Road Traffic Act 1961 · 2020 Revised Edition · Part 2 · Licensing of Drivers and Riders
38. Recognition of foreign driving licences and driving permits
Feedback & supportLast amended by an amending law of 2023. 2 amendments in all.
Despite not holding a valid driving licence but subject to the provisions of this Act, it is lawful for a holder of a valid foreign driving licence to drive in Singapore, for a period of 12 months starting from the date of his or her last entry into Singapore, a motor vehicle of the class or description which the foreign driving licence authorises him or her to drive.
driving licence
“driving licence” means a licence to drive a motor vehicle granted under the provisions of Part 2;
However, subsection (1) does not apply where the holder of the foreign driving licence —
foreign driving licence
“foreign driving licence” means a driving licence or permit (not being a provisional driving licence or permit) issued by a competent authority in another country between which and Singapore there is in force a treaty for the recognition of driving licences or permits issued in the countries which are parties to the treaty;
is a citizen of Singapore or permanent resident of Singapore; or
is a work pass driver.
If at any time a holder of a valid foreign driving licence becomes —
a citizen of Singapore or permanent resident of Singapore; or
a work pass driver,then subsection (1) applies to that holder of a foreign driving licence for the prescribed period instead of the 12‑month period in subsection (1).
Despite not holding a valid driving licence, it is lawful for —
a member of a visiting force; or
a member of a civilian component of the visiting force,who holds a driving permit issued to him or her by a competent authority of the country of the visiting force to drive in Singapore a motor vehicle belonging to the country of the visiting force which is of the class or description specified in the driving permit.
In this section —[Deleted by Act 31 of 2023 wef 01/12/2025]
“civilian component” and “visiting force” have the respective meanings given by the Visiting Forces Act 1960;
“prescribed period” means the period prescribed, starting from —
for a person referred to in subsection (3)(a), the date on which the person is granted a certificate of citizenship under the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore or an entry permit under the Immigration Act, whichever first happens; or
for a person referred to in subsection (3)(b), the date on which the person is issued with a work pass under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990;
“work pass driver” means the holder of a work pass issued under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 who drives a motor vehicle carrying passengers or goods or both —
motor vehicle
“motor vehicle” means a vehicle that —(a)is propelled wholly or partly by a motor or by any means other than human or animal power; and(b)is used or intended to be used on any road;
for hire or reward; or
because of or under a contract of employment.