Find out how to apply for a vocational licence. If you want to find out about how to renew your vocational licence, visit here.
At a glance
Vocational Licence |
A vocational licence allows you to drive a taxi, private hire car or bus, or work as a bus attendant on a school bus in Singapore.
Each vocational licence is valid for 3 years. For vocational licences that allow you to drive, the statutory age limit is 75 years old. |
Applying for a Vocational Licence |
Check out the requirements and application process for the following licences: 1. Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence (TDVL) 2. Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence (PDVL) 3. Bus Driver's Vocational Licence (BDVL) 4. Bus Attendant's Vocational Licence (BAVL) 5. Omnibus Driver's Vocational Licence (ODVL)
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Related Digital Services |
If you already submitted an application, check the status of your application via GoBusiness Licensing portal > Login with Singpass > My Portfolio > Applications.
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Understanding vocational licence
To drive a taxi, private hire car or bus, or to work as a school bus attendant, you must have a vocational licence. Different vocational licences have different requirements.
The application process will take about 15 working days, if all the documents are in order.
Validity period for a vocational licence
Once your vocational licence is issued, it is valid for 3 years. However, if you are 67 years and above, the validity period of your vocational licence may be shorter. The statutory age limit for a vocational licence to drive vehicles is 75 years old.
Your vocational licence will be revoked if you are convicted in court, or if your driving licence has been disqualified or suspended for one year or more.
Applying for a vocational licence
The requirements and application process for each type of vocational licence are different.
Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence
Requirements
To apply for a Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence (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)
- Check your outstanding Medisave contributions 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.
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 1: Login to GoBusiness Licensing portal via Singpass.
Step 2: Under Licence Application, 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
- GCE “O”/“N” Level pass in English (at least a D7 grade)
OR
- at least a Level 3 pass in in the Listening, Reading and Speaking modules of the Workplace Literacy-Computer Adaptive Test (WPL-CAT). Visit British Council to find out how to take the test.
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.
Training Provider |
Contact Details |
ComfortDelGro Taxi | Citycab Building 600 Sin Ming Avenue, Level 1 Singapore 575733 Contact number: 6550 8681 |
NTUC LearningHub | NTUC Trade Union House 73 Bras Basah Road, #02-01 Contact Number: 6336 5482 https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/topics/taxi-private-hire-driver-vocational-licence-course/ |
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
Requirements
To apply for a Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (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)
- Check on your outstanding Medisave contributions 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.
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 1: Login to GoBusiness Licensing portal via Singpass.
Step 2: Under Licence Application, search for “PDVL”.
Step 3: Fill in the application form and upload these documents:
- GCE “O”/“N” Level pass in English (at least a D7 grade)
- at least a Level 3 pass in in the Listening, Reading and Speaking modules of the Workplace Literacy-Computer Adaptive Test (WPL-CAT). Visit British Council to find out how to take the test.
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.
Training Provider |
Contact Details |
ComfortDelGro Taxi | Citycab Building 600 Sin Ming Avenue, Level 1 Singapore 575733 Contact number: 6550 8681 |
NTUC LearningHub | NTUC Trade Union House 73 Bras Basah Road, #02-01 Contact Number: 6336 5482 https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/topics/taxi-private-hire-driver-vocational-licence-course/ |
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
Requirements
To apply for a Bus Driver’s Vocational Licence (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)
- Check on your outstanding Medisave contributions 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.
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 1: Login to GoBusiness Licensing portal via Singpass.
Step 2: Under Licence Application, 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.
Training Provider |
Contact Details |
Bukit Batok Driving Centre Ltd |
Bukit Batok Driving Centre Ltd 815 Bukit Batok West Ave 5, Singapore 659085 Contact number: 1800 666 8888 / (65) 6561 1233 |
ComfortDelGro Driving Centre |
ComfortDelGro Driving Centre 205 Ubi Ave 4, Singapore 408805 Contact number: (65) 6978 8199 |
ComfortDelGro Bus Pte Ltd |
ComfortDelGro Bus Pte Ltd 600 Sin Ming Avenue, CityCab Building, Level 1, Singapore 575733 Contact number: (65) 6550 8681 |
Singapore Safety Driving Centre
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Singapore Safety Driving Centre Woodlands Circuit (Main Office), 2, Woodlands Industrial Park E4, Singapore 757387 Contact number: (65) 6482 6060 |
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
Requirements
To apply for a Bus Attendant’s Vocational Licence (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
- Check on your outstanding Medisave contributions 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
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 1: Login to GoBusiness Licensing portal via Singpass.
Step 2: Under Licence Application, 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.
Training Provider |
Contact Details |
Bukit Batok Driving Centre Ltd
|
Bukit Batok Driving Centre Ltd 815 Bukit Batok West Ave 5, Singapore 659085 Contact number: 1800 666 8888 / (65) 6561 1233 |
ComfortDelGro Driving Centre
|
ComfortDelGro Driving Centre 205 Ubi Ave 4, Singapore 408805 Contact number: (65) 6978 8199 |
Singapore Safety Driving Centre
|
Singapore Safety Driving Centre Woodlands Circuit (Main Office), 2, Woodlands Industrial Park E4, Singapore 757387 Contact number: (65) 6482 6060 |
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 directly contact a private bus operator.
Omnibus Driver’s Vocational Licence
Requirements
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 directly contact a public transport operator.