After investing and immigrating to Singapore, anyone who has obtained a driver's license in China can convert it to a Singapore driver's license for the same class of vehicle. Perhaps for convenience, cost savings, or simply because you already hold a license, you can refer to this article to determine if you are eligible to convert your foreign driver's license into a Singaporean one.
Singapore Citizens and PRs. Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PRs) must use a local Singapore driver's license to operate a vehicle in Singapore. You must convert your license upon returning to Singapore or obtaining PR status. The conditions are as follows:
You must provide proof of residence abroad for more than one year due to study or work, with a total stay of no less than 6 months.
For PRs who already hold a 5-year Singapore driver's license, it must be replaced to reflect their NRIC number.
Foreigners. Holders of a Work Pass, Dependent Pass, or Student Pass who are over 18 years old may drive with a valid foreign license for Class 3, 3A, or 2B vehicles (for a period not exceeding 1 year). After one year, you must convert to a local Singapore driver's license. If the driver's license is not in English, an International Driving Permit or an official translation is required.
Please note that work pass holders are not permitted to drive for work-related purposes unless their work pass specifies "driver" or they have obtained approval from the Controller of Work Pass. Otherwise, your work pass may be revoked, and you may be subject to prosecution.
Types of Driver's Licenses Eligible for Conversion
Conversion is only granted for Class 2B and Class 3 qualified driver's licenses. Learner's permits cannot be converted. To obtain a Class 4 or Class 5 driver's license, you must undergo training and testing; there is no direct conversion for these classes.
Driver's License Conversion Procedure
To convert your driver's license, you must take the Basic Theory Test (BTT). You can book an exam date at one of the following three driving schools:
Ang Mo Kio Driving Test Centre, Level 3, co-located with the Singapore Safety Driving Centre
3 Ang Mo Kio St 62 Industrial Park 3 Singapore 569139.
Bukit Batok Driving Test Centre, Level 2, co-located with the Bukit Batok Driving Centre
815 Bukit Batok West Ave 5 Singapore 659085
Kampong Ubi Test Centre, Level 2, co-located with ComfortDelgro Driving Centre
205, Ubi Ave 4 Singapore 408805.
After passing the BTT, you can proceed with the license conversion at the Traffic Police Driving Test Centre (available at all three schools). You will need to bring the following documents:
Passport and NRIC/Entry Permit/Employment Pass/Social Visit Pass/Work Permit
A valid and qualified foreign driver's license
A processing fee of $50 (cash, CashCard, and NETS)
A passport-sized photograph with a white background, where your eyes are looking straight ahead and both ears and eyebrows are visible. You should not wear a hat unless for religious purposes, and glasses should not be tinted.
For those who have worked or studied abroad, proof of the number of days stayed is required.
Non-English driver's licenses require an additional International Driving Permit; otherwise, an official translation is needed. After obtaining the license, you must process a notarized certificate. This must be done in the location of your household registration or where your passport was issued.
