How To Apply For a Taxi Driver’s Vocational License (TDVL) In Singapore

November 2, 2023

Taxis are a very popular mode of transportation in Singapore. If you enjoy driving and having a flexible schedule, you should apply for a Taxi Driver’s Vocational License (TDVL) and start driving with STRIDES Premier!

We are Singapore’s second largest taxi operator and offer the most value for money taxi rental schemes, plus attractive driver welfare benefits.

Wondering how to be a taxi driver in Singapore? Not sure how to apply for TDVL? Click through the photos and read our detailed step by step guide below.

Step 1: Check if you can apply for TDVL

Are you between 30-74 years old?
Are you a Singapore Citizen?
Do you have a valid Class 3 or 3A Singapore driving licence (for at least 1 continuous year)?
Do you have a clean criminal record?
If you are self-employed, do you have up-to-date MediSave contributions?
Are you able to speak and read basic English?

If you answered ‘yes’ to all six questions, you are eligible to apply for TDVL.

Step 2: Things to prepare before applying for TDVL

Before you apply for TDVL online, prepare these things in advance for a smooth and easy application:

Singpass ID and password OR login with Singpass mobile app
- Click here if you forgot your Singpass ID. Click here if you forgot your password.
A photo/scan of your NRIC
A passport-sized photo (400 X 514 pixels)
- Don’t have a digital softcopy photo? Not sure if your photo is the correct size? Try searching for these apps on Android Play Store or Apple App Store to help you take a suitable photo: “IC Photo Singapore”, “Passport Size Photo Maker” or “Passport Photo ID Maker Studio – ID Photo Editor”
A photo/scan of your GCE “O”/“N” Level certificate showing Pass in English (at least D7 grade)
- If you don’t have these certificates, you will need to register online to take a test from British Council Singapore instead. Test name: Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) assessments. You need to apply for 3 test modules in total (Listening, Reading, Speaking) and get at least Level 3 pass for all 3 modules. Each test module costs S$40, so the total cost will be S$120 (excl. GST). Please check directly with British Council for more details.
A credit card, debit card or PayPal to pay for the TDVL application fee: $40 (non-refundable)

Step 3: Apply for TDVL online

After you have prepared all the things in Step 2, you are ready to apply for your TDVL online. You may follow LTA’s step-by-step guide (including pictures and screenshots) on how to apply here. Do remember to upload all the required photos/documents and pay the application fee.

Step 4: Wait for LTA’s in-principle approval letter

Once your application is successful, LTA will send you an in-principle letter of approval, within 15 working days. You will need this LTA approval letter (also called the ‘LTA Approval to Course’, or ATC letter) to register for your TDVL course.

Step 5: Go for a medical check-up and chest X-ray

Download and print LTA’s Medical Examination Form (PDF, 799kB), then visit a clinic, hospital or SATA Diagnostic Centre in Singapore to do your medical check-up and chest X-ray. The form must be completed and certified by a registered medical practitioner, and your chest X-ray report must be signed by a radiologist. You will need the completed LTA medical form to register for your TDVL course later.

[PROMO] Want to enjoy FREE medical check-up and chest X-ray? Sign up for STRIDES Premier TDVL sponsorship programme, and we will help you to pay for the medical check-up and chest X-ray (worth S$40 + GST)! For more details about our TDVL sponsorship, including amazing benefits like getting 3 rent-free days, please enquire here.

Step 6: Register and attend TDVL course

You are one step closer to taxi driving in Singapore!

The TDVL course will teach you all you need to know about being a professional taxi driver in Singapore. This includes road safety, rules & regulations, how to find and navigate useful driving routes (including how to use GPS), and how to interact with passengers. At the end of the course, there are a total of 5 modules/assessments that you need to pass in order to get your TDVL.

You may register for your TDVL course via NTUC LearningHub. More information can be found on their website.

Cost:

The course fee is S$275 (excl. GST and miscellaneous fees). If eligible, you may use SkillsFuture credits, Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) (up to 50% funding), or Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) funds to offset course fees payable after funding.

[PROMO] Enjoy FREE course material fees (worth $50 + GST) when you sign up for STRIDES Premier TDVL sponsorship programme. Please enquire here more details about our TDVL sponsorship, including amazing benefits like getting 3 rent-free days.

Worried about passing the tests? Under STRIDES Premier’s TDVL sponsorship programme, we also offer 1-to-1 guidance to help you prepare well for the assessments.

Things to bring for TDVL course:

NRIC
Driving Licence
LTA approval letter (ATC)
LTA medical form & x-ray report
A smartphone

Step 7: Receiving your taxi driving license

Once you have passed your TDVL course, you will receive a Temporary Vocational Licence on the same day and can start driving a taxi – congratulations!

Start your taxi driving career with the best taxi hirer rates and driver benefits in town, drive with STRIDES Premier! Check out our latest rental schemes and promotions here.

Within the next 20 working days, you will receive a Digital LTA Vocational Licence (VL) via your Singpass app. Note: from 1 April 2023, LTA no longer issues physical vocational licence cards. You may use the Digital LTA Vocational License as your official identification document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still apply for TDVL if my driving license is suspended or disqualified?

Yes, but your application may be considered only after the suspension or disqualification period is over.

How can I check my MediSave contributions?

You may check your outstanding MediSave contributions here.