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Singapore driving licence classes

Singapore driving licence classes, foreign licence use and conversion, vocational licence requirements, and LTA-published vocational course and fee details.

licence-classes motorcycle vocational-licence TDVL PDVL Class 3 Class 3A Class 3C

主要来源： https://www.police.gov.sg/Knowledge-Hub/Traffic/Traffic-Matters/Singapore-Driving-Licence

Singapore driving licence classes

In Singapore, a driving licence class determines which types of motor vehicle its holder may drive or ride. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) publishes the current class descriptions below; a driver must hold the class that covers the vehicle (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence).

Motorcycles

  • Class 2B covers motorcycles with engine capacity not exceeding 200 cc, and electric motorcycles not exceeding 15 kW.
  • Class 2A covers motorcycles between 201 cc and 400 cc, and electric motorcycles between 15.1 kW and 25 kW.
  • Class 2 covers motorcycles exceeding 400 cc, and electric motorcycles exceeding 25 kW. (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence)

The motorcycle classes have a staged test path. For Class 2B, a learner must pass the Basic Theory Test, Riding Theory Test, and Class 2B practical test. To progress to Class 2A, the rider must hold a valid Class 2B licence for at least one year and pass the Class 2A practical test; to progress to Class 2, the rider must hold a valid Class 2A licence for at least one year and pass the Class 2 practical test (SPF, Riding Theory Booklet, p. 3).

Cars and other Class 3 vehicles

  • Class 3 covers motor cars with unladen weight not exceeding 3,000 kg and no more than 7 passengers (excluding the driver), as well as specified motor tractors, other vehicles, electric light goods vehicles, electric small buses, ambulances, and medical transport vehicles within the limits in SPF’s class description.
  • Class 3A covers the corresponding vehicles without clutch pedals, subject to the limits and exclusions in SPF’s description.
  • Class 3C covers motor cars with unladen weight not exceeding 3,000 kg and no more than 7 passengers (excluding the driver).
  • Class 3CA covers the same described motor cars without clutch pedals. (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence)

The descriptions for Classes 3 and 3A include vehicle types and exceptions beyond ordinary cars. Consult SPF’s full current table when checking whether a particular vehicle, such as a van, small bus, or special-purpose vehicle, is covered (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence).

Heavy vehicles and buses

  • Classes 4 and 4P cover the heavy motor vehicles specified by SPF; Class 4P is for the corresponding vehicles without clutch pedals.
  • Classes 4A and 4AP cover buses operating as public transport on fixed routes where passengers pay individual fares; Class 4AP applies to buses without clutch pedals.
  • Classes 5 and 5P cover the light and heavy locomotives described by SPF, including vehicles not constructed to carry a load; Class 5P applies to vehicles without clutch pedals. (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence)

The detailed weight limits and vehicle wording for Classes 4, 4P, 5, and 5P are set out in the linked SPF table. Check that table for a specific heavy vehicle rather than relying on a general label such as “lorry” or “truck” (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence).

Before driving a motor vehicle on a road where a driving licence is required, Highway Code para. 45 says the driver must hold a valid licence authorising that vehicle and be covered by valid insurance for it (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, para. 45). The separate compulsory third-party motor-insurance requirement and its statutory details are summarized in Compulsory motor insurance in Singapore.

Class 3C conversion and work driving

SPF says Work Permit and S Pass holders who successfully convert a valid foreign driving licence are granted Class 3C, which covers only the passenger cars described above. To drive Class 3 vehicles, they must also pass the Basic Theory Test and a practical driving test. For work, they need a Singapore driving licence within six months of the work-pass issue date; to drive light goods vehicles such as vans and pick-ups, small buses, or mini vans for work, they need Class 3 or 3A (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence).

SPF also requires a Work Permit or S Pass holder to obtain an employer declaration of support before enrolling in Class 4 lessons. From 15 September 2025, a Class 3C holder must pass a road assessment before taking those lessons; SPF says a failed assessment means the person cannot take Class 4 lessons and the Class 3C licence will be revoked (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence).

Using a foreign driving licence in Singapore

A foreigner residing in Singapore for less than 12 months may drive with a valid foreign driving licence and either an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by an authorised body in the country of origin or, if an IDP is unavailable, an official English translation of the licence. A foreigner from an ASEAN member state does not need an IDP, but still needs a valid foreign licence (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence).

The short-stay rule has important conversion exceptions. SPF says all Singapore citizens and permanent residents, foreigners residing in Singapore for more than 12 months, and foreigners residing for less than 12 months who are employed as drivers on Work Permits or S Passes must hold a Singapore licence; a person in one of those groups with a valid foreign licence must convert it. A new citizen or PR may use a valid foreign licence for up to three months after obtaining that status, then must convert to continue driving. A new citizen or PR who already holds a Singapore licence issued using a FIN must apply to replace it with their NRIC details (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence).

SPF lists passing the Basic Theory Test (BTT) in Singapore and holding a valid foreign licence as the general conversion criteria. Applicants should prepare original documents and photocopies: a recent passport-size photograph; identity and pass or entry documents applicable to their status; their current foreign licence; a driving-record extract if the licence does not show its first issue date; and documents supporting residence in the country that issued it. SPF requires an official translation by a Singapore-registered translation company when the licence is not in English. Malaysian licence holders need a JPJ letter showing the licence classes and issue dates plus payment receipt; Indian licence holders need an endorsement letter confirming validity from the Indian Embassy plus payment receipt. Traffic Police may request additional documents (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence; SPF, Checklist for Conversion of Other Foreign Driving Licences).

For proof of residence in the issuing country, SPF’s online guidance lists passport, employment, education, or tax records and describes a one-year residency with at least six months of physical residency. The detailed checklist says this particular proof applies if the foreign licence was obtained after the applicant received PR or their first pass, or if a Singapore citizen is applying with a foreign licence. Check the current SPF checklist for the applicant’s circumstances (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence; SPF, Checklist for Conversion of Other Foreign Driving Licences).

SPF’s checklists ask applicants to bring originals and photocopies. They list a coloured passport-size photograph on a white background, taken within the last three months, and identity documents according to status: for example, NRIC and passport for citizens or PRs; a PR’s entry permit and passport from first entry; or a work/long-term pass, FIN card and passport. Work Permit holders are also asked for MOM employment history; other pass holders may need a current or old passport showing their first entry date. Traffic Police may request additional documents (SPF, checklist for other foreign licences).

Licence evidence varies by issuing country. Malaysian applicants need a JPJ letter listing licence classes and issue dates, with the payment receipt; Indian applicants need an Embassy letter confirming licence validity, with the payment receipt. China and other-country checklists require an official English translation by a Singapore-registered translation company if the licence is not in English. The other-country checklist also asks for a driving-record extract if the licence does not show its first issue date (SPF, Malaysia conversion checklist; SPF, India conversion checklist; SPF, China conversion checklist; SPF, other-country conversion checklist).

For a foreign licence conversion to motorcycle Class 2A or Class 2, SPF also requires evidence from the foreign licensing authority of proper training and a competency test, plus confirmation of the higher-capacity motorcycle used for the test; the authority must sign and endorse that evidence (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence).

Vocational driving licences

LTA requires a vocational licence to drive a taxi, private-hire car or certain buses, and to work as an attendant on a school bus. The five types have different permissions: a Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence (TDVL) authorises chauffeured services in either a taxi or private-hire car; a Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL) is for private-hire cars only; a Bus Driver’s Vocational Licence (BDVL) is required for drivers of fare-charging private-hire, school or excursion buses; a Bus Attendant’s Vocational Licence (BAVL) is for school-bus attendants and does not require a driving licence; and an Omnibus Driver’s Vocational Licence (ODVL) is for omnibus drivers employed by public-transport operators (LTA, Vocational Licence Application).

The main applicant requirements differ by licence:

  • TDVL and PDVL: applicants must be Singapore Citizens aged at least 30, hold a valid Class 3 or 3A licence for more than one year, speak and read basic English, and meet LTA’s criminal-record criteria. Self-employed applicants must be up to date with MediSave contributions. LTA’s application process includes a medical examination and chest X-ray, followed by the relevant training course and test (LTA, Vocational Licence Application).
  • BDVL: applicants must be at least 21 and be Singapore Citizens, PRs, or Work Permit holders whose vocation is bus driver. They must hold a valid Class 3 or 3A licence for more than one year. Work Permit holders may submit evidence of holding a valid foreign licence for more than one year, subject to LTA’s review and approval. LTA also lists a clean-record requirement and current MediSave contributions for self-employed applicants; its process includes medical assessment, chest X-ray, training and a test (LTA, Vocational Licence Application).
  • BAVL: applicants must be at least 18 and be Singapore Citizens, PRs, or Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus holders. PR and LTVP-Plus applicants must have resided in Singapore for at least three years. BAVL applicants do not need a driving licence; LTA’s process includes medical assessment, chest X-ray and a course. LTA also lists a clean-record requirement and current MediSave contributions for self-employed applicants. PR and LTVP-Plus applicants apply through a private bus operator (LTA, Vocational Licence Application).
  • ODVL: this licence is tied to employment by a public-transport operator; LTA directs applicants to apply through an operator (LTA, Vocational Licence Application).

A valid PDVL holder may apply to convert to a TDVL by completing LTA’s conversion course and test. A converted TDVL is valid for the remaining period of the PDVL, and the PDVL must remain valid through the conversion process (LTA, Vocational Licence Application).

LTA states vocational licences are generally valid for three years, though validity may be shorter from age 67. Licences to drive public-service vehicles are subject to a statutory age limit of 75; BAVL has no statutory age limit, and ODVL remains valid while the holder is employed by the operator. Renewal notices are sent one to two months before expiry. Renewal may require medical checks from age 50, an additional fitness assessment and on-road assessment at ages 70, 73 and 74 (not for BAVL-only non-drivers), six-year refresher training for taxi and private-hire drivers, and up-to-date MediSave for self-employed holders. A vocational licence cannot be renewed if the holder has been convicted in court or their driving licence has been suspended or disqualified. Since 2 February 2026, doctors submit vocational-licence medical forms digitally to LTA or Traffic Police through the Harmonised Medical Examination Report process. LTA accepted physical forms only during a six-month transition ending 31 July 2026; that transition has ended (LTA, Vocational Licence Renewal; LTA, Vocational Licence Application).

If a vocational licence expires, the renewal route depends on how long it has been expired. A licence expired for less than six months can be renewed through AXS or GoBusiness after meeting the renewal-notice requirements; if online renewal is not possible, the holder can book an LTA service-centre appointment. From six months to under three years expired, the holder must apply for late renewal, which LTA assesses and charges a non-refundable $25 fee for. A licence expired more than three years requires a new application (LTA, Vocational Licence Renewal).

Singapore driving-licence medical and test requirements from age 65

SPF advises licence holders to expect a medical-examination letter about 10 weeks before their 65th birthday. The examination is submitted by the doctor through the digital Harmonised Medical Examination Report (HMER) system; drivers bring the notification letter to a participating clinic and receive an SMS acknowledgement after submission. For Classes 2B, 2A, 2, 3A, 3, 3C and 3CA, a driver certified fit is notified of a three-year licence validity and must repeat the medical examination every three years. For Classes 4, 4P, 4A, 4AP, 5 and 5P, a driver certified fit must also pass a Proficiency Driving Test or Enhanced Proficiency Driving Test; the licence is then valid for one year, with the medical examination repeated annually until age 74 (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence).

Digital driving licence

Drivers eligible for a Singpass account can access their Singapore Digital Driving Licence in the Singpass app. SPF describes it as an alternative for local verification of licence information; businesses should verify it in the app itself and must not accept screenshots. A physical photocard may still be needed in specific situations such as driving overseas, and SPF says the digital licence is not required to be carried when driving in Singapore (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence).

Medical fitness at any age

The age-based checks above are separate from the all-ages process for an existing medical condition or physical disability that may affect driving. SPF says the driver needs a medical certification or memo from a Singapore-registered medical practitioner confirming fitness to drive. The doctor may refer the driver for an additional assessment by an occupational therapist with driving instructors; that assessment checks the ability to drive safely, with or without vehicle modifications, and the referral must come from a Singapore-registered practitioner (SPF, Singapore Driving Licence).

For a licence application, the Road Traffic Act requires a written declaration about prescribed or other diseases or physical disabilities likely to make driving dangerous. The Act allows a fitness or ability test in some cases, but not for prescribed diseases and disabilities. Rule 8 of the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Driving Licences) Rules lists the prescribed conditions, including mental disorder, epilepsy, sudden disabling giddiness or fainting, and specified limits on visual acuity and colour perception. Rule 8 defines when an applicant cannot claim a fitness or ability test under section 37; consult the current rule and SPF guidance for the detailed criteria (Road Traffic Act 1961, s. 37; Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Driving Licences) Rules, r. 8).

For an existing licence holder, the Deputy Commissioner of Police may revoke the licence after inquiry and notice if satisfied that the holder has a disease or physical disability likely to make driving an authorised vehicle a danger to the public (Road Traffic Act 1961, s. 37(6)).

Applicants who pass a vocational licence test receive a temporary vocational licence that day and a digital licence in Singpass within 20 working days; BAVL applicants receive their digital licence within 20 working days of completing the course. LTA no longer issues physical cards to new applicants who pass a test on or after 1 April 2023 (LTA, Vocational Licence Application).

Course, test, and published fees

For a direct TDVL application, LTA publishes a 16-hour course and a test of three papers. Its fee table lists a $250 course fee, $10 test registration fee, and $15 test fee, for a course-and-test subtotal of $299.75 including GST. The $40 application fee and required medical assessment and chest X-ray are additional (LTA, Vocational Licence Application).

For an eligible PDVL holder converting to TDVL, LTA publishes an 8-hour conversion course and a two-paper competency test. Its table lists a $125 course fee, $10 test registration fee, and $10 test fee, for a subtotal of $158.05 including GST; with the $28.04 conversion application fee, LTA lists a total of $186.09 (LTA, Vocational Licence Application).

For initial PDVL and BDVL applications, LTA requires applicants to take the relevant course and test through its listed training providers; its public application page states a $40 application fee but does not provide the course duration, test-paper structure, or training and test fees. For BAVL, LTA describes a course and lists a $40 application fee, but does not publish the course duration or course fee on that page. LTA directs ODVL applicants to apply through a public-transport operator and does not set out the operator’s course, assessment, or fee details there (LTA, Vocational Licence Application).

Coverage debt

LTA’s public page does not give the full syllabus for any vocational course, and does not publish complete course and test details or fees for initial PDVL, BDVL, BAVL, or ODVL. It also directs ODVL applicants to operators without describing their onboarding steps. These details remain on the research queue rather than being inferred from provider marketing pages.

Sources