The Conversion of Driving License in Singapore

Whether you want to own a car or rent one in Singapore, having a valid driving license is important for foreigners living on the island. If you’re new to driving, you’ll have to complete a comprehensive driving course to obtain a license. However, if you already have a driving license from your home country, you can simply convert it instead of going through the full course. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of converting your foreign driving license into a Singapore driving license.

Who needs to convert to a Singaporean driving license?

Not all foreign drivers must change their driving license while driving in Singapore.

If you hold a short-term pass or a social visit pass and plan to stay in Singapore for less than 12 months, converting your foreign driving license is not obligatory. However, if your driving license is not in English, you will need either a supplementary International Driving Permit from your home country or an official English translation of your license.

On the other hand, if you hold a long-term pass such as a Student Pass (STP), Employment Pass (EP), or Long-term Visit Pass (LTVP), you must convert to a Singaporean driving license once you hit the 12 months’ mark and you intend to keep driving.

It’s important to note that the regulations differ for Work Permit (WP) or S-Pass holders. They can use their foreign driving license to drive in Singapore for only 6 months, after which they must convert it.

What you need to be able to change your foreign driving license to a Singapore Driving License

Step 1: Take the Basic Theory Test

You must have a driving license from your home country that’s still valid and not expired. If you don’t have it, you’ll need to show supporting documents.

You should also possess a work permit or work pass that is not going to expire soon.

Additionally, the driving license from your home country should have been issued before you got your work pass or work permit.

If you already have a driving license, you don’t have to start the entire driving test process from the beginning. All you need to do is pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT) at one of Singapore’s driving schools, and then you can apply for your Singapore driving license.

To schedule your BTT, you’ll need to create an account with one of these three driving schools. You can do this online, except for Singapore Safety Driving Centre. It’s a good idea to choose a school that’s close to where you live to make commuting easier.

Once you’ve set up your account, you can move on to booking your BTT. This can be accomplished online or in person. The Basic Theory Course (which includes the BTT, and has a fixed fee across all three schools) is priced at around $77.95 at BBDC, approximately $86.75 at SSDC, and around $92 to $94 at CDC. You can find a detailed cost breakdown in this blog post.

The Basic Theory Test (BTT) is a test of your understanding of Singapore’s lanes, signs, and traffic rules. To pass the test, you have to answer 45 of the 50 questions correctly, and you need to learn about Singapore’s lane markings and signs.

If you’re short on time and can’t attend the theory classes at your chosen driving school, you have the option to choose self-study and register solely for the BTT.

Tip: Remember to book your test early!

Bukit Batok Driving Centre

📍 Address: 815 Bukit Batok West Ave 5, Singapore 659085

📞 Phone: 1800 666 8888

🌐 Website: https://info.bbdc.sg/

ComfortDelGro Driving Centre

📍 Address: 205 Ubi Ave 4, Singapore 408805

📞 Phone: 6841 8900 | 6848 0617

🌐 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: Apply for conversion

After passing your BTT, visit the Traffic Police Headquarters to apply for your driving license conversion. The application fee is $50 and can be paid using either CashCard or NETS.

Make sure to have the following documents with you:

・Original passport and copy of your passport (Photo page of passport and Copy of latest entry date page of passport)

・Original and copy of Long term pass (Front and Back)

・Original and copy of International License (if your driving license is not in English, please bring along your International Driving Permit or an official translation of your driving license in English)

・Application form for conversion of driving license (Pink color)

・One recent matte passport-sized photograph of yourself against a white background

・Your BTT result slip

Note that translation is not required for driving licenses issued in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.

When you visit the Traffic Police Department for a license conversion, they provide a ticket at the entrance and you wait until your number is called in the waiting room. The waiting time can be around two hours, varying based on the timing and time of day. Just submitted the required documents at the counter, completed the pink application form, and it is done!

Traffic Police Department

📍 Address: 10 Ubi Ave 3, Singapore 408865

📞 Phone: 6547 0000

And just like that, you can successfully convert to a Singapore driving license! For non-Singapore Permanent Residents, remember to renew your driving license every five years to maintain your driving privileges.

Even if purchasing a car isn’t in your immediate plans, you can still experience driving in Singapore through Comprehensive car rentals with Tokyo Century. Take a look at our simple guide on starting your journey of driving a car in Singapore, with no deposits or membership fees required.