Like most other countries in the world, you need a driving license to be able to drive a motor vehicle anywhere in Singapore. You can get a driving license once you turn 18 in Singapore and continue to have it for your lifespan but after the age of 65, you will be required to undergo a medical clearance to be eligible to drive.
Before getting a full driving license, you will have to undergo a driving course to prepare for the driving license test. The first step to obtaining any one of the 11 classes of driving license is to take the Basic Theory Test through any registered driving school in Singapore. Once you pass this test, you will be allowed to take driving lessons at the school and go out on the roads for practicals with your driving instructor. After passing the practical exam, you will then receive your full driving license, also known as Qualified Driving License (QDL) that allows you to drive in Singapore. Do remember that you will be under probation for the first 12 months of receiving your QDL. During this period, you will have to display a probation board on your vehicle and your license can be revoked with just 12 demerit points during this period.
In total, Singapore has 11 driving license classes. Class 1 is reserved for drivers with physical disabilities. Class 2, 2A and 2B are for motorcycle riders. Class 3 licenses along with 3A, 3C and 3CA are given to car owners. Class 4A is given for driving buses. Classes 4 and 5 are reserved for heavy motor drivers like trucks and vans. To be able to apply for a class 4 license, you must first have a class 3 license and to be eligible to apply for a class 5 license, you must first have a class 4 license. The minimum age for driving vehicles in classes 4 and 5 is 21 years as opposed to 18 years for classes 1 to 3.
If you are an expat in Singapore, you will be able to drive with a license from your home country. If your license is not in English, then you will have to obtain an international driving permit. You will be able to use your international license for up to 12 months, which after that you will have to convert to a local Singapore driving license. If you become a Singapore permanent resident, you will need to take the local driving test to qualify for the QDL.
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