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 more than 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. Self-employed persons applying for licences must be up-to-date with their MediSave contributions. 

• Self-employed persons are required to contribute to their CPF MediSave Account, to ensure they have sufficient savings for their healthcare needs.
• Licence will only be processed if you are up-to-date with your MediSave contributions – either paid in full or have an active GIRO arrangement with CPF Board.
• To check if you are eligible for licence application or renewal, you may refer to the CPFB’S FAQ site here.

For more information on CPF contributions as a self-employed person, you may also refer to CPFB’s 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 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.

TDVL or PDVL Application User Guide (PDF, 1,1 MB)

Step 1: Login to GoBusiness portal via Singpass or Login ID.

Step 2: Go to “Licences” and click “Apply Licences”.

Step 3: Select “Apply for Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence (TDVL)” from the drop-down list and click “Apply”.

Step 4: Read the details of TDVL and click “Apply”.

Step 5: Under “General Information” > “Profile”, select I am applying “as an applicant”.

Step 6: Fill up the required information under “Applicant Detail” and click “Application Details” to proceed.

Step 7: Read the General Guidelines for VL Applicants and under “Additional Applicant Particulars”, fill up all the mandatory fields.

Step 8: Complete the declaration 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 9: Check on the acknowledgement box and click “Review Form”.

Step 10: Review your details under “Review Form”. Once done, click on “Declaration”.

Step 11: Read through the declaration. Once done, check on the declaration box and click on “Make payment”.

Step 12: Proceed with the on-screen instruction to make a non-refundable payment of $40 using a credit card/debit card. You will see a notification that you have successfully submitted the application and payment has been made.

Step 13: Receive an Approval to Attend Course (ATC) letter from LTA within 15 working days, if all the documents are in order.

Step 14: 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, 332kB) 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 Approval to Attend Course (ATC) letter. Please do note that the cost of medical check-up and chest x-ray examination is not refundable. You are encouraged to wait for the ATC letter before completing the medical examination.

Step 15: Register for the TDVL training course and test with any one of the following providers.

Step 16: 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 more than 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. Self-employed persons applying for licences must be up-to-date with their MediSave contributions. 

• Self-employed persons are required to contribute to their CPF MediSave Account, to ensure they have sufficient savings for their healthcare needs.
• Licence will only be processed if you are up-to-date with your MediSave contributions – either paid in full or have an active GIRO arrangement with CPF Board.
• To check if you are eligible for licence application or renewal, you may refer to the CPFB’S FAQ site here.

For more information on CPF contributions as a self-employed person, you may also refer to CPFB’s 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 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.

TDVL or PDVL Application User Guide (PDF, 1.1MB)

Step 1: Login to GoBusiness portal via Singpass or Login ID.

Step 2: Go to “Licences” and click “Apply Licences”.

Step 3: Select “Apply for Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL)” from the drop-down list and click “Apply”.

Step 4: Read the details of PDVL and click “Apply”.

Step 5: Under “General Information” > “Profile”, select I am applying “as an applicant”.

Step 6: Fill up the required information under “Applicant Detail” and click “Application Details” to proceed.

Step 7: Read the General Guidelines for VL Applicants and under “Additional Applicant Particulars”, fill up all the mandatory fields.

Step 8: Complete the declaration 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 9: Check on the acknowledgement box and click “Review Form”.

Step 10: Review your details under “Review Form”. Once done, click on “Declaration”.

Step 11: Read through the declaration. Once done, check on the declaration box and click on “Make payment”.

Step 12: Proceed with the on-screen instruction to make a non-refundable payment of $40 using a credit card/debit card. You will see a notification that you have successfully submitted the application and payment has been made.

Step 13: Receive an Approval to Attend Course (ATC) letter from LTA within 15 working days, if all the documents are in order.

Step 14: 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, 332kB) 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 Approval to Attend Course (ATC) letter. Please do note that the cost of medical check-up and chest x-ray examination is not refundable. You are encouraged to wait for the ATC letter before completing the medical examination.

Step 15: Register for the PDVL training course and test with any one of the following providers.

Step 16: 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 more than 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. Self-employed persons applying for licences must be up-to-date with their MediSave contributions. 

• Self-employed persons are required to contribute to their CPF MediSave Account, to ensure they have sufficient savings for their healthcare needs.
• Licence will only be processed if you are up-to-date with your MediSave contributions – either paid in full or have an active GIRO arrangement with CPF Board.
• To check if you are eligible for licence application or renewal, you may refer to the CPFB’S FAQ site here.

For more information on CPF contributions as a self-employed person, you may also refer to CPFB’s 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 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.

BDVL Application User Guide (PDF, 1.1MB)

Step 1: Login to GoBusiness portal via Singpass or Login ID.

Step 2: Go to “Licences” and click “Apply Licences”.

Step 3: Select “Apply for Bus Driver’s Vocational Licence (BDVL)” from the drop-down list and click “Apply”.

Step 4: Read the details of BDVL and click “Apply”.

Step 5: Under “General Information” > “Profile”, select I am applying “as an applicant”.

Step 6: Fill up the required information under “Applicant Detail” and click “Application Details” to proceed.

Step 7: Read the General Guidelines for VL Applicants and under “Additional Applicant Particulars”, fill up all the mandatory fields.

Step 8: Complete the declaration and upload these documents:

1.     Passport-sized photo

FIN holder BDVL applicants need to upload these additional documents:

1. Driving licence
2. Approval letter by MOM or S Pass/Work Permit stating full name, FIN, occupation (Bus Driver/Bus Captain) and company name.
3. Employment letter stating “Bus Driver/Bus Captain” as your occupation.

Step 9: Check on the acknowledgement box and click “Review Form”.

Step 10: Review your details under “Review Form”. Once done, click on “Declaration”.

Step 11: Read through the declaration. Once done, check on the declaration box and click on “Make payment”.

Step 12: Proceed with the on-screen instruction to make a non-refundable payment of $40 using a credit card/debit card. You will see a notification that you have successfully submitted the application and payment has been made.

Step 13: Receive an Approval to Attend Course (ATC) letter from LTA within 15 working days, if all the documents are in order.

Step 14: 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, 332kB) 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 Approval to Attend Course (ATC) letter. Please do note that the cost of medical check-up and chest x-ray examination is not refundable. You are encouraged to wait for the ATC letter before completing the medical examination.

Step 15: 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 16: 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. Self-employed persons applying for licences must be up-to-date with their MediSave contributions. 

• Self-employed persons are required to contribute to their CPF MediSave Account, to ensure they have sufficient savings for their healthcare needs.
• Licence will only be processed if you are up-to-date with your MediSave contributions – either paid in full or have an active GIRO arrangement with CPF Board.
• To check if you are eligible for licence application or renewal, you may refer to the CPFB’S FAQ site here.

For more information on CPF contributions as a self-employed person, you may also refer to CPFB’s 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 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.

BAVL Application User Guide (PDF, 1.1MB)

Step 1: Login to GoBusiness portal via Singpass or Login ID.

Step 2: Go to “Licences” and click “Apply Licences”.

Step 3: Select “Apply for Bus Attendant’s Vocational Licence (BAVL)” from the drop-down list and click “Apply”.

Step 4: Read the details of BAVL and click “Apply”.

Step 5: Under “General Information” > “Profile”, select I am applying “as an applicant”.

Step 6: Fill up the required information under “Applicant Detail” and click “Application Details” to proceed.

Step 7: Read the General Guidelines for VL Applicants and under “Additional Applicant Particulars”, fill up all the mandatory fields.

Step 8: Complete the declaration and upload these documents:

1.     NRIC

2.     Passport-sized photo

Step 9: Check on the acknowledgement box and click “Review Form”.

Step 10: Review your details under “Review Form”. Once done, click on “Declaration”.

Step 11: Read through the declaration. Once done, check on the declaration box and click on “Make payment”.

Step 12: Proceed with the on-screen instruction to make a non-refundable payment of $40 using a credit card/debit card. You will see a notification that you have successfully submitted the application and payment has been made.

Step 13: Receive an Approval to Attend Course (ATC) letter from LTA within 15 working days, if all the documents are in order.

Step 14: 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, 332kB) 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 Approval to Attend Course (ATC) letter. Please do note that the cost of medical check-up and chest x-ray examination is not refundable. You are encouraged to wait for the ATC letter before completing the medical examination.

Step 15: 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 16: 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  portal.