how to apply tdvl Archives - STRIDES Premier

Interested in a career with STRIDES Premier as a taxi driver in Singapore? Then learning how to apply for Taxi Driver’s Vocational License (TDVL) would be the very first step!

What is a TDVL?

The TDVL is a license granted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) which allows an individual to drive a taxi in Singapore. Holding this taxi license in Singapore ensures that drivers are properly trained to navigate roads and serve passengers professionally.

Difference between a TDVL and PDVL

Taxi Driver’s Vocational License (TDVL)	Private Hire Driver’s Vocational License (PDVL)
Licensed to drive both taxis and private hire cars Course duration: 2 days	Licensed to drive only private hire cars (e.g., Grab and GoJek) Course duration: 1 day or less

If you already possess a Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational License (PDVL) and are considering switching to driving a taxi, do you know that conversion of your PVDL license to a Taxi Driver’s Vocational License (TDVL) is possible?

Here are some benefits why you should consider going for a PDVL to TDVL conversion course:

Short-cut – You do not need to take a TDVL course from scratch

Shorter course duration – Conversion course takes about 8 hours, as opposed to the 15 hours (2 days) needed

Cost effectiveness – Much lower application and course fees compared to applying for a TDVL

Applying for a TDVL in Singapore

There are a total of seven steps to apply for a TDVL in Singapore. While it may seem like a lengthy process, we’re here to simplify it for you. Read on for our comprehensive guide on how to apply for a TDVL in Singapore!

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Before delving into how to apply for a TDVL, the first step is to check whether you are eligible to apply. A good start would be to ask yourself the following questions:

Are you a Singapore Citizen?
Are you between 30-74 years old?
Are you able to speak and read basic English?
Do you have a valid Class 3 or 3A Singapore driving license for at least 1 continuous year?
Are you medically fit?
Do you have a clean criminal record?
Do you have up-to-date MediSave contributions?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to all seven questions, you meet the eligibility criteria to apply for a taxi license in Singapore.

Step 2: Get the necessary documents ready

After checking your eligibility to apply for a TDVL in Singapore, the next thing you should do is to prepare some documents in advance for a smooth and easy application:

A recent passport-size photograph (400 x 514 pixels / 35mm by 45mm)

Copy of NRIC (front and back view on a page)

Copy of Singapore Class 3/3A Driving License (front and back view on a page)

Copy of educational certificate (GCE ”O” Level or ”N” Level with a pass in English [at least a D7 grade] or a Level 3 pass in English under the Workplace Literacy programme)

Do note that the maximum upload per application for each document is at 2 MB, and the recommended file format is jpg or jpeg.

Step 3: Apply for TDVL online

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you are now ready to learn how to apply for TDVL! Simply follow LTA’s step-by-step guide, which is complete with pictures and screenshots.

To begin the application process, visit GoBusiness Singapore and log in using your SingPass. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable application fee of $40 to LTA using your credit card, debit card, or PayPal details.

Step 4: Wait for LTA’s approval letter

After submitting your application for a taxi vocational license, you can expect an approval letter from LTA within 30 working days. This is assuming that all the required documents were correctly submitted without errors.

Step 5: Go for a medical check-up

The next step in applying for a TDVL in Singapore would be to undergo a medical examination to ensure you are in good health. Visit any clinic, hospital, or SATA Diagnostic Centre in Singapore for your medical check-up and chest X-ray.

Before your appointment, download and print LTA’s Medical Examination Form. This form must be completed and certified by a registered medical practitioner. Meanwhile, your chest X-ray report must be signed by a radiologist.

Step 6: Attend the TDVL course

Upon receiving the approval letter from LTA, you can proceed to register for the TDVL course via NTUC LearningHub. You must complete the course and pass the competency test within 12 months of the issue date of the approval letter.

Things to prepare before going for your course:

NRIC

Class 3 or 3A Singapore Driving License

English Proficiency Certificate

Ordinary Medical Report

TDVL Approval to Attend Course (ATC) Letter

Step 7: Receive your taxi vocational license

After passing the TDVL course, you will receive a Temporary Vocational License on the same day and can start driving a taxi in Singapore. Within the next 20 working days, you will receive a Digital LTA Vocational License (VL) via your SingPass app.

*NOTE: As of 1 April 2023, LTA no longer issues physical taxi licenses in Singapore. You may use the Digital LTA Vocational License as your official identification document.