Did you know that there are 11 different driving licence classes in Singapore? You’re most probably familiar with the Class 3/3A licence, as it’s a common one that people get after passing their driving tests.

But apart from that, there’s also something called the Class 2 licence, Class 4 licence, and Class 5 licence.

With so many licence classes available, it’s easy to feel confused as to which one you should go for. This easy guide will help you understand the different types of licence classes in Singapore so that you can make a better informed decision. 🙌

Driving licence classes in Singapore

Remember we said that there are 11 different driving licence classes in Singapore? They are as follows:

• Class 1
• Class 2
• Class 2A
• Class 2B
• Class 3
• Class 3A
• Class 3C
• Class 3CA
• Class 4
• Class 4A
• Class 5

Class 1 licence

(Photo: Torque)

A Class 1 licence is only issued to a person with physical disabilities. 

The vehicles that Class 1 licence holders are allowed to drive are known as invalid carriages, which are vehicles built specifically for use by physically disabled individuals. These vehicles have an unladen weight that is not beyond 250kg.

Class 2/2A/2B licences

(Photo: TopGear Singapore)

Class 2 licences specifically allow you to ride motorcycles. They’re further divided into 3 subclasses.

Class 2B

This is the most basic motorcycle licence every newbie will get once they’ve passed their tests. 

It allows you to ride smaller, less powerful motorcycles with cylinder capacities that are less than 200cc, or electric motorcycles that have power ratings less than 15kW. 

Class 2A

Class 2A is the middle ground between Class 2 and Class 2B. You’ll be able to upgrade to this licence 1 year after obtaining Class 2B.

This licence allows holders to ride motorcycles with cylinder capacities exceeding 200cc but beneath 400cc, or electric motorcycles with power ratings that exceed 15kW but do not exceed 25kW. 

Class 2

If there was a licence that would let you ride all bikes, it would be this one. 

The Class 2 licence allows the holder to operate motorcycles with a cylinder capacity exceeding 400cc, or an electric motorcycle with a power rating exceeding 25kW.

You’ll be able to get the Class 2 licence after 1 year of holding the Class 2A licence.

Class 3/3A/3C/3CA licences

(Photo: Carro)

The Class 3 licence is perhaps the most sought after in Singapore as it allows you to drive cars. It’s divided into 4 different subclasses.

Class 3

Class 3 is a very broad category, and it goes beyond cars to even include some vans! These are the vehicles you’ll be able to drive with a Class 3 driving licence:

• Cars that carry up to 7 passengers, excluding the driver, and have an unladen weight not exceeding 3,000kg. The average sedan and SUV falls under this category.
• Motor tractors and other motor vehicles that have an unladen weight that is not more than 2,500kg — such as smaller trucks and light construction vehicles.
• Ambulances and other medical transport vehicles that carry up to 7 people, not including the driver, and have an unladen weight under or equal to 3,000kg.

Class 3A

This class is inclusive of all Class 3 vehicles that can be driven without the use of a clutch pedal (aka automatic transmission). As many vehicles now use automatic transmission, it is the most common of the Class 3 subclasses.

Class 3C

A Class 3C licence allows the holder to drive vehicles that are not within the following categories:

• Motor tractors and other motor vehicles that have an unladen weight not more than 2,500kg.
• Ambulances and other medical transport vehicles that carry up to 7 people, not including the driver, and have an unladen weight under or equal to 3,000kg.

Class 3CA

In a similar vein to the Class 3A licence, this particular subclass lets the holder drive Class 3C vehicles that don’t have a clutch pedal.

In general, Class 3 licences are suitable for a wide range of drivers and not just people looking to drive a car. It all depends on your occupation and your needs, wants, and preferences of vehicle.

Class 4/4A licences

(Photo: Microsoft)

Think heavy vehicles like buses, large trucks, and cranes. This group of vehicles requires Class 4/4A licences to operate. Much like the others we’ve gone through, the subgroup of licences you want to get depends on your occupation. The difference between Class 4 and Class 4A is as follows:

Class 4: Class 4 licence is given to drivers who operate heavy motor vehicles and heavy motor tractors, with unladen weights that exceed 2,500kg. 

Class 4A: Class 4A is specifically for heavy motor vehicles which are omnibuses and are public service vehicles used on scheduled services which charge passengers distinct fares — in other words, a bus licence.

Class 5 licence

(Photo: SMRT Trains)

If you’ve ever wanted to be a train driver, this one’s the licence for you. Specifically, they allow you to drive the following vehicles:

• Light locomotives (trains) with an unladen weight of 11,500kg or less.
• Heavy locomotives (trains) with an unladen weight exceeding 11,500kg.

We hope this guide was helpful in helping you choose the vehicle licence you want to get. Now that you’re armed with your new knowledge, go forth and get that licence! 

And if you’re wondering how to get one, we’ve got you covered with our step-by-step guide to getting a driving licence.

(Featured photo adapted from: ROADS.SG)

To the freedom to move!
Adam 🚘