The Motorist Guide to getting a driving licence in Singapore

It's time to ditch public transport and get your driving licence - your ticket to freedom, adventure, and one step closer to driving your dream car! But what are the costs you have to pay and the courses you should take?

Automatic (Class 3A) or manual (Class 3) driving licence?
When deciding between automatic (Class 3A) and manual (Class 3) for your driving licence and lessons, consider your personal preferences and driving needs. 

Automatic driving licence - Class 3A
Generally easier to learn because it eliminates the need to use a gearstick and clutch, making it ideal for driving in heavy traffic. Although most cars in Singapore are automatic, a Class 3A license restricts you to driving only automatic vehicles, which can be limiting when you travel to a country where manual cars are more common and you need to drive/rent one.

Manual driving licence - Class 3
Requires more skill and practice using a clutch pedal and making gearchanges. While it presents a steeper learning curve, it also offers greater control over the vehicle and a better understanding of car mechanics. With a Class 3 driving licence, you can drive both automatic and manual vehicles, providing more versatility.

Five-speed manual car (left) for Class 3 learner drivers, auto car for Class 3A (right).

In Singapore, there are three driving centres that you can enroll into to learn driving and become a qualified driver: Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC), ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC) and Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC). 

You will need to go through one of these three driving centres to complete your simulator lessons and driving tests, even if you sign up with a private driving instructor.

Once you’ve selected your preferred driving centre, you'll receive instructions for your eye and colour tests. Enrolment is valid for one year, so you should aim to complete all your lessons and obtain your licence within that time to avoid extra fees for an extension.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs for enrolment, eyesight test and digital photograph.

*Fees include 9% GST

Driving schools such as CDC offer structured training programmes.

Driving theory tests
As soon-to-be learner drivers, your first step is to attend the theory lessons and pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT) which requires a score of at least 45 out of 50 (or 90%). Once you've passed the BTT, you can apply for your Provisional Driving Licence (PDL), which costs $25 with a validity of two years, allowing you to drive on public roads during your lessons. 

While taking your driving lessons, you should also prepare for the Final Theory Test (FTT). Your FTT result is valid for two years, during which you must pass your practical test - otherwise, you will need to retake the FTT.

However, do note that the driving centres require their learners to pass the internal theory evaluation before they can book the actual theory tests.  

Private candidates are not required to attend theory lessons, but it's advisable to study independently before booking a test at one of the three driving schools.

*Fees include 9% GST

Practical driving lessons
The number of practical lessons behind the wheel varies, depending on whether you are a driving-centre student or a private learner. 

In driving schools, each lesson is 100 minutes, and students typically take around 20 to 25 lessons to complete the syllabus, often rotating between a fixed group of instructors. Some schools, such as SSDC, charge an extra fee of $8.72 per session if you request for a specific instructor. Private learners usually take 20 to 30 lessons, depending on the private instructor and one's individual progress. 

Driving simulators for learner drivers are less fun than video arcades, but more useful.

Simulator course
Before taking the final Practical Test, all learners are required to complete three driving-simulator lessons. These lessons provide a realistic and immersive driving experience, allowing learners to practise defensive driving in a safe environment. During simulator training, learners navigate various scenarios based on common causes of traffic accidents, such as high-speed cornering, not noticing cyclists in blind spots, and wet weather conditions.

Note: Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC) has an additional driving-simulator lesson that is compulsory, with a fee of $14.17 for a 50-minute session.

*Fees include 9% GST

Private driving instruction
Many people recommend finding a private driving instructor (PDI) because having a single instructor allows for consistent monitoring and tracking of your progress, lesson by lesson. 

With about 300 PDIs still in the business (as of 2024), choosing the right one can be challenging. Traditionally, recommendations are made through word-of-mouth. If you’re a student, chances are that one of your peers or family members could suggest a good PDI or perhaps warn you about a less favourable one.

In general, different PDIs charge different rates, but private students who have been at it for a while would tell you that prices have been steadily rising. In our office, we have one PDI student who just got her Class 3A licence. She was charged around $70 for each 90-minute lesson, which works out to about $47 an hour.

Tutorial aids such as tablets enhance the driver's learning process behind the wheel.

Final practical test
In the last few lessons before your final practical test, you should be doing a few rounds at a driving centre’s test circuit. Depending on the school, this would cost between $30 to $50.

After you completed your lessons and theory tests, it’s time to focus on your practical driving test. The test booking fee is $33, but that’s just the start. You'll also need to cover the costs for the test vehicle rental, and a warm-up session before the test. For driving-centre learner drivers, the fees are as follows:

*Fees include 9% GST

For private learners, other fees such as driving in the school’s circuit will be incurred. Depending on the school, the cost could range between $35 and $50.

Tip: Book your driving test for a time when you feel most comfortable and familiar with the traffic conditions. If your lessons have always been around a specific time, schedule your test for that same time period to maintain consistency. Schedule your driving test to be outside of bus-lane operating hours and morning/evening rush hour for smoother traffic and a less stressful experience.

If you pass your driving test... Congratulations!
You did it! After passing the test, you'll need to watch a safety video immediately and have your result slip endorsed by an authorised driving-centre employee. Thereafter, you can apply for a Qualified Driving Licence (QDL) online, which costs $50.

For both school and private learners, don't forget to terminate your driving-centre membership upon passing the test, especially if you have funds remaining in your account. The remaining amount will be refunded to you, approximately four to six weeks after termination.

If you fail your driving test... Don't give up!
Don't be discouraged! It's just another step on your journey to becoming a confident driver. Take a few more lessons, as recommended by your driving instructor, before booking another test and going through the process again. Keep practising, and you'll get there!

Below is our estimated breakdown of the total costs for getting a driving licence:

*Fees include 9% GST

Other fees

Of course, different driving centres may have additional requirements. Below is a list of extra fees that could be added to your driving costs, depending on your choice of school. 

*Fees include 9% GST

*Fees include 9% GST

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