You are a driver for many years or you still have no driving license? Regardless of this living in Singapore might be easier if you have a car or at leas have a valid Singapore driving license. In fact it might be quite expensive to drive a car in Singapore, moreover the public transport is very well developed and the taxis are quite affordable.
However, on certain occasions having a valid Singapore driving license might be a great advantage, so read on to see what are the main things you need to know for getting a driving license in Singapore.
Obtaining a car license in Singapore is simple
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1. Do You Already Have A Driving License?
If you have an international diving license, there is no need to hurry to obtain a Singapore driving license. Your international driving license is valid a period of 6 months. The only thing that should be done to get an international driving license is to go to the Automobile Association in your country or to the same association in Singapore. After the initial 6 months you will need to convert the driving license into a Singapore driving license.
2. Taking The Basic Theory Test
There's a test you need to take to convert your driving license to a Singaporean one. This test is called a Basic Theory Test (BTT). If you're worried about passing the test, it is not harder than the driving license test that you’ve held when obtaining your first driving license. The difference is that you will need to learn the Singapore traffic rules and regulations and some of them might be slightly different than the regulations in your country.
3. Singapore Driving Centers
The Basic Theory Test (BTT) can be booked with one of the three driving centers in Singapore - Bukit Batok Driving Center, Comfort Driving Center or the Singapore Safety Driving Center.
Now you are already thinking how to choose a driving center from the above three. The Comfort Driving Center operates since 1996 and can provide you with professional service. There are various courses so you can choose the one which is best for you. Moreover their e-learner center allows you to study from the comfort of your home or office.
The Singapore Safety Driving Center has an online registration form for foreigners who are applying to convert their driving license. Moreover there are simulator facilities available to test your driving skills.
You can get a Singapore driving license in by taking the Traffic Police Basic Theory Test at the Bukit Batok Driving Center. The Bukit Batok Driving Center is one of the most advanced driving centers in the South East Asia region. It is established in 1988 and officially opened in 1990. They usually have promotional courses so you can save some money as well.
4. Now Convert Your License
Once you have passed successfully the Basic Theory Test you can go and convert your driving license. This is done at the Singapore Traffic Police Headquarters. Go there in person bringing the following documents:
Application Form
BBT Test Results
Passport
employment /dependants pass
A recent passport-size photo
Valid foreign driving license and a translation of your foreign license if it is not in English
5. Receiving Your License
Your Singapore driving license will be ready within two weeks and will be sent to your registered postal address. Once you get it there is no longer need to carry your international driving license with you. If you don’t have a driving license at all, than you will have to attend to the Practical Driving Test. It is held at the Singapore Traffic Police only if the BTT is successfully passed.
What’s specific in Singapore is that a novice license holder undergoes a 1 year probation period. If this is your case be extra careful when driving as you should not accumulate more than 13 demerit points within a period of 12 months. In case this happens, your Singapore driving license will be revoked or your driving permission suspended.
Conclusion
Getting a Singapore driving license might not be complicated if you put up some effort in planning everything in advance. The main things to remember are to be extra careful when driving in Singapore as their traffic regulations are quite strict.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense as in many other countries. Driving and using a cell phone without a hands-free set is also considered quite serious offence. The offenders might be charged in court or even jailed. Our advice is to drive with your international driving license if you are not staying in Singapore for more than 12 months. If you need to convert it to a Singapore driving license, than do so but drive only when it is really necessary.
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