When it comes to driving in Singapore, things may be a little bit different than driving in some other countries. This is especially the case when you are a holder of a driving license that was issued outside of Singapore. If you are a holder of a driving license that was issued outside of Singapore, you will need to convert that foreign driving license of yours. And now, here are some of the most important things that you need to know about converting a foreign driving license in Singapore!

If you are a foreigner who is at least 18 years old and have either a Work Pass, Dependent Pass or Student Pass, you can drive in Singapore with a valid foreign driving license. However, you can only do it for a certain amount of time, which is not more than 12 months. After 12 months of driving around Singapore with a foreign driving license, you will need to obtain a Singapore driving license.

If you have a driving license that was issued outside of Singapore, make sure to check if there is a need for you to convert your foreign driving license before you even begin driving in Singapore. Both Singapore citizens and permanent residents are allowed to drive in Singapore only after they obtain a Singapore driving license. Also, both Singapore citizens and permanent residents are required to convert their foreign driving licenses within three months of obtaining their Singapore citizenship or permanent resident status.

To convert your foreign driving license to a Singapore driving license, you are required to pass the Singapore Basic Theory Test (BTT). Keep in mind that overseas theory test results are not admissible for consideration.

To do so, you will need to create an account with either the Bukit Batok Driving Centre, Singapore Safety Driving Centre or ComfortDelGro Driving Centre. When it comes to bookings, they can be done in two different ways – either online or in person.

When it comes to applying for conversion, it cannot be done online. It has to be done in person. You are required to bring both the original and one photocopy of your passport, as well as your NRIC/work permit/social visit pass/dependent pass/entry permit/employment pass with you. Some other things that you are required to bring with you include both the original and one photocopy of your foreign driving license, and one recent matte passport-sized photograph of you with a white background (your face needs to be visible in this one). You also need to pay a processing fee of $50 (only NETS and CashCard payments are accepted).

If your foreign driving license is not in English, you must have either an international driving permit or an official translation of your driving license in English. If your foreign driving license doesn’t have the 1st date of issue, you are required to obtain an extract of driving license record from the Licensing Authority. Keep in mind that a foreign driving license must be obtained before the issuance of your NRIC/work permit/social visit pass/dependent pass/entry permit/employment pass.

If you are a new Singapore citizen or a permanent resident, you are required to show a document that shows that you have either studied or worked in a foreign country for at least one year. You must also have stayed in that foreign country for a total period of six months or more within 12 months.

If your foreign driving license has expired along with your foreign visa, you are required to obtain a written extract from the foreign license-issuing authority. The extract needs to clearly show your driving test passing date, date of issue of your foreign driving license, class of license attained, and your driving record. Also, don’t forget to register for the Singapore Basic Theory Test within three months of returning to Singapore.

Once you convert your foreign driving license, you will be placed on probation for one year. If you accumulate more than 12 demerit points during this period, your driving license may end up being taken away from you.

A foreigner’s driving license is valid for five years after the date of issuance. You will need to renew your Singapore driving license within one month before the expiry date.

For Singapore citizens and permanent residents, their driving licenses are valid for a lifetime and no renewals are required.

Timcole is one of the leading company incorporation and accounting firm based in Singapore. Our wide range of professional services serve as a one-stop solution for your business, offering you the most affordable price for services conducted with the highest level of excellency.

Contact us to find out more on how we can help you with your company today.