Having a driving licence allows you to take a ride on your own in Singapore, no matter you are a local, a foreigner or a tourist. To enjoy the right, you need to remember the licence’s validity period and renew it when the time comes. In this article, we will break down all the things you have to do about renewing your driving licence in Singapore.
Renewal for senior citizens aged 65 and above
About 8 weeks before your 65th birthday, you should receive a letter informing you to go for a medical examination and a medical form. You can also download the medical examination form by clicking here. To get the form verified, make an appointment with a Singapore-registered medical practitioner (either from a government Polyclinic or a private clinic). Once you complete the medical examination report, submit it online to the Traffic Police in JPEG or PDF format.
For different types of driving licences, you can choose either to renew it online or go to Singapore Safety Driving Center. The materials required are different, too.
After that, you still need to pass the proficiency driving test to prove you are able to drive on your own.
| Class of Licence | Renew via |
| 2B, 2A, 2, 3, 3A | e-Services Log in using SingPass or FIN Number and Date of Birth |
| 4, 4A, 5 | Singapore Safety Driving Centre medical examination report valid Singapore Driving Licence work permit, employment/student/dependant pass, and/or other documents showing your extended stay in Singapore one matte finish passport-sized color photo with white background |
Renewal for citizens below 65
Not every driving licence holder is required to renew their licence. Citizens below 65 can have an exemption from driving licence renewal. If you’re a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident (PR), you don’t need to do it until you’re 65 years old. After your 65th birthday, you will need to renew your driving licence every three years.
Renewal for foreigner
If you are a foreigner and would like to continue driving in Singapore, you’ll need to renew your driving licence every five years. No reminder will be sent out so you have to keep in mind the expiry date. Before the expiry date, you can go to Traffic Police headquarters / online e-services to start the process.
For people who go to Traffic Police headquarters, these are the required documents you need to bring on the day you go to renew your driving licence:
- Passport
- Work permit/employment pass/student pass/dependant pass/or any other official proof of yout legal stay in Singapore
- Matt/semi-matt finish passport-size color photograph
- Orocessing fee( $50 in cash cards or NET only)
For people who go to online e-services, the steps to apply vary slightly between those who have a Singpass account and those who don’t. If you hold valid work passes or student/long-term passes, you can apply licence renewal by using your Singpass account in the e-service. In other cases, you can use your fin number and date of birth to log in.
Renewal for lost and damaged driving licence
If you have lost or damaged your driving licence, it is important to promptly apply for a new one. It is crucial not to drive without a licence in Singapore, as this can result in a $10,000 fine and three years of imprisonment. Repeat offenders will face a $20,000 fine and six years of imprisonment.
Regardless of your citizenship status, whether you are a Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or foreigner, you can apply for a replacement driving licence online. There is no penalty for losing your original licence, but you will still need to pay a $25 application fee, which can be done using eNETS or a credit card on the website.
If you happen to find your lost licence at a later date, remember to return it to the drop-box at the Traffic Police Headquarters or send it via registered mail to the specified address. Those who have received a replacement for a damaged licence will also need to return the original one.
Renewal if your licence was evoked
Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to renew or replace your licence if it was previously revoked. There’s a waiting period where you won’t be allowed to drive, after which, you’ll need to go through the entire process of getting a driving licence from scratch. That means you have to register for all the written and practical tests once again.
| Class of Licence | Tests | Mandatory Training Programme |
| All | Basic Theory TestRiding Theory Test (for motorcycle learner motorists only)Final Theory TestPractical driving or riding test | For Class 2B onlyExpressway Familiarisation Ride |
Different Types of Singapore Driving Licences
In Singapore, there are several types of driving licenses based on the class of vehicle you wish to drive. Here are the different types of driving licenses in Singapore:
Class 2: Motorcycle License:
Class 2B: Allows you to ride motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 200cc.
Class 2A: Allows you to ride motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 400cc.
Class 2: Allows you to ride motorcycles with an engine capacity exceeding 400cc.
Class 3: Motorcar License:
Class 3A: Allows you to drive motorcars with an unladen weight not exceeding 2,500kg and a maximum of 7 passengers.
Class 3: Allows you to drive motorcars with an unladen weight not exceeding 3,500kg and a maximum of 7 passengers.
Class 4: Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) License:
Class 4A: Allows you to drive HGVs with an unladen weight exceeding 3,500kg but not exceeding 5,000kg.
Class 4B: Allows you to drive HGVs with an unladen weight exceeding 5,000kg but not exceeding 8,000kg.
Class 4C: Allows you to drive HGVs with an unladen weight exceeding 8,000kg.
Class 5: Very Heavy Goods Vehicle (VHGV) License:
Class 5A: Allows you to drive VHGVs with an unladen weight exceeding 8,000kg but not exceeding 12,000kg.
Class 5B: Allows you to drive VHGVs with an unladen weight exceeding 12,000kg but not exceeding 20,000kg.
Class 5C: Allows you to drive VHGVs with an unladen weight exceeding 20,000kg.
Class 3C: Omnibus License:
Class 3C: Allows you to drive omnibuses with a seating capacity exceeding 7 passengers.
Class 4A: Light Goods Vehicle (LGV) License:
Class 4A: Allows you to drive LGVs with an unladen weight exceeding 2,500kg but not exceeding 3,500kg.
Class 5A: Light Very Heavy Goods Vehicle (LVHGV) License:
Class 5A: Allows you to drive LVHGVs with an unladen weight exceeding 3,500kg but not exceeding 5,000kg.
What’s the difference between renewing and applying for a driving licence?
Applying for a driving licence for the first time can cost more effort than the licence renewal.
First of all, you need to study and register for the Basic Theory Test(BTT), for which you have to pay $6.50. Once you’ve passed your BTT, it’s time to apply for a Provisional Driving Licence(PDL) through the Traffic Police’s e-service as mentioned earlier. With your PDL, you can take driving lessons either from a driving school or private driving instructors. The syllabus, training period and timings vary from school to school, so choose the one that aligns with your needs.
Before the final Practical Driving Test(PDT), another theory test is waiting for you, known as the Final Theory Test(FTT). The steps and costs to take the FTT are the same as with the BTT. After passing it, you are ready to get on the road to complete the PDT. It’s worth mentioning that there are 3 modules of the simulator course, which can help you get familiar with real driving.
The PDT is the final hurdle you need to pass before you can apply for your driving licence. Go to the local driving centers and bring the corresponding documents. This will cost you $50.
What should I do if my driving licence expires?
In some cases, people may be concerned about their driving licence approaching the expiry date or already expired but they are not in Singapore to renew their licence. The good news is you can still apply for a renewal as long as your driving licence has not exceeded more than 3 years.
If the driving licence has been expired for more than 3 years, you need to apply for a new one. And you have to sign up for written and practical tests all over again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, renewing a driver’s license is essential to ensure a smooth drive in Singapore. For Singaporeans, remember to renew your driving licence when you turn 65 years old. For foreigners who reside in Singapore, be aware of the expiration date and prepare for the renewal process in advance to avoid any inconvenience or legal penalties.
Dolores Xiao