Guide to Get an International Driving License in Singapore

In Singapore, public transportation such as buses and trains have enabled citizens and tourists to travel all around the city fairly easily. However, it still cannot beat the comfort you get from driving your own vehicle. If you're a Singaporean and are thinking of getting a driving license, you can learn how to in my post here. If you're however, travelling abroad, owning an international driving license will be useful when you're dealing with:

• Car rental
• Traffic violations
• Motor insurance claims
• Driver verification with photo identification

Not to mention you will be saving on a sizable amount of transportation charges as well. I have listed down some things that you need to note if you wish to apply for an international driving license, or International Driving Permit (IDP), in Singapore. 

How to Get Driving License in Singapore

Just reached legal age to drive and don't know where to start? Not sure how to get driving license in Singapore? Private or School? This article is perfect for you!

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Step 1 - Register in a school

No matter if you're going to be a private or school candidate, you need to enroll in one of the three driving schools. Choose the one that has a more conveniently located to you.

Bukit Batok Driving Centre (Image from Google Maps)

• Bukit Batok Driving Centre (at Bukit Batok West Avenue 5)
• ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (at Ubi Ave 4)
• Singapre Safety Driving Centre (at 2 Woodlands Industrial Park E4)

Registering is mandatory in order to book the various tests – Basic Theory Test (BTT), Final Theory Test (FTT), and Driving Test.

Do remember to bring your NRIC or passport.

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Step 2 - Take your Basic Theory Test (BTT)

Before you can learn driving, it is compulsory that you pass the BTT.

Book your test date online, and the test costs $6.50.

The passing mark is 45/50 and BTT is valid forever, so do remember to study for it. You can find several BTT practices online. There are also several BTT apps you can find in your mobile app stores.

For school candidates:
You are required to attend a few theory lessons and theory practice lessons before being able to book the theory test. These lessons come with a cost as well, and they vary across the schools. BBDC for example, charge $16 per theory lesson session.

For private candidates:
You will simply have to study on your own, with no costs!

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Step 3 - Apply for Provisional Driving License (PDL) and Final Theory Test (FTT)

After passing your BTT, you are now qualified to apply for your provisional driving license online. You need a provisional driving license so that you can drive an L plate car. It will cost you $25.

There will be a long queue for provisional driving license applications, so it is recommended that you apply for your provisional driving license right after completing BTT.

After your provisional driving license application is successfully passed, you will get a license that will enable you to drive an L plate car. A provisional driving license is valid for 2 years.

While waiting for your provisional driving license application to go through, you should sign up for a FTT slot as soon as possible. It is necessary in order to book for your driving test in the future. 

Similar to provisional driving license, your FTT is valid for 2 years, the passing mark is 45/50, and it will cost you another $6.50.

For school candidates:
Like BTT, you will need to attend theory lessons and practices before taking the actual test. Similarly, you will most likely have to pay for them as well.

For private candidates:
Study on your own!

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Step 4 - Go for driving lessons

Once you manage to get your provisional driving license, you must bring it for every driving lesson, as your instructor may not allow you to drive without it. 

School


Circuit practices

Bukit Batok Driving Circuit (Image from Google Maps)

School candidates have comparatively more circuit lessons as it is free to use. Do not be alarmed when you have to do a lot of waiting. Also, take note that your first few driving lessons will be held in the circuit as well, while private candidates would usually start right away on the public roads that are relatively emptier.

Instructors
Depending on the driving school you go to, you may have a change of instructors for each driving lesson. SSDC allows you to book a fixed instructor at $8.56 for each lesson, while BBDC has different schemes such as the Fixed Group Scheme and Fixed Instructor Scheme, where you get to choose a fixed group of instructors or a fixed instructor respectively. You might want to head over to the respective sites to learn more.

You have to also note that the dates and timings of the lessons are fixed for the school curriculum.

Private

Circuit practices
Private candidates will most likely only use the circuit about 5 to 7 times. Again, you will have to pay for using the circuit unlike school candidates.

Instructors
Your instructor will always be the same person, so he will be more aware of your habits and things to look out for. However, make sure you do your research on which instructor you should get. Ask your friends for recommendations. The traffic police frequently releases statistics on the passing rates of private instructors' students as well. Picking out a good instructor will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

You may also wish to visit the following site for a list of driving tips that will help you with your lessons, and ultimately your driving test! 

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Step 5 - End off with your driving test (TP)

When your instructor(s) finally feel that you are ready for the driving test, it's time for you to book for it online.

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Step 6 - Get your Qualified Driving License (QDL)

You have passed your driving test, congratulations! All you have to do now is pay $50 for your license and... wait! Yes, you will be doing a lot of waiting. Don't fret though, after paying the license application fee, you will be issued a temporary license that will allow you to drive till your actual license (with your photo on it) arrives 4 to 6 weeks later.