Vocational Licence Application

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

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)

Conversion of Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL) to Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence (TDVL)

A new conversion course has been introduced in March 2022, to allow valid drivers to convert their PDVLs to TDVLs without having to undergo the full TDVL classroom training course. Applications for licence conversion commenced from 28 March 2022 on the GoBusiness Licensing portal.

Related Digital Services

If you have submitted an application, check the status of your application via GoBusiness Licensing portal > Login with Singpass > My Portfolio > Applications.

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. There is no statutory age limit set for a Bus Attendant's Vocational Licence (BAVL) holder.

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

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 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:

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.

• 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.

Training Provider

Contact Details

600 Sin Ming Avenue, Level 1

Contact number: 6550 8681

NTUC Trade Union House

73 Bras Basah Road, #02-01

Contact Number: 6336 5482

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

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 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:

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.

• 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.

Training Provider

Contact Details

600 Sin Ming Avenue, Level 1

Contact number: 6550 8681

NTUC Trade Union House

73 Bras Basah Road, #02-01

Contact Number: 6336 5482

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

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 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.

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

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

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 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:

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.

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 contact a private bus operator directly.

Omnibus Driver’s Vocational Licence

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.

Conversion of Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL) to Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence (TDVL)

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.

Benefits of Applying for a Licence Conversion

What are the benefits of applying for a licence conversion vs applying for the TDVL directly?

Besides having to undergo a shorter 8-hour conversion course, compared to a 16- hour TDVL course, the application fees and course fee for conversion are also more affordable compared to applying for a TDVL directly. Please refer to the comparison table below for more details.

Apply for a conversion of PDVL to TDVL

Apply for TDVL directly

Application Fee

Medical Examination

Existing PDVL holders are not required to undergo additional medical examination or chest x-ray for the purpose of applying for a licence conversion

TDVL applicants are required to undergo a medical assessment and chest x-ray at registered clinics as part of the application process.

Course and Test

8-hour conversion course: $125

Conversion Test: $10 (registration fee) + $10 (test fee for 2 papers)

Sub-total: $158.05 (incl. GST)

16-hour TDVL course: $250

TDVL Test: $10 (registration fee) + $15 (test fee for 3 papers)

Sub-total: $299.75 (incl. GST)

Validity of VL*

The converted TDVL will be valid for the remaining duration of the original PDVL.

TDVL will be valid for 3 years.

$339.75 + cost of medical assessment and chest X-ray

*If your PDVL is expiring, please ensure that you renew your licence before the completion of the TDVL conversion course. Please note that a renewal fee of $40 shall apply. For applicants aged 67 years old and above, the TDVL will be valid till the day before their 70th birthday. TDVL holders are required to pass an Assessment on Fitness to Drive prior to their 70th, 73rd and 74th birthdays in order to renew their licence.

Criteria and Procedure to Convert PDVL to TDVL

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. If you have passed the PDVL test recently, you will only be able to convert to TDVL after your PDVL expiry date is updated. 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. If you have passed the PDVL test recently, you will only be able to convert to TDVL after your PDVL expiry date is updated. 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 $28.04 (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.

Training Provider

Contact Details

600 Sin Ming Avenue

Level 1 Citycab Building

Contact number: 6550 8681