Alright, folks, let’s talk about how I got my hands on a Singapore driving license. I’m not gonna lie, the whole process seemed pretty daunting at first, but once I got the ball rolling, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be.
Deciding on the License Type
First things first, I had to figure out what kind of license I wanted. There’s Class 3, which lets you drive both manual and automatic cars, and then there’s Class 3A, which is just for automatic cars. I went with Class 3 because, you know, why limit myself? I wanted to keep all my options wide open.
Choosing a Driving Centre
Next up, I had to pick a driving center. Singapore’s got a few of these, and I ended up going with ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC). It was pretty close to where I live, and I’d heard good things about their instructors. There’s also Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC) but CDC felt more convenient for me at that time.

The Basic Theory Test (BTT)
Before I could even think about getting behind the wheel, I had to pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT). I enrolled in the course at CDC, studied the materials they gave me, and took the test. It’s basically a bunch of multiple-choice questions about road rules and safety. I made sure I knew my stuff, and thankfully, I passed it on my first try. It wasn’t too tricky, just had to remember the rules.
Going the Private Driving Instructor (PDI) Route
Now, for the practical lessons, I decided to go with a Private Driving Instructor (PDI). It just seemed like a quicker way to get things done. I found a PDI who was available, and we started lessons almost right away. This was way faster than waiting for slots at the driving center. Plus, it was more flexible with my schedule.
Completing the Practical Lessons and Simulator Classes
- We did five practical lessons where I learned the basics of driving, maneuvering the car, parking, all that good stuff. My instructor was patient and explained things in a way I could understand.
- After those five lessons, I was able to book my simulator classes. The simulator was a bit weird at first, but it was a good way to practice in a safe environment. It felt like a video game, but more serious of course.
Applying for the Official Driving License
Once I finished all the required lessons and the simulator training, it was time to apply for the actual license. I went online to the Singapore Police Force’s e-Services portal and filled out the application. It was pretty straightforward, just had to provide my details and pay the fee. The whole process is designed to be user-friendly, so it was not difficult to figure out.
Getting My Digital Driving License
After I got my official license, I also found out about the Digital DL on the Singpass app. I downloaded the app and there it was, my digital driving license. It’s a cool feature because it means I always have my license with me on my phone. It is also much more convenient since I don’t have to worry about forgetting my physical license.
And that’s pretty much it! It took some time and effort, but now I’m cruising around Singapore with my very own driving license. If you’re thinking about getting yours, just take it one step at a time. It’s definitely achievable. Remember to study for the BTT, choose a good instructor or driving center, and follow the steps on the e-Services portal. You’ll be on the road in no time!