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Who is eligible to apply to convert PDVL to TDVL?

To apply for a PDVL to TDVL conversion, 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 PDVL.

•         Your converted licence will be valid for the remaining duration of the original PDVL. Check your PDVL status and expiry date here.

•         If your PDVL is expiring, you may be required to renew it before the licence conversion can take place

How do I apply to convert PDVL to TDVL?

Step 1: Make Sure Your PDVL Is Valid

Please make sure you are holding a valid Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL) before applying for the conversion. Check your PDVL status and expiry date here.

Step 2: Submit an application online to convert from PDVL to TDVL

Existing PDVL holders who wish to apply for a conversion to TDVL may submit your application through GoBusiness Licensing portal > Login using Singpass. Search for “TDVL” under licence application and follow the steps to apply for a TDVL. You will be charged $30 (instead of $40) at the payment page if you are an existing PDVL holder (i.e., with valid PDVL).

You can use a computer, tablet (7 inch and above) or a smart phone (5.5 inch and above) toggled to Desktop setting to access the GoBusiness Licensing portal. 

Step 3: Receive the In-Principle Approval from LTA

After submitting an application to convert your PDVL to TDVL, an in-principle approval letter will be sent to your email address within 15 working days if all the documents are in order.

Step 4: Undergo the PDVL to TDVL conversion course and test

You may then register for the PDVL to TDVL conversion course with the in-principle approval letter from LTA. You may register for the conversion course with any of the following training providers below.

You are required to register for the conversion course within 4 months and pass the competency test within 1 year from the date of LTA’s in-principle approval letter. If your PDVL expires while undergoing the conversion course and test, you will be required to renew your expired PDVL before LTA can issue you with the converted TDVL.

Step 5: LTA issues the converted TDVL

After completing the conversion course and test, you will be issued with a temporary TDVL on the same day to start driving a taxi or a Private Hire Car, while LTA processes the issuance of your converted TDVL. Due to overwhelming vocational licence application, please expect a longer processing time of at least 35 working days via registered mail. Please be assured that you may use your Temporary Vocational Licence to drive in the meantime.

After receiving your photocard licence, your temporary TDVL will become invalid. If you do not receive your photocard after 2 months, reach us via our online contact form.

Q1: Do I still have to renew my PDVL if I am applying for a conversion? What happens if my PDVL expires while I am undergoing the conversion course? Do I have to undergo a medical examination for the purpose of applying for a licence conversion?

A1: A converted Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence (TDVL) is only valid for the remaining period of the Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL). If your PDVL has expired or is due for renewal, you will first need to renew your PDVL before applying for a conversion.

While it is not a requirement for the licence conversion applicants to undergo medical examination or chest x-ray, applicants may still need to complete a medical assessment as part of the PDVL renewal requirements.

PDVL which has been expired by more than 3 years cannot be renewed, you will be required to apply for a new TDVL and undergo the full course and test. You may check our vocational licence application page for more information on TDVL application.

If your PDVL expires while undergoing the conversion course and test, you will be required to renew your expired PDVL before LTA can issue you with the converted TDVL.

Q2: How long do I have to complete the conversion course and test?

A2: You are required to register for the conversion course within 4 months and pass the competency test within 1 year from the date of LTA’s in-principle approval letter. Otherwise, your application will lapse. If your PDVL expires while undergoing the conversion course and test, you will be required to renew your expired PDVL before LTA can issue you with the converted TDVL.