Driving Requirements in Singapore

Legal Requirement

Driving Licence

To drive a vehicle in Singapore, you must possess a valid Singapore driving licence for the class of vehicle that you want to drive. This requirement applies to all citizens and permanent residents of Singapore and also foreigners who are residing in Singapore for more than twelve (12) months. Foreigners who reside here for less than twelve (12) months must possess a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by an authorised body in their country of origin e.g. the Automobile Association (AA). If an International Driving Permit is not available, an official translation of your foreign licence in English is required. In the case of ASEAN nationals, you must possess a valid driving licence issued by the proper authority in your country, before you are allowed to drive in Singapore.

Classes of Driving Licence

The Singapore driving licence is categorised based on the following classification of Motor Vehicles:

Class 1 : Invalid Carriages

Class 2B : Motorcycles 400 cc

Class 3A : i) Motor Cars without clutch pedals <= 3000 kg <= 7 passengers, exclusive of the driver;
Class 3AA : ii) and Motor Tractors and other Motor Vehicles without clutch pedals of unladen weight <= 2500 kg.

Class 3 :
i) Motor Cars <= 3000 kg with <= 7 passengers, exclusive of the driver;
ii) and Motor Tractors and other Motor Vehicles 2500 kg.

Class 5 : Motor Vehicles not constructed to carry any load and the unladen weight > 7250 kg.

Traffic Permits

There are various types of traffic permits that you need to apply before you can use your vehicle on the road. For example, vehicle with load exceeding certain height, vehicle overhang exceeds certain length or transportation of excluded vehicle along expressways. This is to ensure the safety of other road users. It is an offence to use the road without a permit.

Source: Singapore Expats Forum

Read More »

10 Oct 2006
Singapore Expats Forum