Complete Guide for Non-Singaporeans: How to Convert a Foreign Driving Licence in Singapore 2026
For car licences: Class 3 / 3A / 3C / 3CA
Last checked: 12 June 2026
This guide explains the current process for converting a valid foreign driving licence into a Singapore Driving Licence. It is written for foreigners, Permanent Residents, and new Singapore Citizens who already hold an overseas driving licence and want to drive legally in Singapore.
Step 1: Check Whether You Need to Convert Your Licence
You generally need to convert your foreign driving licence if you are:
A Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident who wants to continue driving in Singapore.
A foreigner residing in Singapore for more than 12 months.
A foreigner holding a Work Permit or S Pass who is employed as a driver.
A new Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident who has passed the allowed grace period for driving on a foreign licence.
If you are a foreigner staying in Singapore for less than 12 months, you may usually drive with a valid foreign driving licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
If your country does not issue an International Driving Permit, you may need an official English translation of your foreign licence.
ASEAN licence holders generally do not need an International Driving Permit, but the foreign licence must still be valid.
Step 2: Check Whether Your Foreign Licence Is Eligible
Before spending money on lessons, translations, or supporting documents, make sure your foreign licence is eligible for conversion.
Your foreign licence should generally be:
Valid and not expired.
Not suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
Issued by the proper licensing authority in the country of issue.
Supported by proof of first issue date if the licence card itself does not show it.
Supported by proof of residency in the issuing country if required.
You must also pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT) in Singapore before applying for conversion.
For Class 3 / 3A car licence conversion, you must generally be at least 18 years old.
Step 3: Understand Which Singapore Licence Class You May Receive
For normal car driving, the relevant Singapore licence classes are:
Class 3
Generally allows you to drive both manual and automatic cars.
Class 3A
Generally allows you to drive automatic cars only.
Class 3C
Generally allows you to drive motor cars up to 3,000 kg unladen weight with not more than 7 passengers excluding the driver.
Class 3CA
The automatic-only version of Class 3C.
Work Permit and S Pass holders who successfully convert a foreign car licence may be granted Class 3C or Class 3CA depending on their circumstances.
If you need to drive vans, pickups, light goods vehicles, minibuses, or vehicles for work purposes, check the exact Traffic Police requirements carefully. Additional testing may be required.
Step 4: Enrol at a Driving Centre and Book the Basic Theory Test (BTT)
To convert your licence, you must pass the Basic Theory Test in Singapore.
You can enrol through any of the following driving centres:
Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC)
ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC)
Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC)
The current BTT test fee is S$7.20 for bookings from 13 March 2026. This is scheduled to increase to S$8.00 from 13 March 2027.
Driving centres may also charge:
Enrolment fees
Administrative fees
Theory lesson fees
Practice session fees
Evaluation fees
These charges vary between centres, so always check the latest fees directly with the driving centre before registering.
Step 5: Study for the Basic Theory Test
The Basic Theory Test covers:
Singapore traffic rules
Road signs
Traffic signals
Safe driving practices
Traffic offences
Road safety principles
Driver responsibilities
You can prepare using:
Official SPF online learning resources
Official BTT practice questions
Driving centre theory lessons
Trial tests and mock exams
Theory handbooks
Do not assume the test is easy just because you already drive overseas. Many questions are specific to Singapore road rules and traffic regulations.
Step 6: Pass the Basic Theory Test
Once you pass BTT, keep your result details.
Passing BTT does not automatically convert your foreign licence. It simply makes you eligible to apply for foreign licence conversion, subject to Traffic Police approval.
Step 7: Obtain a Certified English Translation (If Required)
If your foreign driving licence is not in English, you must obtain a certified English translation.
For this guide, use:
LingoExpress
https://lingoexpress.com.sg
LingoExpress provides certified driving licence translations commonly used for Singapore driving licence conversion applications.
When contacting them, send clear scans or photos of both sides of your licence.
Make sure the translation includes:
Full name
Licence number
Date of birth (if shown)
Issue date
Expiry date
Vehicle classes or categories
Restrictions or endorsements
Issuing authority
Any remarks printed on the licence
Keep both the original licence and the certified translation. You may need both during the application process.
Step 8: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare clear digital copies for online submission and keep the originals ready for your Traffic Police appointment.
Commonly required documents include:
Passport
Prepare your current passport. If relevant, prepare previous passports that show your residency history or travel records.
Singapore Pass or NRIC
This may include your Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, Dependant Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, PR NRIC, or Singapore NRIC depending on your status.
Foreign Driving Licence
Prepare your original valid foreign driving licence.
Certified English Translation
Required if your licence is not in English.
BTT Result
Proof that you have passed the Basic Theory Test in Singapore.
Passport-Size Photograph
A recent colour photograph with a white background.
Licence Extract
May be required if your licence does not show the original issue date.
Endorsement Letter
May be required depending on the country that issued your licence.
Residency Proof
May be required to prove you physically lived in the country where the licence was issued.
Examples of residency proof include:
Passport entry and exit stamps
Employment records
Tax records
School records
Residence permits
Tenancy agreements
Utility bills
Other documents showing physical presence in the issuing country
Traffic Police may request additional documents depending on your circumstances.
Step 9: Country-Specific Document Requirements
Certain countries may require additional supporting documents.
Malaysia
You may need a JPJ letter showing:
Licence classes
Issue dates
Licence history
Keep the payment receipt as well.
India
You may need an endorsement or validity letter from the relevant Indian authority or embassy.
Keep the payment receipt if applicable.
Countries Where the Licence Does Not Show the First Issue Date
You may need an official licence extract from the issuing authority.
Countries Where the Licence Is Not in English
You will need a certified English translation.
Requirements vary from case to case, so do not rely solely on the licence card if important information is missing.
Step 10: Submit the Foreign Licence Pre-Assessment
The current process begins with the online Foreign Licence Pre-Assessment.
Do not go directly to Traffic Police Headquarters without first completing the pre-assessment process.
The typical process is:
Pass BTT.
Prepare all supporting documents.
Submit the Foreign Licence Pre-Assessment online.
Wait for Traffic Police to review the application.
Receive an email update.
If approved, receive appointment instructions.
Attend the appointment with your original documents.
Complete the conversion process.
Traffic Police currently advises applicants to allow approximately six weeks for review.
Only successful applicants will receive appointment details.
Step 11: Attend the Traffic Police Appointment
If your application is successful, you will receive appointment instructions by email.
Appointments are typically conducted at:
Traffic Police Headquarters
10 Ubi Avenue 3
Singapore 408865
Bring:
Original passport
Original Singapore pass or NRIC
Original foreign driving licence
Certified English translation (if applicable)
Licence extract (if applicable)
Endorsement letter (if applicable)
Residency proof (if applicable)
Passport-size photograph
Any additional documents requested by Traffic Police
You may also be asked to provide photocopies.
During the appointment, Traffic Police will verify your documents and assess your application.
If approved, you will need to pay the conversion fee.
The current conversion fee is S$50.
Accepted payment methods generally include:
NETS
Debit card
Credit card
SGQR
Step 12: After Approval
Once approved, your Singapore Driving Licence record will be created.
Eligible drivers can usually access their Digital Driving Licence through the Singpass app.
The Digital Driving Licence may display:
Licence class
Licence status
Demerit points
Other licence information
A physical driving licence card may still be useful when travelling overseas or in situations where digital verification is not accepted.
Foreigners should monitor their licence expiry dates carefully and renew their licences before expiry.
Estimated Cost
Your total cost will depend on your driving centre, supporting documents, and translation requirements.
Typical expenses include:
Basic Theory Test Fee
S$7.20 currently. Scheduled to increase to S$8.00 from 13 March 2027.
Driving Centre Fees
Varies depending on the centre and services selected.
Theory Practice and Evaluation Fees
Varies by centre.
Certified Translation by LingoExpress
Contact LingoExpress directly for a quotation.
Passport-Size Photograph
Varies depending on where the photo is taken.
Printing and Photocopying
Varies.
Traffic Police Conversion Fee
S$50.
A realistic budget should include driving centre fees, BTT fees, translation costs, document preparation costs, and the S$50 conversion fee.
Practical Tips
Start collecting your supporting documents as early as possible. Obtaining licence extracts, embassy letters, JPJ letters, or residency proof can take time.
Make sure your licence translation clearly states:
Licence class
Licence number
Issue date
Expiry date
Restrictions
Endorsements
Poor-quality scans and incomplete translations can delay processing.
Use clear scans or photographs when submitting documents online.
Monitor your email regularly after submitting the Foreign Licence Pre-Assessment, as appointment instructions and updates will be sent electronically.
Do not visit Traffic Police Headquarters without an appointment unless specifically instructed to do so.
Always check the latest requirements on the Singapore Traffic Police website before applying, as procedures, fees, and document requirements may change over time.
Useful Links
Official Traffic Police / SPF Resources
Singapore Driving Licence Information
https://www.police.gov.sg/Knowledge-Hub/Traffic/Traffic-Matters/Singapore-Driving-Licence
Foreign Driving Licence Conversion
https://www.police.gov.sg/E-Services/Book-Appointment-to-Convert-Foreign-Driving-Licence
BTT Practice Tests
https://www.police.gov.sg/E-Services/Practise-Driving-and-Riding-Theory-Test
Theory and Practical Test Waiting Times
https://www.police.gov.sg/Knowledge-Hub/Traffic/Traffic-Matters/Waiting-Time-and-Passing-Rates-of-Theory-and-Practical-Tests
Certified Driving Licence Translation
LingoExpress Driving Licence Translation
https://lingoexpress.com.sg/driving-license-translation-singapore
LingoExpress Contact Page
https://lingoexpress.com.sg/contact