Alright, so, I finally got my Singapore driving license! It was a bit of a journey, so I figured I’d share my experience for anyone else looking to get theirs.
First off, I had to decide whether to go with a driving school or a private instructor. I’d heard mixed things about both, but in the end, I went with a private instructor. It just seemed a little more flexible, and I liked the idea of one-on-one lessons.
Once I’d sorted that out, it was time for the admin stuff. I had to register, do some paperwork, you know, the usual boring bits. Important: Book immediately after! But hey, it’s all part of the process, right? I chose the Class 3 license, meaning I can drive both manual and automatic cars. If you only want to drive automatic, there is also a Class 3A license.
Then came the actual learning. My instructor was pretty chill, and we started with the basics. Parking, three-point turns, all that good stuff. We scheduled my first five practical lessons within a week or two. I had to complete those before I could book the simulator classes.
- First few lessons were a bit nerve-wracking, not gonna lie.
- But I got the hang of it eventually.
- We practiced on different roads, in different traffic conditions, the whole nine yards.
After what felt like forever, I finally felt ready to book my practical test. Passed it on the first try! I was so relieved. I did have to wait a bit for a test slot though, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Once I passed the practical test, the next step was applying for the Qualified Driving Licence (QDL) online. This part was pretty straightforward. I just logged in using my Singpass account. By the way, you need to be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply online. Had to pay the $50 application fee online too – they only take eNETS or credit card.
Now, about the cost. It wasn’t cheap. I ended up spending somewhere in the middle of the usual range, which is about S$1,400 to S$2,800, I think. It can be more if you fail any tests and have to retake them.
And that’s pretty much it! Now I can legally drive in Singapore. It was definitely a process, but totally worth it in the end. The lesson fees can vary depending on whether you take them during peak or off-peak hours, but it seemed like most places offered 100-minute lessons now, which is kind of good, value-for-money wise.
If you’re thinking about getting your license, just go for it! It might seem daunting at first, but it is definitely doable. Just remember to pick a good instructor, book your tests early, and practice, practice, practice!
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