In Singapore, public
transportation such as buses and trains have enabled citizens and tourists to
travel all around the city fairly easily. However, it still cannot beat the
comfort you get from driving your own vehicle. If you're a Singaporean and are
thinking of getting a driving license If you're however, traveling abroad,
owning an international driving license will be useful when you're dealing
with:
- Car rental
- Traffic violations
- Motor insurance claims
- Driver verification with photo identification
Not to mention you
will be saving on a sizable amount of transportation charges as well. I have
listed down some things that you need to note if you wish to apply for an
international driving license, or International Driving Permit (IDP), in
Singapore.
The Automobile Association of
Singapore
The only authorized
organization in Singapore that can issue the International Driving Permits is
the Automobile Association of Singapore (AA).
You can either choose to apply online, or walk-in at their offices. Do however take note that it will take 7 working days for your IDP to be processed and delivered to you if you choose to apply online, while walk-ins will usually take just an hour.
You can either choose to apply online, or walk-in at their offices. Do however take note that it will take 7 working days for your IDP to be processed and delivered to you if you choose to apply online, while walk-ins will usually take just an hour.
Cost and Validity
The International
Driving Permit only costs $20, and you will only need to renew it once every
year.
Requirements
Requirements
- You need a valid Singapore driving license, no matter if you're Singaporean, Permanent Resident, or a foreigner.
- Singaporean applicants must present BOTH a valid Singaporean Driving License and NRIC.
- Foreigners must present BOTH valid Singapore Driving License and Employment Pass/FIN card with at least 6 months of validity.
- The IDP cannot be issued to holders of valid foreign driving licenses. They must apply for the IDP in the country that issued their driving license.
Getting it Online
Just another
reminder, applying online will take 7 working days for the IDP to be delivered.
(4 days for processing your IDP, and 2-3 days for courier) If you are in a
hurry, walk-ins are greatly recommended. Refer to the section below about
walk-ins.
AA Singapore provides an application form on their website. Before filling up the form online, please ensure that you have these requirements on hand, which you will then attach them to your application form.
Requirements
AA Singapore provides an application form on their website. Before filling up the form online, please ensure that you have these requirements on hand, which you will then attach them to your application form.
Requirements
- A passport-sized photograph
- Must be taken within the last 2 years
- Clear resolution with your full face showing
- Photographs with watermarks will be rejected
- A scanned copy of your Singapore driving license (front and back)
- For Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, a scanned copy of your NRIC (front and back)
- For Foreigners, a scanned copy of your Employment Card or FIN Card
You can make payments with Paypal, or with your Credit or Debit Card.
Walk-In
|
51
AMK at Ang Mo Kio
|
There are two AA
Offices which you can go to for walk-ins.
Requirements
- Bring along BOTH your Singapore Driving License and NRIC/FIN Card.
- Your picture will be taken on-site free of charge.
- If you're applying on someone else's behalf:
- Bring along a scanned copy of his/her Singapore Driving License, NRIC/FIN Card, and his/her passport-sized photograph
Your IDP can be collected within an hour after the application.
Do I need to convert my Foreign Driving
License?
If
you are here in Singapore for a short period (less than 12 months) and possess
a valid foreign driving license, there is no need to convert your license to
drive in Singapore.
However, if your license is not written in English, you would need an International Driving Permit or an official English-translated version of your license.
If you are staying in Singapore for more than 12 months, you would need to apply for a Singapore Driving License.
To convert your foreign driving license, you first need to pass the Basic Theory Test. You can book for a BTT in one of the three driving centres in Singapore.
However, if your license is not written in English, you would need an International Driving Permit or an official English-translated version of your license.
If you are staying in Singapore for more than 12 months, you would need to apply for a Singapore Driving License.
To convert your foreign driving license, you first need to pass the Basic Theory Test. You can book for a BTT in one of the three driving centres in Singapore.
- Bukit Batok Driving Centre (at Bukit Batok West Avenue 5)
- ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (at Ubi Ave 4)
- Singapre Safety Driving Centre (at 2 Woodlands Industrial Park E4)
Then, you have to apply for conversion at the Traffic Police Test Center counter located in the driving centres in person. For more information, you would like to visit this site here.
Conclusion
As you can see,
getting an international driving license is actually really easy, so do apply
for one if you're planning to drive in Singapore!
Related Articles
To
learn more about driving licenses and owning a car in Singapore, the following
links will help you out.
Comments
Post a Comment