Whether you are a permanent resident or a foreigner in Singapore, there is no denying that the country has a very efficient road traffic system, despite being very densely populated. Courtesy of its world-class public transportation system, ERP (Electronic Road Pricing), and the government’s strict ownership regulations, the overall number of vehicles on the road is actively controlled, ultimately reducing traffic congestion and enhancing travel times. Additionally, the Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA) utilizes potent strategies and technologies for managing the road network and traffic flow.
Adding to the traffic control system is the Singapore Police Force (SPF), responsible for maintaining law and order in the country. Headed by the Commissioner of Police, the SPF also issues driving licenses in Singapore, including provisional and qualified ones. And to ensure that drivers have a seamless experience – whether applying for a new one or wanting to renew an existing one – the organization offers online as well as offline ways to complete the process. So, if you are looking to renew your expired driving license, our extensive guide can prove to be immensely helpful.
Steps to Follow For Renewal
As previously mentioned, the Singapore Police Force primarily offers two types of driving licenses for individuals – provisional and qualified driving licenses. A Provisional Driving License (PDL) is issued to learners who are currently attending driving schools. A PDL can only be obtained by passing the Basic Theory Test (BTT), which can be easily undertaken at any established driving school in the country.
PDLs are usually valid for two years and can be renewed if the applicant is not able to pass the driving test within the stipulated two-year period. Once the final driving test is passed, the license holder will be provided with a Qualified Driving License (QDL), which amounts to a full license. However, upon obtaining a QDL, a 12-month probationary period will be allowed for the applicant. If the applicant accumulates more than 12 demerit points within that period, then the license will be revoked.
QDLs are usually valid for the normal lifespan of a Singapore citizen or a permanent resident, up to the age of 65 years. After reaching 65 years of age, the driver requires a medical clearance to be eligible to drive. On the other hand, QDLs are valid only for up to five years for foreigners. To apply for either one of the above-mentioned, follow the detailed steps provided below.
Applying For Provisional Driving License
Online renewals for PDLs can be carried out by Singapore citizens, foreigners (for Class 2B, 3, and 3A), and permanent residents.
- Begin the application process by heading over to the official website here.
- If you have a SingPass account, then proceed to log in with your SingPass ID. On the other hand, if you do not have a SingPass ID, then signing in using your FIN (Foreign Identification Number) number and date of birth is required.
- Once signed in, proceed to select your renewal term and pay the requisite fees (25 Singaporean dollars).
- After that, proceed to take a printout of your renewed driving license copy.
Applying For Qualified Driving License
Only foreigners can apply online for QDL renewals online (every five years), since Singapore citizens and permanent residents do not have to apply for renewals up to the age of 65 years.
- Start the application process by visiting the official website here.
- On the landing page, sign in either using your SingPass ID (if you have one) or your FIN number and date of birth.
- After logging in, select your renewal period and pay the renewal charge of 50 Singaporean dollars.
- Once done, simply print out your renewed driving license copy.
Alternative Way to Renew
If you are a foreigner who is applying for a Class 4, 4A, or 5 Provisional Driving License, then you need to physically visit the Woodlands Test Center (WTC) for renewal. To do that, follow the steps mentioned below.
- First, you need to head over to WTC at the following address: Singapore Safety Driving Center (SSDC), 2 Woodlands Industrial Park E4, Singapore 757387.
- Ensure that you carry your driving license (showing that you possess a Class 3 or 3C driving license), work permit or SingPass ID, and a signed company letter showing that you are employed as a heavy vehicle driver by the company.
- At the WTC, fill out the renewal application form and pay the required application fee, which is 25 Singaporean dollars, either via bank transfer (NETS) or a cash card.
- Once done, obtain your renewed driving license from the center directly.
Everything You Need to Know
Like any other country across the globe, Singapore mandates the issuance of a driving license before a person decides to ride a motor vehicle on the road. The minimum age to drive a motor vehicle in the country is 18 years, and drivers need to first opt for a Provisional Driving License before obtaining a Qualified Driving License. Once a Qualified Driving License is obtained, the driver will first undergo a one-year probationary period, during which if he or she accumulates 12 demerit points, the license will be suspended or revoked.
Currently, there are five primary classes of driving licenses issued by the Singapore Police Force, and they include: Class 1 for Invalid Carriages; Class 2/2A/2B for Motorcycles; Class 3/3A/3C/3CA for Motor Cars; and Class 4/4A and 5 Heavy Motor Vehicles. It should be known that the age restrictions for each license class differ. For instance, Class 2B for Motorcycles has a minimum age restriction of 18 years, while that of Class 2 for Motorcycles is 20 years. Usually, the larger the size and capacity of the motor vehicle (or motorcycle), the higher the age restriction. Cases in point are Classes 4, 4A, and 5, which have a minimum age restriction of 21 years.
Lastly, the Singaporean Government also issues a third type of driving license, which is only reserved for commercial vehicles such as buses and taxis, the Vocational Driving License (VDL). VDLs can be further segregated into three different types: bus driver licenses, taxi driver licenses, and private hire car licenses. A bus driver license requires the applicant to be at least 21 years old with a Class 3 driving license, while both the private hire and taxi driver licenses require the applicant to be at least 30 years old with a similar Class 3 driving license.
For any additional queries or assistance, you can get in touch with the Singapore Police Force via phone at +65 6547 0000 or email at SPF_TP_Feedback@spf.gov.sg.
