Driving — Singapore
What travelers need to know about driving in Singapore. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Driving in Singapore: allowed only under specific conditions.
A visitor can drive in Singapore on a foreign licence only while residing there for less than 12 months, and must also carry either an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by an authorised body in the country of origin or, if an IDP is not available, an official English translation of the foreign licence; drivers from ASEAN member states do not need an IDP, but the foreign licence itself must be valid. Foreigners residing in Singapore for more than 12 months - and foreigners here for less than 12 months who are employed as drivers on a Work Permit or S Pass - must convert to a Singapore driving licence, which starts with passing the Basic Theory Test. Work pass holders who want to drive for work must obtain a Singapore driving licence within 6 months from the date their work pass is issued.
§ Singapore Police Force (Traffic Police) - Singapore Driving Licence (page last updated 23 Jul 2026)Verified Oct 17, 2026