Driving in Singapore can sometimes be challenging, even for seasoned drivers.
Many new drivers, drivers with converted driving licenses (from a foreign license), and foreign license holders (tourists, expats living in Singapore in the first 12 months) may be confused about some rules and requirements, for example, Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), insurance, reporting accidents, renewing COE, car inspection, scrapping a car, paying road tax, finding a parking slot.
Some rules may be reviewed and changed from time to time.
So, we prepared these Singapore driving guides to help all drivers (including drivers-to-be) survive and enjoy driving in Singapore.
We will release new Singapore driving guides periodically after we verify the accuracy and clarity of the guides. If you cannot find the guide or info you need, you may check back later.
You can also leave your questions or requests related to driving in Singapore in the comment box at the bottom of the page. The community will help you get the answer or solution.
For guides on buying a car in Singapore, you may check this page.
For maintaining and servicing your car in Singapore, please check Singapore car maintenance guides page.
For driving to Malaysia, please check this page.
List of Singapore Driving Guides
Here is the list of released or coming-soon guides on driving in Singapore.
1). How to convert a foreign driving license to a Singapore driving license?
Get to know the requirements of conversion of foreign driving license to Singapore one.
If you hold a foreign driving license, you may be required to convert the foreign driving license to a Singapore license to drive legally in Singapore.
Of course, there are some exceptions.
This Driving in Singapore guide explains who can (and cannot) use a foreign driving license to drive in Singapore and the requirements and procedures for converting a foreign driving license to Singapore driving license.
Read on …
2). What are the speed limits of Singapore roads?
This driving in Singapore guide explains the different Singapore road speed limits to help you drive safely in Singapore.
The penalties for speeding in Singapore were also explained.
Read on …
3). Top 5 rules of driving in Singapore safely and legally during COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period
During the COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period (now till June 1, 2020), you need to follow some new rules and regulations (in addition to the existing rules, e.g., speed limit) to drive in Singapore.
This post summarizes the top 5 rules of driving in Singapore safely and legally during the COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period for private car drivers: stay at home unless you really need to go out, wear a mask if you and the passenger are not in the same household, not required to wear a mask when you drive alone or you and passengers are from the same household, park outside of public parks, and avoid Ulu places after sunset.
Read on to learn to drive in Singapore safely and legally during the COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period …
4). Car Insurance in Singapore
If you own a car in Singapore, you must have car insurance. It’s not just a legal requirement; it’s also a smart way to protect yourself and your car from unexpected accidents and damages.
But with so many different car insurance policies available, choosing the right one for your needs can be confusing. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about car insurance in Singapore.
Read on to learn more about car insurance in Singapore.
5). Singapore ERP (Electronic Road Pricing): 6 Facts You Need to Know
ERP is a system that charges drivers for using congested roads during peak hours, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion and improving overall road efficiency.
As a driver in Singapore, understanding the ERP system is integral to navigating the city’s roadways effectively, avoiding fines, and saving time.
This driving in Singapore guide aims to provide a concise guide to the top 6 facts you need to know about electronic road pricing in Singapore. We will explore the role of ERP, how it works, and the various ways you can pay for it. Additionally, we will discuss frequently asked questions about the system, such as the fines for non-compliance.
Read on to understand the ERP in Singapore.
6). Top 10 important driving rules in Singapore?
7). Where to park your car in Singapore?
8). Expressways in Singapore
9). What should you do if you are involved in a road accident?
10). How to maximize the benefits of your NCD (No Claim Discount)?
11). How to pay your road tax?
12). What is Singapore Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS)?
13). What modifications for your car are allowed in Singapore, and what are not?
14). Traffic cameras in Singapore
15). Which car parks are free in 2019?
16). Top 10 sites in Singapore you should drive to
17). When should you (and should not) renew the COE for your car?
18). and more to come …
Are you driving a car in Singapore now? Do you plan to drive in Singapore?
If you have any questions about driving in Singapore or if you want to share your driving experience in Singapore, please let us know in the comment box below.
The community will help you.
You can also reach us through:
Safe driving! Happy driving!
Prakash budhwani
Sir,
I have valid forign driving licence, i passed BTT here from comfort delgro and my forign licence i converted my forign licence to Singapore licence but my licence status showing i am not a valid provisional driving licence holder, so can i drive car on singapore roads or no?
simon
Of course you can. The Singapore driving license you got is a formal (full) license, not a provisional license. So you are not required to display the triangles either. But if you haven’t drived for a few years, or you used to drive on the right side of the road, it’s better to display the triangles. Most drivers will keep a longer distance from your car when they see the triangles.
The license status you checked on the traffic police website should have two parts. The first part should display license category and expire date. The second part is for provisional license holders only. If your license is a formal license, you will see the info you mentioned. This is normal, although the wording is a bit confusing.
Please note, in some other countries, for example, in Malaysia, you will get a provisional license when converting your foreign driving licence to Malaysian one. This is NOT the case in Singapore.
Dharmesh
I wish to convert my foreign driving license to Singapore DL, however foreign DL is paper based (not one with chip); is it a valid for conversion after BTT is passed ?
simon
As I know, as long as the driving license is valid, you can apply for the conversion. The officials know the details (format, class, type, …) of driving licenses in almost all countries.
Ali Md Rashed
Bangladeshi International driving permit can convert Singapore
simon
First, an international driving license is NOT a driving license. It is only a translation (or certification) of your driving license issued in your country. So, it MUST be used together with your Bangladeshi driving license when the international driving license is accepted.
Second, yes, you can apply to convert your Bangladeshi driving license to Singapore if the requirements are met, as explained in this post.
Lim Tze Chin
Can LTVP holder drive Malaysia registered vehicle in Singapore?
(LTVP holder With valid Singapore license)
simon
No, it is not allowed, as I know.
Singapore residents (including SC, PR, EP holders) and long-term passes (including LTVP, DP, student pass) holders are NOT allowed to drive a Malaysia-registered car or motorcycle in Singapore.
Work Pass holders who are not residents of Singapore may be allowed to drive a Malaysia-registered vehicle subject to some conditions.
Natalie
I’m a Singaporean citizen but have lived in the UK for many years and hold a UK driving licence. Will I able to drive in SG with my UK licence when returning to SG for a short holiday? The only clear guidance I can find relates to an IDP which it seems I don’t need as I’m not hiring a car and am staying for fewer than 30 days.
simon
As a Singaporean, as I know, you are actually not allowed to drive in Singapore with a foreign driving license. But I am not sure how it is enforced. Of course, if you are involved in an accident, then you may have some troubles.
For your case, it is better to find time to convert the UK license to Singapore one. After that, you can use your Singapore driving license while in Singapore, UK license in UK.