Foreign Driving Licence Conversion in Singapore: Step-by-Step Process

If you plan to drive in Singapore long-term, converting your foreign licence is a legal requirement.

The following article provides a comprehensive overview of the Singapore foreign driver license conversion process, highlighting the key requirements and offering tips on how to get a compliant driving licence photo.

Table of contents

• Driving licence requirements for expats in Singapore: Who needs to convert VS who can drive under a foreign licence
• Who is eligible for a driving licence conversion in Singapore?
• Types of foreign driving licences that can be converted
• Step-by-step conversion procedure
• Documents required for foreign license conversion
• Driving licence photo requirements in Singapore
• Get a photo for your Singaporean driving licence online!
• ID Photo App
• Singaporean driving licence fees for expats
• How long does it take to convert a foreign driving license in Singapore
• FAQ

Driving licence requirements for expats in Singapore: Who needs to convert VS who can drive under a foreign licence

Foreigners living in Singapore can legally drive using their valid overseas driving licence along with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to one year. If their stay extends beyond a year, they're required to switch their foreign licence to a local one. This involves passing the Basic Theory Test (BTT) and following the official steps for a driving license exchange in Singapore.

If the stay is under a year:

• Expats may drive with their current foreign licence.
• An IDP is necessary unless the foreign licence is in English. ASEAN nationals are exempt from needing an IDP.
• Should an IDP not be available, an official English translation of the foreign licence is needed.

What about a Singapore driving license for an S Pass holder? If you are an S Pass holder and plan to stay for more than six months, you should convert your foreign driving licence. The same rule is applicable when applying for a Singapore driving licence for work permit holders.

If staying longer than a year:

• Conversion of a foreign driving license to a Singapore license is a must.
• You'll need to pass the BTT as part of the process.
• The conversion application must be submitted at the Traffic Police Test Centre with the necessary documents like your passport, relevant pass, foreign licence, photos, fees, and others.
• Malaysian licence holders also need to provide a driving record extract from JPJ Malaysia.

Who is eligible for a driving licence conversion in Singapore?

To be eligible for converting your foreign license to a Singaporean one, you should meet these criteria:

• You must be a foreigner living in Singapore with a valid pass such as an Employment Pass (EP), Student Pass (STP), Dependant’s Pass (DP), Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP), Work Permit (WP), or S-Pass, staying for more than a year (or more than six months for WP/S-Pass holders).
• Your foreign driving licence must be valid (non-expired).
• You should pass the BTT in Singapore. If you have passed it earlier, you may not need to retake it.
• Malaysian licence holders need an extract from JPJ (Malaysian Road Transport Department).
• If your foreign licence isn’t in English, an official translation or IDP is required.
• You must meet Singapore’s age and medical fitness criteria.
• Under Singapore law, the Singapore driving license conversion for PR must be completed within 90 days of obtaining permanent residency status to avoid retaking driving tests.

Types of foreign driving licences that can be converted

Foreign driving licences that can be converted to a Singaporean licence must meet certain conditions. These include:

• The licence should be valid and issued by the official licensing authority in the driver's home country.
• It should correspond to Singapore's driving categories for cars (e.g., Class 3, 3A, 3CA, 3C) or motorcycles (e.g., Class 2, 2A, 2B), which are the common categories eligible for conversion.
• Licences must come from countries with recognised licensing bodies, such as those from ASEAN countries like Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia (though Malaysian licence holders need to provide an official driving record extract from JPJ for the conversion).
• The licence should be held for a substantial period, typically more than a year, with proof of residency in the issuing country, ensuring it wasn't acquired just for easy conversion purposes.
• If the licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official English translation is required, unless the licence is from Brunei, Indonesia, or Malaysia, which are exempt from translation requirements.

Step-by-step conversion procedure

How do I convert my foreign driving license to a Singaporean one? Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Pass the BTT at one of these authorized driving centres: Bukit Batok Driving Centre, ComfortDelGro Driving Centre, or Singapore Safety Driving Centre. The test covers Singapore’s traffic regulations. If you’ve passed BTT previously, retaking it is unnecessary.
2. After passing the BTT, submit your conversion application either online via the FormSG portal or directly at the Traffic Police Headquarters. An email confirmation will be sent to acknowledge your application.
3. Allow up to six weeks for the Traffic Police to process your application. Once approved, you'll receive an email with an appointment date to visit the Traffic Police Headquarters.
4. Gather all necessary documents in their original and photocopied forms for your appointment.
5. Attend your scheduled appointment at the Traffic Police Headquarters, present your documents, and pay the conversion fee. Payment can be made via CashCard or NETS.
6. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your local driving licence, generally valid for five years.

Note: Unlike temporary pass holders, those undergoing PR driving license conversion in Singapore must surrender their foreign licence upon successful conversion to a Singaporean one.

Documents required for foreign license conversion

Here is a Singapore driving license conversion checklist:

• Your current valid foreign driving licence and a photocopy.
• Your passport and a photocopy.
• Your Singapore pass or NRIC and a photocopy.
• Basic Theory Test (BTT) result slip as evidence of passing the test.
• A recent passport-sized coloured photo.
• If you are a Malaysian licence holder, an official driving record from JPJ (Malaysian Road Transport Department) is required.
• For licences not in English, provide an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official English translation, except for licences from Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
• Additional documents, like an employment letter or income tax returns, may be needed to verify your work status.

Driving licence photo requirements in Singapore

Here are the specifications for the photo you need:

• The photo should measure 35 mm wide and 45 mm high.
• The face in the photo should occupy 25 mm to 35 mm from chin to top.
• It must be a clear, colour photo, not black and white or blurry.
• Use a plain white or off-white background.
• The photo should show your full face and shoulders, with a straight head position looking directly at the camera.
• Maintain a neutral expression: no smiling, open mouth, or closed eyes.
• It should be taken recently, ideally within the last six months.
• If printed, the photo should have a matte or semi-matte finish.
• Head coverings for medical or religious reasons are acceptable, but they shouldn't obscure the face, ears, or forehead.
• Ensure there are no sharp shadows; use even lighting to avoid red-eye effects.

Here is a photo example:

Get a photo for your Singaporean driving licence online!

For an easy and convenient way to get a photo that meets the requirements for your Singapore driving licence, consider using online services like Visafoto.com. This platform has been fine-tuning the process of creating compliant document photos since 2013 and knows how to meet the specific standards for passports, visas, driving licences, and more worldwide.

Getting started is simple: take a clear photo of yourself in natural light and upload it to Visafoto. You don’t need to worry about details like formatting, background, or proper sizing - we’ll handle all that for you!

Here's an example of the photo you could upload:

You'll receive a digital version suitable for online applications and a version ready for print. If you're not satisfied with the outcome, we offer a free redo. Plus, if your photo doesn't get accepted, we provide a full refund.

ID Photo App

For those who prefer using a mobile app, the 7ID App by Visafoto.com is a great choice. Available on both iPhones and Android devices, this app lets you create perfect ID, driving licence, passport, and visa photos directly from your phone.

To use 7ID, just upload your photo, select the document type and country, and the app will do the rest, making sure your photo meets all the official criteria, including size, format, background colour, and correct face position.

You'll receive a digital copy and a print template compatible with common paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5. If you need help or have questions, our support team is available to assist you.

Singaporean driving licence fees for expats

Singapore driving license cost for foreigners in 2025 is SGD 50 (around USD 39). You can pay this fee at the Traffic Police Headquarters using CashCard or NETS.

While the SGD 50 fee is the basic cost for licence issuance, the overall expense for getting or converting a driving licence in Singapore may fall between SGD 1,400 and SGD 2,700 (USD 1,090 to 2,101), factoring in lessons and tests depending on your personal choices and the number of lessons you decide to take.

How long does it take to convert a foreign driving license in Singapore

Singapore traffic police foreign driving license conversion typically takes between 6 and 10 weeks, from beginning the process to receiving your new licence.

FAQ

Can I drive in Singapore while waiting for my license conversion?

Yes, you can drive on your foreign licence during the initial grace period, which typically lasts for 12 months. Beyond this period, you must wait until you receive your converted driving licence to continue driving legally. There is no temporary permit available during the waiting period once the initial allowance expires.

What happens if my foreign license is not in English?

If your foreign driving licence is not in English, you'll need to provide an International Driving Permit (IDP) or get an official English translation to drive or convert your licence in Singapore. This translation should be done by the embassy or a certified notary of the issuing country, or by a Singapore-registered translation service. Note that translations are not needed for licences from Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Do I need to give up my foreign driving license?

Yes, when converting your foreign driving licence to a Singapore licence, you typically need to give up your foreign licence. After receiving your local driving licence, you can't use both documents to drive in Singapore.

How long is the Singapore license valid after conversion?

Once your foreign licence is converted, it is generally valid for 3 years, assuming you pass a medical exam by a Singapore-registered doctor. This 3-year validity renews until you turn 65. After that, renewals require a current medical report every three years for continued legal driving in Singapore.

What if I fail the Basic Theory Test (BTT)?

If you don’t pass the BTT in Singapore, you can simply schedule another attempt by paying the necessary fee. There’s no restriction on how many times you can take the BTT. However, passing this test is essential before you can convert your driving licence or progress to further driving tests.

Is there an expiry date for the theory test result?

In Singapore, once you pass the BTT, the result is valid indefinitely unless it is revoked, or you face suspension or disqualification by the Traffic Police. You won't need to retake the BTT after passing. On the other hand, the Final Theory Test (FTT) result is only valid for 2 years from the date passed.

Can tourists or short-term visitors convert a license?

No, licence conversion is specifically for foreigners residing in Singapore on a valid pass, such as an Employment Pass, Student Pass, Dependant's Pass, Work Permit, or for those with Permanent Resident status, intending to stay beyond the short-term driving period, usually up to 12 months.