Foreign Driving License -> Singapore License

Being a legal driver in Singapore takes a bit of time and effort as a Malaysian.

For foreigners who wish to convert their driving license, it is compulsory that you sit and pass the Basic Theory Test.

Reserve a seat for this test early as there is usually a 2 months waiting period. It costs $6 for the test. But you will need to purchase (or borrow) the theory book to read for the test. It took me 15 mins to complete and pass the online test.

Then it starts getting tough.

There are only 3 centres you can take your test and convert your license in - Ubi, Woodlands and Bukit Batok.

Unfortunately, the closest to me is Ubi and I believe it has the most crowd. The wait is really long. They have only 3 counters. Although the staff are fairly efficient.

For Malaysians, the additional document required from us is the JPJ extract. The idea of visiting one of our government offices is dreadful. And do they not realise we are now based in Singapore?

There are "speculations" when it comes to the JPJ extract. I got mine done in JPJ Old Town and it was RM10. 

Two things I did not know:

1) If you have two vehicles (motorcycle and car) in your extract, you will need to get the JPJ officer to indicate the dates of issue separately for each vehicle. Alternatively, I finally got mine accepted (without the split) with my first original license.

2) If you are a PR, bring along your Entry Permit document. That is the original yellow document (with your picture) issued to you when you received your NRIC.

Here is the new thing the traffic police departments wants us to go through. As of 1st July 2014, all foreigners converting their licenses have to sit through this "Road Safety Video". This video runs for about 15mins. 

They will not proceed with payment ($50) for the license until you watch this video which has nothing to do with safety, rules and regulations in Singapore. No. The Traffic Police has decided to show clips on accidents and victims.

I was looking at some poor young kid (excited about her first license) looking freaked out.
 

 

 

Back to the police counter and the officer gave me a printout which works as my license pending the delivery of my physical card. They say that it is a month's wait.

 

But who cares. I can officially drive in Singapore!!!

 

I just need to get a car now.....

 

Useful Information 

 

3 Traffic Police stations for Conversion:

 

Woodlands Driving Test Centre

Level 1, co-located with the Singapore Safety Driving Centre ( http://www.ssdcl.com.sg/ ) at 2, Woodlands Industrial Park E4 Singapore 757387.

Bukit Batok Driving Test Centre

Level 2, co-located with the Bukit Batok Driving Centre (http://www.bbdc.sg ) at 815 Bukit Batok West Ave 5 Singapore 659085.

Kampong Ubi Test Centre

Level 2, co-located with ComfortDelgro Driving Centre (http://www.cdc.com.sg) at 205, Ubi Ave 4 Singapore 408805.

 

 

Useful Site:

 

More information on how to convert your driving license

http://driving-in-singapore.spf.gov.sg/services/driving_in_singapore/services/information.html

 

Simple process on how to convert driving license

http://www.ecitizen.gov.sg/Topics/Pages/Driving-in-Singapore-How-to-convert-a-foreign-driving-licence.aspx