on white background
  • Passport
  • NRIC
  • Citizen Certificate (New Citizen)
  • Renunciation Certificate (New Citizen)
  • Entry Permit (New Citizen)
  • A valid foreign driving license

2) Permanent Resident

  • A recent coloured passport size photograph on white background
  • Passport
  • NRIC
  • Entry & Re-Entry Permits
  • A valid foreign driving license

3) Other Pass Holder

  • A recent coloured passport size photograph on white background
  • Passport (with first date of entry stamp in to Singapore)
  • FIN cards
  • SG Arrival Card (Indicating entry date during first issuance of Foreign Identification Number M series)
  • A valid Work or Employment or Other Passes (ICA/MOM)
  • A valid foreign driving license
  • If your driving license is not in English, an official translation of foreign driving license by Singapore registered translation company
  • Supporting documents to prove 1 year residency in country of issuance, with a physical residency of at least 6 months (Employment documents, Education certificates, tax documents)
  • For Malaysians: Letter of endorsement from the Road Transport Department Malaysia (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ)) showing breakdown of various classes of driving license and date of issuance together with payment receipt
  • For Indians: Letter of endorsement for validity of driving license from India Embassy with payment receipt
  • For Work Pass/Permit (WP) holders: Employment history from MOM

Step 4: Await Your Singapore Driving License

If your application is approved, you will be issued a digital driving license under Class 3C/3CA. It will be accessible via your Singpass app.

To access your digital driving license, you will need to launch your Singpass app and swipe left on your digital IC.

For those who would like to upgrade their Class 3C/3CA to a Class 3/3A license, you would need to enrol for another course under your driving school and take the practical test.

Converting your foreign driving license to a Singapore driving license is a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined above. Make sure to prepare all necessary documents, pass the Basic Theory Test, and submit your application at a recognized driving center. Once completed, you’ll be ready to drive legally in Singapore. Safe driving!

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