Vocational Licence Application

Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence (TDVL) holders are allowed to provide chauffeured services using either a taxi or a private hire car.

Requirements

To apply for a TDVL, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 30 years old at the point of application

2. Be a Singapore Citizen

3. Have a valid Class 3 or 3A Singapore driving licence for a continuous period of at least 1 year at the point of application

• An applicant with a suspended or disqualified driving licence may be considered after the suspension or disqualification is over

4. Be able to speak and read basic English

5. Have up-to-date MediSave contributions (if you are self-employed)

• You can check if you are eligible for licence application or renewal by logging in your CPF Self-employment dashboard using Singpass. For more information, you may refer to CPFB’s FAQ site here.

6. Have a clean criminal record

• An applicant who committed any serious offences such as rape, murder or kidnapping will not be considered
• Applicants who committed less serious offences may be considered after the sentence has been completed. A testimonial from the relevant authority may be requested on a case-by-case basis
• Applicants serving supervision orders may be considered after the supervision order is completed and continue to maintain a clean record.

How do I apply?

Submit your application through GoBusiness Licensing portal. You can use a computer, tablet (7 inch and above) or a smart phone (5.5 inch and above) to access the portal. 

Need some help? Check out the guide below.

Step-by-step guide on how to apply for a vocational licence via GoBusiness Licensing portal (PDF, 963kB)

Step 1: Login to GoBusiness Licensing portal via Singpass.

Step 2: Under Licence Application, select “Apply for New Licence” and search for “TDVL”.

Step 3: Fill in the application form and upload these documents:

1.    NRIC

2.    Passport-sized photo

3.    Education certificates to show proof of ability to speak and read basic English

• At least a D7 grade or equivalent in English for GCE “O”/”N” Level.

OR

• at least a Level 3 pass in the Listening, Reading and Speaking modules of the Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) assessments. Visit British Council to find out how to take the test. Please note that the test registration can only be done online via the British Council website.

Step 4: Pay a non-refundable application fee of $40 via credit card, debit card or PayPal.

Step 5: Receive an in-principle approval letter from LTA within 15 working days, if all the documents are in order.

Step 6: Undergo a medical check-up and chest x-ray.*

You can go to any Singapore-registered clinic or hospital, or SATA Diagnostic Centres for the medical check-up and chest x-ray examination. The LTA's Medical Examination Form (PDF, 799kB) must be completed and certified by a registered medical practitioner, while a radiologist must sign your chest x-ray report.

Submit your medical records to the training provider when registering for the course.

*You may choose to do your medical check-up and chest x-ray examination before receiving the in-principle approval. Please do note that the cost of medical check-up and chest x-ray examination is not refundable if your application is unsuccessful.

Step 7: Register for the TDVL training course and test with any one of the following providers.

Step 8: After passing the test, you will receive a Temporary Vocational Licence on the same day. You will be issued with a Digital LTA Vocational Licence on the Singpass app within 20 working days after passing your vocational licence tests. Please be assured that you may use your Temporary Vocational Licence to drive in the meantime.

With the launch of the Digital LTA Vocational Licence on the Singpass mobile application on 1 April 2023, LTA will no longer issue physical vocational licence cards for all new applicants who pass their test on/after 1 April 2023. It is no longer necessary for drivers to hold a physical VL card. Drivers can use their Digital LTA VL as an official identification document upon request by Authorities.

Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL) holders are allowed to provide chauffeured services using a private hire car only.

Requirements

To apply for a PDVL, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 30 years old at the point of application

2. Be a Singapore Citizen

3. Have a valid Class 3 or 3A Singapore driving licence for a continuous period of at least 1 year at the point of application

• An applicant with a suspended or disqualified driving licence may be considered after the suspension or disqualification is over

4. Be able to speak and read basic English

5. Have up-to-date MediSave contributions (if you are self-employed)

• You can check if you are eligible for licence application or renewal by logging in your CPF Self-employment dashboard using Singpass. For more information, you may refer to CPFB’s FAQ site here.

6. Have a clean criminal record

• An applicant who committed any serious offences such as rape, murder or kidnapping will not be considered
• Applicants who committed less serious offences may be considered after the sentence has been completed. A testimonial from the relevant authority may be requested on a case-by-case basis
• Applicants serving supervision orders may be considered after the supervision order is completed and continue to maintain a clean record.

How do I apply?

Submit your application through  GoBusiness Licensing portal. You can use a computer, tablet (7 inch and above) or a smart phone (5.5 inch and above) to access the portal. 

Need some help? Check out the guide below.

Step-by-step guide on how to apply for a vocational licence via GoBusiness Licensing portal (PDF, 963kB)

Step 1: Login to GoBusiness Licensing portal via Singpass.

Step 2: Under Licence Application, select “Apply for New Licence” and search for “PDVL”.

Step 3: Fill in the application form and upload these documents:

1.    NRIC

2.    Passport-sized photo

3.    Education certificates to show proof of ability to speak and read basic English

• At least a D7 grade or equivalent in English for GCE “O”/”N” Level.

OR

• at least a Level 3 pass in the Listening, Reading and Speaking modules of the Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) assessments. Visit British Council to find out how to take the test. Please note that the test registration can only be done online via the British Council website.

Step 4: Pay a non-refundable application fee of $40 via credit card, debit card or PayPal.

Step 5: Receive an in-principle approval letter from LTA within 15 working days, if all the documents are in order.

Step 6: Undergo a medical check-up and chest x-ray.*

You can go to any Singapore-registered clinic or hospital, or SATA Diagnostic Centres for the medical check-up and chest x-ray examination. The LTA's Medical Examination Form (PDF, 799kB) must be completed and certified by a registered medical practitioner, while a radiologist must sign your chest x-ray report.

Submit your medical records to the training provider when registering for the course.

*You may choose to do your medical check-up and chest x-ray examination before receiving the in-principle approval. Please do note that the cost of medical check-up and chest x-ray examination is not refundable if your application is unsuccessful.

Step 7: Register for the PDVL training course and test with any one of the following providers.

Step 8: After passing the test, you will receive a Temporary Vocational Licence on the same day. You will be issued with a Digital LTA Vocational Licence on the Singpass app within 20 working days after passing your vocational licence tests. Please be assured that you may use your Temporary Vocational Licence to drive in the meantime.

With the launch of the Digital LTA Vocational Licence on the Singpass mobile application on 1 April 2023, LTA will no longer issue physical vocational licence cards for all new applicants who pass their test on/after 1 April 2023. It is no longer necessary for drivers to hold a physical VL card. Drivers can use their Digital LTA VL as an official identification document upon request by Authorities.

Bus Driver's Vocational Licence (BDVL) is required for drivers of buses registered as Private Hire Buses, School Buses or Excursion Buses, associated with fare charges.

Requirements

To apply for a BDVL, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 21 years old at the point of application

2. Be a Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident, or a Work Permit holder with bus driver as your vocation

3. Have a valid Class 3 or 3A Singapore driving licence for a continuous period of at least 1 year at the point of application

• An applicant with a suspended or disqualified driving licence may be considered after the suspension or disqualification is over

4. Have up-to-date MediSave contributions (if you are self-employed)

• You can check if you are eligible for licence application or renewal by logging in your CPF Self-employment dashboard using Singpass. For more information, you may refer to CPFB’s FAQ site here.

5. Have a clean criminal record

• An applicant who committed any serious offences such as rape, murder or kidnapping will not be considered
• Applicants who committed less serious offences may be considered after the sentence has been completed. A testimonial from the relevant authority may be requested on a case-by-case basis
• Applicants serving supervision orders may be considered after the supervision order is completed and continue to maintain a clean record.

How do I apply?

Submit your application through GoBusiness Licensing portal. You can use a computer, tablet (7 inch and above) or a smart phone (5.5 inch and above) to access the portal. 

Need some help? Check out the guide below.

Step-by-step guide on how to apply for a vocational licence via GoBusiness Licensing portal (PDF, 963kB)

Step 1: Login to GoBusiness Licensing portal via Singpass.

Step 2: Under Licence Application, select “Apply for New Licence” and search for “BDVL”.

Step 3: Fill in the application form and upload these documents:

1.     Passport-sized photo

FIN holder BDVL applicants need to upload these additional documents:

1.     Employment Pass/S Pass/Work Permit stating “Bus Driver / Chauffeur” as your vocation

2.     Driving licence

3.   Approval letter by MOM stating name, FIN, occupation and company name

4.     Employment letter stating “Bus Driver/Chauffeur” as your occupation

Step 4: Pay a non-refundable application fee of $40 via credit card, debit card or PayPal.

Step 5: Receive an in-principle approval letter from LTA within 15 working days, if all the documents are in order.

Step 6: Undergo a medical check-up and chest x-ray.*

You can go to any Singapore-registered clinic or hospital, or SATA Diagnostic Centres for the medical check-up and chest x-ray examination. The LTA's Medical Examination Form (PDF, 799kB) must be completed and certified by a registered medical practitioner, while a radiologist must sign your chest x-ray report.

Submit your medical records to the training provider when registering for the course.

*You may choose to do your medical check-up and chest x-ray examination before receiving the in-principle approval. Please do note that the cost of medical check-up and chest x-ray examination is not refundable if your application is unsuccessful.

Step 7: Register for the BDVL training course and test with any one of the following providers.

Note: Charges apply for mobile calls to "1800" service lines and only calls made from regular land lines are free.

Step 8: After passing the test, you will receive a Temporary Vocational Licence on the same day. You will be issued with a Digital LTA Vocational Licence on the Singpass app within 20 working days after passing your vocational licence tests. Please be assured that you may use your Temporary Vocational Licence to drive in the meantime.

With the launch of the Digital LTA Vocational Licence on the Singpass mobile application on 1 April 2023, LTA will no longer issue physical vocational licence cards for all new applicants who pass their test on/after 1 April 2023. It is no longer necessary for drivers to hold a physical VL card. Drivers can use their Digital LTA VL as an official identification document upon request by Authorities.

Bus Attendant's Vocational Licence (BAVL) allows you to work as a bus attendant on a school bus in Singapore. This licence does not require you to hold a valid driving licence.

Requirements

To apply for a BAVL, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years old at the point of application

2. Be a Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident / Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus holder*

* Singapore Permanent Residents, or Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus holders must reside in Singapore for at least 3 years

3. Have up-to-date MediSave contributions (if you are self-employed) for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents only

• You can check if you are eligible for licence application or renewal by logging in your CPF Self-employment dashboard using Singpass. For more information, you may refer to CPFB’s FAQ site here.

4. Have a clean criminal record

• An applicant who committed any serious offences such as rape, murder or kidnapping will not be considered
• Applicants who committed less serious offences may be considered after the sentence has been completed. A testimonial from the relevant authority may be requested on a case-by-case basis
• Applicants serving supervision orders may be considered after the supervision order is completed and continue to maintain a clean record.

How do I apply? (For Singapore Citizen)

Submit your application through GoBusiness Licensing portal. You can use a computer, tablet (7 inch and above) or a smart phone (5.5 inch and above) to access the portal. 

Need some help? Check out the guide below.

Step-by-step guide on how to apply for a vocational licence via GoBusiness Licensing portal (PDF, 963kB)

Step 1: Login to GoBusiness Licensing portal via Singpass.

Step 2: Under Licence Application, select “Apply for New Licence” and search for “BAVL”.

Step 3: Fill in the application form and upload these documents:

1.     NRIC

2.     Passport-sized photo

Step 4: Pay a non-refundable application fee of $40 via credit card, debit card or PayPal.

Step 5: Receive an in-principle approval letter from LTA within 15 working days, if all the documents are in order.

Step 6: Undergo a medical check-up and chest x-ray.*

You can go to any Singapore-registered clinic or hospital, or SATA Diagnostic Centres for the medical check-up and chest x-ray examination. The LTA's Medical Examination Form (PDF, 799kB) must be completed and certified by a registered medical practitioner, while a radiologist must sign your chest x-ray report.

Submit your medical records to the training provider when registering for the course.

*You may choose to do your medical check-up and chest x-ray examination before receiving the in-principle approval. Please do note that the cost of medical check-up and chest x-ray examination is not refundable if your application is unsuccessful.

Step 7: Register for the BAVL training course with any one of the following providers.

Note: Charges apply for mobile calls to "1800" service lines and only calls made from regular land lines are free.

Step 8: You will be issued with a Digital LTA Vocational Licence on the Singpass app within 20 working days after completing your BAVL course.

With the launch of the Digital LTA Vocational Licence on the Singpass mobile application on 1 April 2023, LTA will no longer issue physical vocational licence cards for all new applicants who pass their test on/after 1 April 2023. It is no longer necessary to hold a physical VL card. VL holders can use their Digital LTA VL as an official identification document upon request by Authorities.

For Singapore Permanent Residents, or Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus holders, to apply, please contact a private bus operator directly.

This licence is valid only for omnibus drivers employed by a public transport operator (SBS Transit Ltd, SMRT Buses Ltd, Tower Transit Singapore, or Go-Ahead Singapore).

To apply, please contact a public transport operator directly.

TDVL holders are licensed to drive both a taxi and a private hire car, while PDVL holders are only licensed to drive private hire cars. Previously, PDVL holders who wished to drive a taxi would have to apply for a TDVL and undergo the TDVL course and test again.

In response to feedback from drivers during industry consultations, a new conversion course has been introduced in March 2022, to allow drivers to convert their PDVLs to TDVLs without them having to undergo the full two-day TDVL classroom training course. Applications for licence conversion have commenced from 28 March 2022 on the GoBusiness Licensing portal.