You’re finally ready to get behind the wheel and manoeuvre a car after what seems like an eternity of being a passenger. If you’re wondering where to get started and how to go about it, you’ve come to the right place. Put on your learner’s hat and read our step-by-step guide to getting a driving licence in Singapore.

Step 1: Study and register for the Basic Theory Test

First things first, you’ll need a Basic Theory Test (BTT) book and a Highway Code book. We recommend that you take the time to study and familiarise yourself with the rules of the road first before registering for the test. Once you’re prepared for the next step, go ahead and register for the BTT. The test costs $6.50, and you’ll be able to choose from 3 test centres across Singapore:

• Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC)
• Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC)
• ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC)

Please note that you’ll need to create an account with your preferred driving school before you can register for your BTT. This will incur some registration fees.

Tips:

• Remember to book your test early
• If you don’t wish to self-study, you can opt for theory lessons at your driving school where they go through what will be tested and give you mock tests. Of course, this comes with a fee, so we’d still recommend self-studying if you can.

Step 2: Apply for a Provisional Driving Licence

Once you’ve passed your BTT, it’s time to apply for a Provisional Driving Licence (PDL). You can do this on the Traffic Police website or the Police@SG mobile app. There’s a $25 fee, which can be paid online or over the counter at the Woodlands Test Centre (WTC). The fee is payable by either NETS or CashCard.

Step 3: Learn how to drive

(Photo: The Straits Times)

This is when the actual driving happens! You’ll need to choose between learning to drive at a driving school and with a private instructor.

If you pick the former, there’s a fixed syllabus that you’ll need to follow and a minimum number of lessons to complete before you can take the 2 final tests. Driving schools typically charge you anywhere from $72 to $82 for every 100-minute lesson.

On the other hand, a private instructor is much more flexible with the syllabus, training period, and timings. We really suggest that you ask around, research as much as you can, and read online reviews before choosing your instructor. Here’s a website where you can look for private instructors. Private instructors tend to charge $40 to $50 per hour (not inclusive of the $58 booking fee for the circuit).

Both driving schools and private instructors will also charge you enrolment fees.

Step 4: Register for the Final Theory Test

Hold on! Before taking the practical test, you’ll have to clear the last theory test, which is the Final Theory Test (FTT). The steps and cost to take the FTT are the same as the BTT. Book your test date at one of the 3 driving centres. Once you pass the test, you’ll have 2 years to complete your Practical Driving Test (PDT).

Step 5: Take the simulator lesson

(Photo: LANDER)

You’re almost there! But before your driving test, you’ll need to go through 3 compulsory modules of the simulator course. You can qualify for this as soon as you complete 5 practical lessons.

Step 6: The big day, aka your driving test

By now, you should be familiar with your theory, practical, and the slightly daunting acronyms of Singapore’s expressways. Your driving school or private instructor will let you know when you’re ready and book the PDT for you. The test fee is $33.

Your PDT comprises 2 parts and will be conducted by an examiner appointed by the Traffic Police. The first part will occur in the driving circuit, whereas the second part will be on public roads to test your road ethics and how well you abide by the rules.

We recommend that you stay alert and mindful on the road, as you can be given an immediate fail if you make a severe mistake, while minor mistakes will result in penalty points.

We’re rooting for you to pass this final hurdle on the first try, but don’t worry if you don’t. You can book 2 compulsory revision lessons and apply for a re-test. Once you pass, apply for your driving licence through the Traffic Police E-services or the Police@SG mobile app. This will cost you $50; payment can be made via eNETS or a credit card.

Driving with your new Singapore driving licence

Getting a driving licence marks a new chapter in your life! Even if you’re not into big commitments like purchasing a car right away, there are many carsharing options in Singapore that enable you to drive without burning a hole in your pocket or worrying about things like insurance and car maintenance.

As long as you’re a P-Plate holder who’s 25 or older, you’ll be able to drive a GetGo car. Sign up for an account, search for cars from thousands of locations islandwide, and access them easily through the GetGo app. Best of all, no deposit or membership fees are needed. Learn more.

Here’s how you can drive a GetGo with an international driving licence

If you live in Singapore for less than 12 months, you can drive a GetGo car with the driving licence issued by your country of origin — as long as you also have a valid International Driving Permit. Learn more about foreign driving licence requirements.

(Featured photo: The Heartlander Tourist)

To new beginnings!
Amanda 🥳