Foreigners Driving in Singapore: How to Convert Your Driving Licence

For foreigners residing in Singapore, understanding the process of converting their foreign driving licence to a Singaporean one is crucial, especially if they plan to drive during their stay. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to ensure that your transition on the road is as smooth as possible, adhering to local regulations and requirements.

Can I Convert My Driving Licence in Singapore?

If you’re a foreign national planning to reside in Singapore for an extended period, specifically more than 12 months, you might wonder, "Can I convert my driving license in Singapore?" The answer is yes, and it's mandatory to convert your foreign driving license to a Singaporean one. This requirement ensures that all drivers on Singapore roads are familiar with and understand the local road regulations.

If your current driving licence is issued in a language other than English, you must accompany it with an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country, or provide a professionally translated version of the licence in English. This is to ensure that the Traffic Police can verify the validity and details of your foreign licence without language barriers, facilitating smoother administrative processing and enhancing road safety.

Foreign Drivers Issued for	Issued for a Maximum of	Singapore Driving Licence Conversion
Short-term Pass Holder	30 days	Not Required
Social Visit Pass Holder	30 days	Not required
Long-term Pass Holder	2 years	Required
Student Pass (STP)	3 months	Not required
Employment Pass (EP)	2 years	Required
Long-term Visit Pass (LTVP)	3 years	Required
Work Permit (WP)	2 years	Required
S-Pass Holders	2 years	Required

 

Eligibility Criteria to Convert Your Foreign Driving Licence

To begin the licence conversion process, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT) at any of the driving centres in Singapore;
• Possess a valid qualified foreign driving licence;
• Possess an extract of the driving licence record from the Licensing Authority, indicating the date of first issue of the foreign driving licence and the date of expiry of the driving licence;
• Possess a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)

 

Conversion of International Driving Licences to a Singapore Driving License

Step 1: Take the Basic Theory Test (BTT)

Before converting your international licence, you must apply for the Basic Theory Test registration and successfully pass the test. This test evaluates your knowledge of Singapore’s traffic rules and regulations, ensuring that you are well-informed to drive safely on local roads.

Driving School	Bukit Batok Driving Centre	ComfortDelGro Driving Centre	Singapore Safety Driving Centre
Address	815 Bukit Batok West Ave 5, Singapore 659085	205 Ubi Ave 4, Singapore 408805	2 Woodlands Industrial Park E4, Singapore 757387
Phone Number	1800 666 8888	6841 8900 6848 0617	6482 6060

Step 2: Apply for Conversion

To apply for your licence conversion, visit the Traffic Police Headquarters, where you’ll need to submit the following documents:

• BTT result slips
• Original and photocopy of passport
• An original and photocopy of your valid driving licence (if your driving licence is not in English, you are required to bring along your International Driving Permit or an official translation of your driving licence in English)
• Supporting documents to prove 1-year residency in the country of issuance of driving licence with a physical residency of at least 6 months in the said country

The application fee is $50, payable by CashCard or Nets.

Note that translation is not required for driving licences issued in Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Indonesia. New Singapore citizens and permanent residents must convert their international driving licences within three months of obtaining citizenship or permanent resident status.

Step 3: Receive Your Singapore Driving Licence

Your Singapore driving licence will typically be issued about two weeks from the date of application. As a new holder, you will be placed on probation for a year. During this period, you must not accumulate more than 12 demerit points and are required to display a probation plate on your vehicle.

Latest Update for Conversion of Malaysia Driving License

From July 14, 2022, holders of Malaysian driving licences have been able to submit their applications for conversion online. This update not only simplifies the process for those wondering, "How to convert a Singapore license to a Malaysia licence?" but also expedites the timeframe, with results typically issued approximately two weeks from submission. This streamlined approach enhances convenience and efficiency for individuals needing to convert their driving licences between Singapore and Malaysia.

Importance of Certified Translation for Driving License Conversion

The accuracy of your foreign driving licence translation is critical for a successful conversion process in Singapore. Certified translations play a vital role in this context as they provide a level of authenticity and accuracy recognised by Singaporean authorities. These translations help eliminate any potential discrepancies in understanding the key information, such as the driver's name, date of birth, and licence details, which are crucial for verifying the legitimacy of the foreign licence.

Without certified translations, there is a risk of misinterpretation that could lead to delays or even rejection of your application for licence conversion. This is particularly important for licences issued in languages significantly different from English, where nuances in language might lead to significant errors in translation. Certified translators are equipped to handle these nuances, ensuring that every detail in your original document is accurately reflected in English. They use standardised procedures to maintain consistency, ensuring that the translated document meets the stringent requirements set by the Traffic Police and other regulatory bodies in Singapore. Such precision not only streamlines the approval process but also enhances your compliance with local driving laws and regulations.

Process to Getting Translation Services for Foreign Licence Conversion

Obtaining translation services in Singapore for your foreign driving licence is a structured and straightforward process that is crucial for ensuring your licence can be legally recognised in Singapore. Here’s how you can get your foreign licence translated effectively:

1. Documents required for translation
2. Receive an official quotation
3. Review the translated document upon completion. If your original licence is in Simplified Chinese, we’ll double-check that the transliterated names match your official documentation.
4. Proceed to certify the translated copy of the driving licence

Navigate Your Licence Conversion with Confidence

Successfully converting your foreign driving licence in Singapore requires a clear understanding of and compliance with specific local procedures and regulations. By ensuring that your key documents, especially your driving licence, are properly translated and certified, you can significantly reduce the risk of delays and complications in the conversion process. 

ACTC provides expert document translation services in Singapore that meet the rigorous standards set by Singaporean authorities, offering reliable and precise translations that can be trusted. With ACTC, you receive comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from the initial submission of documents to the final step of obtaining your certified Singapore driving licence. This commitment to quality and attention to detail ensures that every document is handled with the utmost care, making your transition as smooth as possible.

Trust ACTC to guide you through the conversion process with ease. Our expertise in navigating Singapore’s regulatory landscape allows you to focus on other aspects of your move or stay in Singapore, secure in the knowledge that your driving licence conversion is in capable hands. With ACTC’s support, you can look forward to a seamless integration into Singapore’s driving community, fully compliant and ready to take on the roads.