Driving License Classes & Types in Singapore

At what age can you drive in Singapore?

The minimum age requirement to drive and obtain a driving licence in Singapore varies depending on the licence class. Here are the legal driving age requirements for each class:

Class 2B: 18 years old

Class 2A: 19 years old

Class 2: 20 years old

Class 3, Class 3A, Class 4, and Class 5: 18 years old

It's important to note that these age requirements are the minimum age to apply for the respective classes of licence, and additional requirements, such as passing the required tests, must also be met.

How can I apply for a Qualified Driving License (QDL) online?

In Singapore, the Qualified Driving License (QDL) is the standard driving licence that allows you to drive most types of vehicles. You can apply for a QDL online through the Singapore Police Force (SPF) e-services portal. The application process typically involves completing an online application form, providing the necessary documents, and scheduling and passing the required tests, including a theory test and a practical driving test.

Do I have to apply for a new QDL if I want to upgrade my licence class?

Yes, if you wish to upgrade your licence class to drive a different type of vehicle, you will need to apply for a new QDL corresponding to the higher licence class. For example, if you hold a Class 3 licence and wish to drive a Class 4 vehicle, you will need to apply for a new QDL for Class 4 and meet the requirements for that licence class.

Can I drive immediately after receiving my QDL?

Once you have obtained your QDL, you are legally allowed to drive the vehicles that are covered by your driving licence class. However, it's important to familiarise yourself with the local traffic rules and regulations in Singapore before hitting the road.

What if I have lost my SG driving licence? Can I get a replacement?

If you have lost your Singapore driving licence, you can apply for a replacement at a Traffic Police e-service kiosk or online through the SPF e-services portal. You will need to provide the necessary documents and pay a replacement fee. It's important to report the loss of your licence to the police as soon as possible to prevent any potential misuse.

What if I find my lost licence after filing for the replacement?

If you find your lost Singapore driving licence after applying for a replacement, you should surrender the recovered licence to the Traffic Police or the SPF immediately. The replacement licence that you obtained earlier will be considered the valid licence, and the recovered licence will no longer be valid.

What are the various driving licence classes?

In Singapore, driving licences are categorised into different classes based on the type of vehicle you are allowed to drive. Here are the main driving licence classes:

Class 1 vehicles consist of motor vehicles that do not exceed 250 kilograms in weight and which are specially designed and constructed, and not merely adapted, for the use of persons suffering from some physical defect or disability and are used solely by those persons.

Class 2 vehicles consist of motorcycles with a cylinder capacity that exceeds 400 cubic centimetres.

Class 2A vehicles consist of motorcycles with a cylinder capacity that exceeds 200 but does not exceed 400 cubic centimetres.

Class 2B consist of motorcycles with a cylinder capacity that does not exceed 200 cubic centimetres, or motorcycles which are propelled by electric motors and registered as motor cycles under the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Registration and Licensing) Rules (R5).

Class 3 vehicles consist of:

(i) motor cars constructed to carry not more than 7 passengers (exclusive of the driver) and the weight of which does not exceed 3,000 kilograms; and

(ii) motor tractors and other motor vehicles that do not exceed 2,500 kilograms in weight.

Class 3A vehicles consist of any class 3 vehicle which can be driven without the use of a clutch pedal.

Class 4 vehicles consist of heavy motor cars and motor tractors, the weight of which exceeds 2,500 kilograms.

Class 4A vehicles consist of heavy motor cars which are omnibuses, that is to say, public service vehicles which are used on scheduled services and in which passengers are charged separate and distinct fares.

Class 5 vehicles consist of:

(i) light locomotives or motor vehicles which are not constructed to carry and load passengers (rather used to carry water, fuel, accumulators and other equipment and materials used for the purpose of propulsion, loose tools and loose equipment) and the weight of which does not exceed 11,500 kilograms.

I hold a foreign driving licence. Can I drive in Singapore?

Yes, if you hold a valid foreign driving licence, you can drive in Singapore for a certain period of time. However, the duration of validity depends on your residency status in Singapore:

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs): If you are a Singapore Citizen or PR, you can drive with your foreign driving licence for up to 12 months from the date of your last entry into Singapore.

Foreigners on Long-term Visit Pass (LTVP) or Student Pass: If you are a foreigner on LTVP or Student Pass, you can drive with your foreign driving licence for up to 12 months from the date of your first entry into Singapore. After the validity period of your foreign driving licence has expired, you will need to convert it to a Singapore driving licence to continue driving legally in Singapore.

How can I convert my foreign driving licence to Singapore's driving licence?

To convert your foreign driving licence to a Singapore driving licence, you will need to undergo a conversion process with the Traffic Police. Here are the general steps:

Obtain a Conversion Test Booklet: You can obtain a Conversion Test Booklet from any driving school in Singapore.

Pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT): You will need to pass the BTT, which covers the traffic rules and regulations in Singapore.

Pass the Practical Driving Test (PDT): After passing the BTT, you will need to schedule and pass the PDT, which assesses your practical driving skills.

Complete the Conversion Process: Once you have passed the BTT and PDT, you can proceed to complete the conversion process, in person, at the Traffic Police Driving Test Centre counter located in the driving centres. You will need to provide the necessary documents, such as your valid foreign driving licence, identification documents, and proof of residency status, and pay the conversion fee.

It's important to note that the conversion process may vary depending on your nationality and the country where your foreign driving licence was issued. You may need to undergo additional tests or provide additional documents, so it's best to check the specific requirements with the Traffic Police.

I am a foreigner and I have lost my licence. What should I do?

If you are a foreigner and you have lost your driving licence in Singapore, you should report the loss to the police immediately. You will need to obtain a police report as proof of the loss. After that, you can proceed to apply for a replacement licence at a Traffic Police e-service kiosk or online through the SPF e-services portal. You will need to provide the necessary documents, such as the police report, identification documents, and pay a replacement fee.

How can I renew my motorcycle or car licence in Singapore?

In Singapore, driving licences for motorcycles and cars need to be renewed periodically. The renewal process - for citizens and foreigners - typically involves the following steps:

Receive a Renewal Notice: The Traffic Police will send you a renewal notice by mail or email before your licence expires, indicating the renewal period and the documents required.

Complete Medical Examination: If you hold a Class 2, Class 3, or Class 4 licence, you will need to undergo a medical examination by a Singapore-registered medical practitioner and obtain a Medical Examination Report.

Submit Documents and Pay Renewal Fee: You will need to submit the necessary documents, such as your renewal notice, Medical Examination Report (if applicable), identification documents, and pay the renewal fee at a Traffic Police e-service kiosk or online through the SPF e-services portal.

Collect Renewed Licence: Once your renewal application is approved, you can collect your renewed licence at the Traffic.

That’s it – Now You’re a Fully Licensed Driver!

You are finally ready to fire up your Honda or Vespa and drive out. It is great to own a new vehicle and the feeling is incomparable when your driving licence in Singapore arrives, but riding every day without basic car or motorcycle insurance is like placing a ticking time bomb on your hard-earned savings. 

Of course a comprehensive insurance plan with a slightly higher premium is the better option. From a simple dent to major accidents, the best Singapore motorcycle and car insurances cover all. Then, you can really enjoy your ride without worries.

DirectAsia has one of the best car and motorcycle insurance plans in Singapore. With a customer satisfaction rate of over 90%, the insurance coverages are specifically designed to meet your needs. Plus, we offer NCD25 to NCD30 in motorcycle insurance and up to NCD60 for car insurance - the highest in the town!

Get a quick quote from DirectAsia as you apply for your driving licence in Singapore, to ensure you ride out insured and drive smart.

Different Driving License Classes In Singapore

Did you know that there are 11 different driving licence classes in Singapore? You’re most probably familiar with the Class 3/3A licence, as it’s a common one that people get after passing their driving tests.

But apart from that, there’s also something called the Class 2 licence, Class 4 licence, and Class 5 licence.

With so many licence classes available, it’s easy to feel confused as to which one you should go for. This easy guide will help you understand the different types of licence classes in Singapore so that you can make a better informed decision.

Driving licence classes in Singapore

Remember we said that there are 11 different driving licence classes in Singapore? They are as follows:

Class 1
Class 2
Class 2A
Class 2B
Class 3
Class 3A
Class 3C
Class 3CA
Class 4
Class 4A
Class 5

Class 1 licence

(Photo: Torque)

A Class 1 licence is only issued to a person with physical disabilities.

The vehicles that Class 1 licence holders are allowed to drive are known as invalid carriages, which are vehicles built specifically for use by physically disabled individuals. These vehicles have an unladen weight that is not beyond 250kg.

Class 2/2A/2B licences

(Photo: TopGear Singapore)

Class 2 licences specifically allow you to ride motorcycles. They’re further divided into 3 subclasses.

Class 2B

This is the most basic motorcycle licence every newbie will get once they’ve passed their tests.

It allows you to ride smaller, less powerful motorcycles with cylinder capacities that are less than 200cc, or electric motorcycles that have power ratings less than 15kW.

Class 2A

Class 2A is the middle ground between Class 2 and Class 2B. You’ll be able to upgrade to this licence 1 year after obtaining Class 2B.

This licence allows holders to ride motorcycles with cylinder capacities exceeding 200cc but beneath 400cc, or electric motorcycles with power ratings that exceed 15kW but do not exceed 25kW.

Class 2

If there was a licence that would let you ride all bikes, it would be this one.

The Class 2 licence allows the holder to operate motorcycles with a cylinder capacity exceeding 400cc, or an electric motorcycle with a power rating exceeding 25kW.

You’ll be able to get the Class 2 licence after 1 year of holding the Class 2A licence.

Class 3/3A/3C/3CA licences

(Photo: Carro)

The Class 3 licence is perhaps the most sought after in Singapore as it allows you to drive cars. It’s divided into 4 different subclasses.

Class 3

Class 3 is a very broad category, and it goes beyond cars to even include some vans! These are the vehicles you’ll be able to drive with a Class 3 driving licence:Cars that carry up to 7 passengers, excluding the driver, and have an unladen weight not exceeding 3,000kg. The average sedan and SUV falls under this category.

Motor tractors and other motor vehicles that have an unladen weight that is not more than 2,500kg — such as smaller trucks and light construction vehicles.

Ambulances and other medical transport vehicles that carry up to 7 people, not including the driver, and have an unladen weight under or equal to 3,000kg.

Class 3A

This class is inclusive of all Class 3 vehicles that can be driven without the use of a clutch pedal (aka automatic transmission). As many vehicles now use automatic transmission, it is the most common of the Class 3 subclasses.

Class 3C

A Class 3C licence allows the holder to drive vehicles that are not within the following categories:Motor tractors and other motor vehicles that have an unladen weight not more than 2,500kg.

Ambulances and other medical transport vehicles that carry up to 7 people, not including the driver, and have an unladen weight under or equal to 3,000kg.

Class 3CA

In a similar vein to the Class 3A licence, this particular subclass lets the holder drive Class 3C vehicles that don’t have a clutch pedal.

In general, Class 3 licences are suitable for a wide range of drivers and not just people looking to drive a car. It all depends on your occupation and your needs, wants, and preferences of vehicle.

 

Note : Please avoid booking 9-seater cars and vans if you hold a Class 3C and/or Class 3CA driving licence. Driving vehicles not permitted by your licence class is a punishable offence by law. 

Class 4/4A licences

(Photo: Microsoft)

Think heavy vehicles like buses, large trucks, and cranes. This group of vehicles requires Class 4/4A licences to operate. Much like the others we’ve gone through, the subgroup of licences you want to get depends on your occupation. The difference between Class 4 and Class 4A is as follows:

Class 4: Class 4 licence is given to drivers who operate heavy motor vehicles and heavy motor tractors, with unladen weights that exceed 2,500kg.

Class 4A: Class 4A is specifically for heavy motor vehicles which are omnibuses and are public service vehicles used on scheduled services which charge passengers distinct fares — in other words, a bus licence.

Class 5 licence

(Photo: SMRT Trains)

If you’ve ever wanted to be a train driver, this one’s the licence for you. Specifically, they allow you to drive the following vehicles:Light locomotives (trains) with an unladen weight of 11,500kg or less.

Heavy locomotives (trains) with an unladen weight exceeding 11,500kg.

We hope this guide was helpful in helping you choose the vehicle licence you want to get. Now that you’re armed with your new knowledge, go forth and get that licence!

Solved problem on Pressure Measurement

 solved problem on pressure measurement: Fluid Properties and Flow Characteristics - Fluid Mechanics and Machinery

SOLVED PROBLEM ON PRESSURE MEASUREMENT

Example - 47

Express the pressure intensity of 0.7356 N/mm2 gauge absolute pressure in (i) KN/m2 of and (ii) in m of water.

Given data:

Gauge pressure = 0.7356 N/mm2

= 0.7356 × 106 N/m2.

Solution:

Case (i) in KN/m2

Absolute pressure = Atmosphere pressure + Gauge pressure

W.K.T Atmospheric pressure = 1.014 × 105 N/mm2

Absolute pressure = 1.014 × 105 + 0.7356 × 106 

= 8.37 × 105 N/m2

= 837 KN/m2

Absolute pressure = 837 KN/m2.

Case (ii) In m of water

Gauge pressure = 0.7356 × 106 N/m2

Gauge pressure = 0.7356 × 106 / 9810

= 74.985 m of water

W.K.T

Atmospheric pressure = 10.33 m of water

Absolute pressure = atmospheric pressure + gauge pressure

= 10.33 + 74.985

= 85.315 m of water

Absolute pressure = 85.315 m of water.

Result:

Case (i) Absolute pressure = 837 KN/m2

Case (ii) Absolute pressure = 85.315 m of water.

Example - 48

A gauge records a pressure of 24.52 KN/m2 in vacuum. Compute the corresponding absolute pressure in (a) KN/m2. (b) m of water. The local atmospheric pressure is 0.75 m of mercury; specific gravity of mercury is 13.6. 

Given data:

Vacuum pressure = 24.52 KN/m2

Atmospheric pressure = 0.75 m of mercury

Solution:

case (i) in KN/m2

Atmospheric pressure = 0.75 m of mercury

= (13.6 × 9810) × 0.75      (p = WH)

= 100062 N/m2

= 100.062 KN/m2.

Absolute pressure = atmospheric pressure - vacuum pressure

= 100.062 - 24.52

= 75.542 KN/m2

Absolute pressure = 75.542 KN/m2

case (ii) In m of water

Atmospheric pressure = 0.75 m of mercury

= 13.6 × 0.75

'= 10.2 m of water

Vacuum pressure = 24.52 KN/m2

= 24.52 × 103 N/m2

= 2.4995 m of water.

Absolute pressure = Atmospheric pressure - Vaccum pressure

= 10.2 - 2.4995 = 7.7 m of water.

Absolute pressure = 7.7 m of water

Result:

Case (i) Absolute pressure = 75.542 KN/m2

Case (ii) Absolute pressure = 7.7 m of water

Example - 49

What is the gauge pressure in mm of mercury when the pressure at a point is (a) 85 absolute (b) 18 m of water absolute?

Given data:

Absolute pressure = 85 KN/m2 = 85 × 103 N/m2 

Specific weight of mercury = 13.6 × 9810 N/m2

Solution:

= 0.637 m of Hg

= 637.10 mm of Hg

Case (i)

Atmospheric pressure = 760 mm Hg

But absolute pressure = atmospheric pressure + gauge pressure 

Gauge pressure = absolute pressure - atmospheric pressure

= 637.10 - 760

= -122.9 mm of Hg

Case (ii)

Absolute pressure = 18 m of water

= 1323.53 mm of Hg

Gauge pressure = Absolute pressure - atmospheric pressure

= 1323.53 - 760

Result:

Case (i) Gauge pressure = 122.9 mm of Hg vacuum

Case (ii) Gauge pressure = 563.5 mm of Hg

Example - 50

Pressure Indicated by a column of water is 8.75 m what is the absolute pressure KN/m2. Take atmospheric pressure as 101.325 KPa.

Given data:

Water column H = 8.75 m

Absolute pressure Pabs = ?

Atmospheric pressure Patm = 101.325 KPa = 101.325 KN/m2

Solution:

Pabs = Patm + Pgauge

P = hw

Gauge pressure = 8.75 × 9810 N/m2 = 85837.5 N/m2

= 85.837 KN/m2

Result:

Gauge pressure = 85.837 KN/m2.

Example - 51

A gauge is fitted to a cylinder records a pressure of 24.52 KN/m2 vacuum compute the corresponding absolute pressure in (i) KN/m2 (ii) m of water. The local atmospheric pressure is 755 mm of Hg.

Given data:

Solution:

Case (i) Absolute pressure in KN/m2

Pabs = Patm + Pgauge

= 101.658 - 24.52

Case (ii) Absolute pressure in m of water

Result:

Case (i) Absolute pressure = 77.138 KN/m2

Case (ii) Absolute pressure = 7.863 m of water