4 steps to get your PDVL

See how to apply for a Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence (PDVL). This post explains 4 easy steps to get your PDVL and earn that extra money. How to get PDVL?

Step 1: Submit your application

In order to submit your application, you will need to sign up online at LicenseOne. After signing up, login and search for "PDVL". You will have to pay a non-refundable application fee of S$40. You can make the payment via credit card, debit card or PayPal. If you are self-employed, you will need to have up-to-date Medisave contributions. To check the status of your Medisave contributions, log in to your CPF account using your SingPass.

Following documents needs to be uploaded based on your NRIC type.

It will take 20 to 30 working days to process your application, if all the documents are in order.

Step 2: Complete a medical check-up

You must undergo a complete medical check-up and chest x-ray once you are approved to attend the PDVL course. A medical check-up and chest x-ray examination can be done at any medical or x-ray clinic. The medical examination form must be completed and certified by a registered medical practitioner, while a radiologist must sign your chest x-ray report. You can submit your medical records to the training provider when registering for the course.

Step 3: Register for and attend the PDVL training course

The PDVL course is conducted by the Singapore Taxi Academy (STA) and ComfortDelGro (CDG). Bring along the completed hard copy medical examination form when registering for the course. 

After you pass the course, collect your Temporary PDVL from your training provider with your result slip. This temporary licence is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. After the course, LTA will send you a letter in about 4 weeks with instructions on how to collect your PDVL at any of the 26 post offices island-wide. To collect it, you will need to book an appointment for the PDVL collection through any SAM machine, the SingPost SAM mobile app or through the SAM website.

Once you have successfully attained your vocational licence, you have to abide by the rules and regulations under the Vocational Licence Points System (VLPS). Your licence can be suspended or revoked if you commit any offences.

Step 4: Pass the PDVL Test

Practice PDVL Paper 1 and Paper 2 on https://www.tptest.sg before taking the test. TP Test provides a platform to practice or take mock PDVL tests.

Hurray, you are PDVL-certified! You will receive a temporary PDVL which lets you start driving immediately.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Be a Singapore Citizen/Singapore Permanent Resident/Work Pass Holder
2. Have a valid Class 3/ 3A/ 3C/ 3CA Singapore driving licence for a continuous period of at least 2 years at the point of application
3. Be able to speak and read basic English

Other eligibility conditions

• An applicant who committed any serious offences such as rape, murder or kidnapping will not be considered
• An applicant who committed less serious offences such as housebreaking and cheating may be considered after the sentence has been completed. A testimonial from the relevant authority may be requested on a case-by-case basis
• An applicant serving supervision orders may be considered after the supervision order is completed
• An applicant with a suspended or disqualified driving licence may be considered after the suspension or disqualification is over
• Singapore Permanent Resident and Foreign Work Pass holder need to be employees driving for a company or business proving chauffeured services
• Singapore Permanent Resident applying for PDVL must submit a copy the Employment Letter (stating that “you are employed as a Chauffeured Services Driver”) at the point of application
• Work Pass Holder applying for PDVL must submit a copy of your Work Permit (stating “Chauffeur” as Vocation), Certificate of Conduct and Employment Letter (stating that “you are employed as a Chauffeured Services Driver) at the point of application

How to prove that you are able to speak and read simple English?

If you are applying for a PDVL, you will be required to produce documentary proof of your ability to speak and read simple English when you register for the PDVL training course upon approval of your application. For this purpose, a GCE ‘O’ Level or ‘N’ Level pass in English (at least a D7 grade) or a Level 3 pass in English under the Workplace Literacy (WPL) programme is accepted. If you are not able to provide these documents, you are required to sit for the WPL-Computer Adaptive Test (WPL-CAT). The fee for this test is $10.50 (excluding GST).