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. 

The Automobile Association of Singapore 

The only authorized organization in Singapore that can issue the International Driving Permits is the Automobile Association of Singapore (AA). 

You can either choose to apply online, or walk-in at their offices. Do however take note that it will take 7 working days for your IDP to be processed and delivered to you if you choose to apply online, while walk-ins will usually take just an hour. 

Cost and Validity

The International Driving Permit only costs $20, and you will only need to renew it once every year.

Requirements

• You need a valid Singapore driving license, no matter if you're Singaporean, Permanent Resident, or a foreigner.
• Singaporean applicants must present BOTH a valid Singaporean Driving License and NRIC.
• Foreigners must present BOTH valid Singapore Driving License and Employment Pass/FIN card with at least 6 months of validity.
• The IDP cannot be issued to holders of valid foreign driving licenses. They must apply for the IDP in the country that issued their driving license.

Getting it Online

Just another reminder, applying online will take 7 working days for the IDP to be delivered. (4 days for processing your IDP, and 2-3 days for courier) If you are in a hurry, walk-ins are greatly recommended. Refer to the section below about walk-ins.

AA Singapore provides an application form on their website. Before filling up the form online, please ensure that you have these requirements on hand, which you will then attach them to your application form. 

Requirements

• A passport-sized photograph
• Must be taken within the last 2 years
• Clear resolution with your full face showing
• Photographs with watermarks will be rejected
• A scanned copy of your Singapore driving license (front and back)
• For Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, a scanned copy of your NRIC (front and back)
• For Foreigners, a scanned copy of your Employment Card or FIN Card

You can make payments with Paypal, or with your Credit or Debit Card.

Walk-In

51 AMK at Ang Mo Kio

There are two AA Offices which you can go to for walk-ins. 

• GB Point at Kallang Bahru
• 51 AMK at Ang Mo Kio

Requirements

• Bring along BOTH your Singapore Driving License and NRIC/FIN Card.
• Your picture will be taken on-site free of charge.
• If you're applying on someone else's behalf:
• Bring along a scanned copy of his/her Singapore Driving License, NRIC/FIN Card, and his/her passport-sized photograph

Your IDP can be collected within an hour after the application.

Do I need to Convert my Foreign Driving License?

If you are here in Singapore for a short period (less than 12 months) and possess a valid foreign driving license, there is no need to convert your license to drive in Singapore.

However, if your license is not written in English, you would need an International Driving Permit or an official English-translated version of your license.

If you are staying in Singapore for more than 12 months, you would need to apply for a Singapore Driving License. 

To convert your foreign driving license, you first need to pass the Basic Theory Test. You can book for a BTT in one of the three driving centres in Singapore. 

• 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)

Then, you have to apply for conversion at the Traffic Police Test Centre counter located in the driving centres in person. For more information, you would like to visit this site here.

Conclusion

As you can see, getting an international driving license is actually really easy, so do apply for one if you're planning to drive in Singapore!

Related Articles

To learn more about driving licenses and owning a car in Singapore, the following links will help you out.

• How to Buy a Car in Singapore
• Cost of Owning a Car in Singapore
• Cost of a Driving License in Singapore