SINGAPORE DRIVER'S LICENSE

Singapore has an efficient public transportation system and an excellent taxi service. Affordable rides can be booked via smartphone apps. Those who wish to continue driving may need to apply for a driver's license, depending on their residency status.

DRIVING IN SINGAPORE FOR TEMPORARY VISITORS
Tourists or temporary visitors to Singapore can drive with a valid foreign driver's license and a Singaporean driver's license issued by the authorities in their home country. International driving permits are usually issued by the relevant authorities, although other bodies such as the Automobile Association (AA) can also issue international driving permits. If an international driving permit is not available, official English translations are required. ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) members can drive in Singapore without an international driving permit. For further information on obtaining translations or an international driving permit, contact the authorities that issued your current driver's license, as these vary and may change over time.

DRIVING IN SINGAPORE FOR LONG-TERM RESIDENTS
After 12 months in Singapore, a local driver's license is required. Permanent residents, students, and long-term residents must apply for a local driver's license. When applying, you must provide proof of legality; this can be done by submitting a work contract or proof of your degree program. New citizens and permanent residents must convert their foreign driver's license within three months of obtaining their new status.

To apply for a local driver's license, you must pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT) at one of Singapore's three recognized schools. Upon successful completion, you can exchange your national driver's license for a local driver's license at a traffic police driving test center. Required documents:

Original and photocopy of your passport and residence documents
Original and photocopy of your valid foreign driving license
A recent, matte color passport-sized photo of you with a white background (more information available online)
A processing fee of 50 SGD (payment only by debit card or NETS card)
A translation of your driving license (if not in English)
Information about the first issue date of your driving license
Additional documentation requirements apply to Singapore citizens and permanent residents. This includes proof that you have worked or studied abroad for at least one year. If your driver's license has expired, you will need documents detailing your test date, the date your license was issued, and your driving record.

Driving licenses for foreign nationals are valid for five years from the date of issue. Renewals should be applied for within one month of the expiration date. Driving licenses for Singapore citizens and permanent residents are valid indefinitely and do not require renewal.

SPECIAL CASES
Heavy vehicle driving licenses cannot be converted. Applicants must enroll in a driving school and pass the relevant driving tests before they are permitted to drive in Singapore. The same applies to motorcycle licenses, which in some countries are automatically issued with a car license. If you want to drive a motorcycle, you must pass the relevant tests and cannot automatically convert your license.

Useful links:

Singapore Traffic Police www.police.gov.sg
International Driving License www.idlservice.com
Singapore Police www.police.gov.sg

KOREAN DRIVING LICENSE TRANSLATION SINGAPORE
Korean Driver's License Translation Singapore We offer Korean driver's license translations in Singapore.

All translations of Korean driving licenses into English are done by professional and certified translators.

You will typically receive a quote for Korean driver's license translations within two hours, along with payment instructions. Once the translation is complete, you will receive an electronic copy. The certified and stamped translation of your Korean driver's license will be mailed to your specified address.

TRANSLATION FROM KOREAN TO ENGLISH
Please first send us a clear scan or photo of the front and back of your driver's license using the form on this page.

DRIVING IN SINGAPORE
VALIDITY OF FOREIGN DRIVING LICENSES
SINGAPORE – TRAVEL & LEISURE
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Driving in Singapore

For short-term stays in Singapore, no additional documents are required if the visitor holds a valid driver's license in English. If the driver's license is issued in another language, either an official English translation or an international driver's license is required.

For stays of more than 12 months, visitors must convert their driver's license into a Singaporean one. Furthermore, their foreign driver's license must be converted into a Singaporean one.

Individuals living in Singapore with a Student Pass, Work Pass, Dependency Pass, or Work Permit can apply for a Singapore Driver's License as soon as possible. All they need to do is pass the basic theory test, which will familiarize them with Singapore's traffic rules.

It is important to note that in Singapore, it is strictly prohibited to drive for work purposes while holding a work pass unless the work pass specifically states “driver” or the work pass officer grants permission.