How do you convert a foreign driving licence in Singapore in 2026?

Under the Road Traffic Act, a holder of a valid foreign driving licence may generally drive a matching vehicle class for up to 12 months from the date of last entry into Singapore, subject to exceptions. That short-stay recognition does not apply to Singapore citizens or permanent residents in the same way, and work-pass drivers who drive for hire or under an employment contract face tighter rules. SPF also flags foreigners residing more than 12 months, and certain Work Permit or S Pass driver roles, as needing a Singapore licence.

If the foreign licence is not in English, carry an International Driving Permit or an official translation when you drive. COE (Certificate of Entitlement) car ownership costs, Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gantries and Certificate of Entitlement-era parking fees are separate decisions from licence legality: Utilities, internet, and transport. Many movers in central estates still rely on MRT first while they decide whether a car is worth it: Where to live.

1. Pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT) in Singapore at an authorised test centre.
2. Submit the Foreign Licence Pre-assessment through the SPF FormSG link. Eligible applicants receive a booking link; without that link you cannot book a counter slot.
3. Attend Traffic Police Headquarters at 10 Ubi Avenue 3 only after you have an appointment. The conversion application fee is currently S$50, payable by NETS, card or SGQR at the counter.

Bring the documents SPF lists for your identity type: passport, FIN card or work or long-term pass, current foreign licence, BTT result, a recent passport-size photo on a white background, and an extract of the licence record if the card does not show the first issue date. Non-English licences need an official translation by a Singapore-registered translation company. If you obtained the foreign licence after your first Singapore pass or PR grant, SPF can require proof of at least six months' physical stay within a 12-month period in the issuing country, using passports, employment, education or tax papers.

Work Pass, Dependant Pass and other long-term pass holders should also show first-entry evidence when the checklist asks for it. Finish pass issuance and keep your residential address current before you treat conversion as a weekend errand: Register your address. Sequence the whole move in Paperwork after moving.

Class 3 conversion can require a practical test on top of BTT for some applicants; SPF publishes the class rules on the same licence page. Conversion itself is in person; it is not a Singpass-only online issue of a Qualified Driving Licence from a foreign card.