Here are the steps to get your driving license in Singapore
22 Mar 2023|14,336 views
A driving license is among the top of most young adults' to-do list the moment they turn 18. While some might think that it doesn't make much sense to get a driving license with the crazy car prices in Singapore these days, it really doesn't matter. With an abundance of car rental, leasing and sharing operators in recent times, having access to a car is the least of your worries.
Driving is still a useful skill to possess, and the ability to drive can open up many possibilities even if you do not own a car yourself. In fact, you could even end up working in an industry where a driving license would come in handy. So, despite the look of things, getting a driving license in Singapore is still something that everyone should seriously consider. And if you are thinking of getting one, but unsure of where to start, fret not. Here's everything you need to know.
The main steps to getting a driving license in Singapore
To start off your journey behind the wheel in Singapore, you'll have to be at least 18-years old. You'll have to choose between a Class 3 or a Class 3A driving license - the latter will restrict you to driving automatic cars, but is potentially easier and cheaper to pass.
The next step is to enrol for a driving course with one of three Driving Centres here, namely Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC), Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC) and ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC).
Typically, the Enrolment fee would be valid for a year, and includes the membership and insurance that will allow you to proceed with the tests and lessons required to get your driving license. There is also the option of going with a Private Driving Instructor, which can result in some savings. That said, you'll still have to enrol with a driving centre as the mandatory simulator lessons, theory and practical tests must be booked through a driving centre.
According to various sources, the total cost to get a driving license in Singapore could typically range from $2,000 to $2,800. Of course, if you are particularly good, you might be able to spend much lesser by opting to go with a private instructor and keep the driving lessons to a minimum.
Here are the main hoops that you'll have to jump through and a ballpark figure of the costs:
1. Enrolment ($100 - $200) - Enables you to book your various tests and lessons at the driving centre
2. Basic Theory Test (BTT) ($6.50) - Needed to get your Provisional Driving License and start your driving lessons
3. Practical driving lessons (Driving Centre $70 - $80 per lesson, Private $60) - Typically 25 to 30 lessons
4. Simulator course ($23 - $27) - 3 lessons mandatory for all learner drivers as of 16 December 2019
5. Final Theory Test (FTT) ($6.50) - Needed before you can sit for the practical driving test
6. Practical driving test (car rental and test fee $280 - $350)
Basic Theory Test
BTT is mandatory for anyone who wants to get a driving or motorcycle license. The BTT will test you on the your knowledge of traffic rules, regulations, traffic signs and signals with multiple-choice questions - all of which is to equip you with the fundamental knowledge of road use in Singapore.
The BTT is something that can be completed with self-study, which would likely be the case if you were to opt for a private instructor. But you don't have to worry if you need some help, as driving centres conduct lessons and mock-tests that you can book (at a cost) to sharpen up your knowledge on the topics.
You will have to pass your BTT in order to apply for a Provisional Driving License (PDL) that will allow you to get behind the wheel of a car (with an instructor) to proceed with your practical driving lessons. Later on, you will also have to pass the Final Theory Test before you can book for your practical driving test.
Foreigners who have a driving license issued outside of Singapore will also have to pass the Singapore BTT in order to apply for a Singapore driving license conversion.
Practical driving lessons
With your PDL in hand, you can now start driving (taking driving lessons, to be exact). This will make up the bulk of the process towards being a qualified driver in Singapore.
And, this is also where the main difference in expenditure lies between opting to go for driving lessons at the driving centre, compared to engaging the services of a private driving instructor.
Practical driving lessons will consist of the circuit lessons, where you'll learn how to drive through a tight, technical course, driving off on a steep slope, how to park and more. Meanwhile, you'll also learn to drive out on public roads, putting your theory knowledge to work, and learning how to drive a car proficiently.
If you chose to learn driving at the driving centre, there would be a structured program that will typically require you to complete a rather fixed number of lessons (24 to 29 lessons typically).
Ultimately, the number of lessons required depends on each student's learning curve - the general consensus is that you'll likely end up going for more lessons when you opt for the driving centre.
Do note that with private driving instructors, you will have to pay to use the driving centre's circuit, while each practical lesson by a driving centre would typically start off with the circuit component.
The cost difference is exacerbated by the fact that private driving instructors tend to charge a lower rate per lesson.
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As of 16 December 2019, the Traffic Police announced that all learner motorists, be it drivers or motorcyclists, are all required to complete their respective driving or riding simulator training before they are allowed to book their practical driving or riding tests.
The simulator training consists of three modules, which will each take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You will have to complete a minimum of five practical lessons before booking the simulator training.
As the simulator training is only available at the three Driving Centres here, bookings still have to go through the Driving Centres even if you have opted to learn from a private driving instructor.
Final Theory Test
The FTT is somewhat similar to the Basic Theory Test and it also comprises of solely multiple-choice questions.
While the Basic Theory Test mostly touches on road signs, rules and whatnot, the FTT includes driving techniques and how you should react in actual situations when driving.
And unlike the BTT, which is for life, you will have to pass your practical driving test within two years of passing your FTT - you can only book your driving test after you have passed your FTT.
Practical driving test
The practical driving test is the final hurdle that's standing between you and the ability to drive a car on the roads in Singapore, unsupervised.
The practical driving test is conducted by the Traffic Police at the driving centre, and like a typical practical driving lesson, it will consist of the circuit and road driving component.
After you have passed your driving test, you'll have to pay $50 for your driving license, and remember to display a P-plate for the first year of driving! Should you unfortunately fail your driving test, you shouldn't be too worried - just go for more lessons, brush up your skills and book another practical test.
Now that you know what the process to get a driving license is like, maybe you would want to start off on the process. You can visit the respective websites of Bukit Batok Driving Centre, ComforDelGro Driving Centre and Singapore Safety Driving Centre to enrol for your desired driving course now.
Here are some other articles that you might be interested in:
Should you rent or purchase your next car?
Car sharing in Singapore: Let's talk about insurance for drivers
Easy to drive compact crossovers for newbie drivers (Part 1)
Fuel economy hacks that will benefit newbie and seasoned drivers
First-time car buyer: Choosing the right car
Sgcarmart
Join the Sgcarmart Community
Become a Community member to enjoy exclusive promos & freebies for you and your car!
- Be the first to enjoy exclusive promos & giveaways
- Enjoy membership perks for Sgcarmart services
A driving license is among the top of most young adults' to-do list the moment they turn 18. While some might think that it doesn't make much sense to get a driving license with the crazy car prices in Singapore these days, it really doesn't matter. With an abundance of car rental, leasing and sharing operators in recent times, having access to a car is the least of your worries.
Driving is still a useful skill to possess, and the ability to drive can open up many possibilities even if you do not own a car yourself. In fact, you could even end up working in an industry where a driving license would come in handy. So, despite the look of things, getting a driving license in Singapore is still something that everyone should seriously consider. And if you are thinking of getting one, but unsure of where to start, fret not. Here's everything you need to know.
The main steps to getting a driving license in Singapore
To start off your journey behind the wheel in Singapore, you'll have to be at least 18-years old. You'll have to choose between a Class 3 or a Class 3A driving license - the latter will restrict you to driving automatic cars, but is potentially easier and cheaper to pass.
The next step is to enrol for a driving course with one of three Driving Centres here, namely Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC), Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC) and ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC).
Typically, the Enrolment fee would be valid for a year, and includes the membership and insurance that will allow you to proceed with the tests and lessons required to get your driving license. There is also the option of going with a Private Driving Instructor, which can result in some savings. That said, you'll still have to enrol with a driving centre as the mandatory simulator lessons, theory and practical tests must be booked through a driving centre.
According to various sources, the total cost to get a driving license in Singapore could typically range from $2,000 to $2,800. Of course, if you are particularly good, you might be able to spend much lesser by opting to go with a private instructor and keep the driving lessons to a minimum.
Here are the main hoops that you'll have to jump through and a ballpark figure of the costs:
1. Enrolment ($100 - $200) - Enables you to book your various tests and lessons at the driving centre
2. Basic Theory Test (BTT) ($6.50) - Needed to get your Provisional Driving License and start your driving lessons
3. Practical driving lessons (Driving Centre $70 - $80 per lesson, Private $60) - Typically 25 to 30 lessons
4. Simulator course ($23 - $27) - 3 lessons mandatory for all learner drivers as of 16 December 2019
5. Final Theory Test (FTT) ($6.50) - Needed before you can sit for the practical driving test
6. Practical driving test (car rental and test fee $280 - $350)
Basic Theory Test
BTT is mandatory for anyone who wants to get a driving or motorcycle license. The BTT will test you on the your knowledge of traffic rules, regulations, traffic signs and signals with multiple-choice questions - all of which is to equip you with the fundamental knowledge of road use in Singapore.
The BTT is something that can be completed with self-study, which would likely be the case if you were to opt for a private instructor. But you don't have to worry if you need some help, as driving centres conduct lessons and mock-tests that you can book (at a cost) to sharpen up your knowledge on the topics.
You will have to pass your BTT in order to apply for a Provisional Driving License (PDL) that will allow you to get behind the wheel of a car (with an instructor) to proceed with your practical driving lessons. Later on, you will also have to pass the Final Theory Test before you can book for your practical driving test.
Foreigners who have a driving license issued outside of Singapore will also have to pass the Singapore BTT in order to apply for a Singapore driving license conversion.
Practical driving lessons
With your PDL in hand, you can now start driving (taking driving lessons, to be exact). This will make up the bulk of the process towards being a qualified driver in Singapore.
And, this is also where the main difference in expenditure lies between opting to go for driving lessons at the driving centre, compared to engaging the services of a private driving instructor.
Practical driving lessons will consist of the circuit lessons, where you'll learn how to drive through a tight, technical course, driving off on a steep slope, how to park and more. Meanwhile, you'll also learn to drive out on public roads, putting your theory knowledge to work, and learning how to drive a car proficiently.
If you chose to learn driving at the driving centre, there would be a structured program that will typically require you to complete a rather fixed number of lessons (24 to 29 lessons typically).
Ultimately, the number of lessons required depends on each student's learning curve - the general consensus is that you'll likely end up going for more lessons when you opt for the driving centre.
Do note that with private driving instructors, you will have to pay to use the driving centre's circuit, while each practical lesson by a driving centre would typically start off with the circuit component.
The cost difference is exacerbated by the fact that private driving instructors tend to charge a lower rate per lesson.
Sgcarmart
Join the Sgcarmart Community
Become a Community member to enjoy exclusive promos & freebies for you and your car!
Join us on TelegramSimulator course
As of 16 December 2019, the Traffic Police announced that all learner motorists, be it drivers or motorcyclists, are all required to complete their respective driving or riding simulator training before they are allowed to book their practical driving or riding tests.
The simulator training consists of three modules, which will each take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You will have to complete a minimum of five practical lessons before booking the simulator training.
As the simulator training is only available at the three Driving Centres here, bookings still have to go through the Driving Centres even if you have opted to learn from a private driving instructor.
Final Theory Test
The FTT is somewhat similar to the Basic Theory Test and it also comprises of solely multiple-choice questions.
While the Basic Theory Test mostly touches on road signs, rules and whatnot, the FTT includes driving techniques and how you should react in actual situations when driving.
And unlike the BTT, which is for life, you will have to pass your practical driving test within two years of passing your FTT - you can only book your driving test after you have passed your FTT.
Practical driving test
The practical driving test is the final hurdle that's standing between you and the ability to drive a car on the roads in Singapore, unsupervised.
The practical driving test is conducted by the Traffic Police at the driving centre, and like a typical practical driving lesson, it will consist of the circuit and road driving component.
After you have passed your driving test, you'll have to pay $50 for your driving license, and remember to display a P-plate for the first year of driving! Should you unfortunately fail your driving test, you shouldn't be too worried - just go for more lessons, brush up your skills and book another practical test.
Now that you know what the process to get a driving license is like, maybe you would want to start off on the process. You can visit the respective websites of Bukit Batok Driving Centre, ComforDelGro Driving Centre and Singapore Safety Driving Centre to enrol for your desired driving course now.
Here are some other articles that you might be interested in:
Should you rent or purchase your next car?
Car sharing in Singapore: Let's talk about insurance for drivers
Easy to drive compact crossovers for newbie drivers (Part 1)
Fuel economy hacks that will benefit newbie and seasoned drivers
First-time car buyer: Choosing the right car
Sgcarmart
Join the Sgcarmart Community
Become a Community member to enjoy exclusive promos & freebies for you and your car!
- Be the first to enjoy exclusive promos & giveaways
- Enjoy membership perks for Sgcarmart services