Lifestyle

There Are Actually 11 Types Of Driving Licenses Here In Singapore

2021-10-03 , 11:09 am

Last Updated on 2024-07-09 , 9:27 am

Singapore is known for its efficient transportation system, and driving is an integral part of it.

If you’re planning to get behind the wheel in Singapore, it’s important to understand the different types of driving licenses available.

In fact, you might be surprised to learn that there are not just one but four actual types of Class 3 licenses in Singapore.

If you prefer to watch a video about this topic instead, here’s one we’ve done:

Prefer to read? Here goes.

Class 1: License for Persons with Disabilities

Let’s start with Class 1 license, which is dedicated to individuals with physical disabilities.

These licenses are specifically designed for persons suffering from defects or disabilities, and they are exclusively used by these individuals.

Class 2: License for Motorcycles

Moving on to Class 2 license, also known as the Motorcycle license, which has three variations: Class 2, Class 2A, and Class 2B.

Class 2 encompasses motorcycles with a cylinder capacity (CC) of more than 400 cubic centimeters.

On the other hand, Class 2A consists of bikes with less than 400CC, while Class 2B is for bikes with less than 200CC.

In simple terms, Class 2B is for small bikes, Class 2A is for middle-sized bikes, and Class 2 is for big bikes.

Class 3: License for Cars and Light Vehicles

Class 3 license is for vehicles that can carry up to 7 people and have an unladen weight not exceeding 2,500 kg.

There are four types of Class 3 licenses available: Class 3, Class 3A, Class 3C, and Class 3CA.

The Class 3 license allows you to drive both manual and automatic transmission vehicles.

However, the Class 3A license is restricted to driving automatic transmission vehicles only.

Class 3C license was introduced in 2015 and is specifically for foreign workers holding a work permit or S-Pass.

If they already have a driving license from their home country, they are only required to take a theory test in Singapore to obtain a Class 3C license.

However, to obtain a Class 3 license, foreign workers must pass both theory and practical tests. It’s important to note that the Class 3C license only allows driving cars and not other lightweight vehicles like vans.

As for Class 3CA, it is intended for foreigners who possess an overseas auto-transmission driving license.

After taking a theory test in Singapore, they will be eligible to drive automatic cars.

Class 4: License for Heavy Vehicles

Class 4 license is for driving the big boys – vehicles that weigh more than 2,500kg but less than 7,250kg.

This category includes buses, trucks, and other large vehicles.

Bus Captains from SBS Transit, for instance, hold a special license called Class 4A, which is applicable when they are driving for the company.

Class 5: License for Extra-Large Vehicles

Finally, we have Class 5 license for even bigger vehicles, specifically those weighing more than 7,250kg.

This license is required for operating heavy vehicles on Singapore’s roads.

Vocational Driving License (VDL)

In addition to the aforementioned classes, there are vocational driving licenses (VDL) available for specific professions.

The VDL is divided into three types: Bus Driver Vocational License (BDVL), Private Hire Car Driver Vocational License (PDVL), and Taxi Driver Vocational License (TDVL).

As the names suggest, BDVL is for bus drivers, PDVL is for private-hire car drivers, and TDVL is for taxi drivers.

To obtain a vocational license, individuals need to have either one or two years of driving experience, along with a clean driving record.

These licenses also require renewal every three years.