Hello all! Firstly, Happy Easter. I do apologize for not updating for, gasp, 3 months. This is solely my fault. I did not get my priorities straight. And for that, I sincerely ask for your forgiveness. On another note, let's start my blogging streak again, shall we? This post is not directly linked to travel, but it could be more helpful than it may seem. So, I have battled with my inner thoughts and decided that "Yes! I will do it!" So, here goes.
When Malaysians want to drive in Singapore (with a Singapore licensed plate vehicle and a Singaporean license), what do you do?
1. First, it is important to make sure that you obtain your Malaysian driving license six months before you come to Singapore. If you already hold a valid pass in Singapore but do not have your driving license, you may need to go through the entire notion of doing the entire driving course. According to other sources, PR holders also goes through this conversion process. You have to go through the course as well. Therefore, I recommend that you take all your driving courses before you start living in Singapore with a valid pass.
2. You must take a Basic Theory Test (BTT). There are 3 driving schools in Singapore - Bukit Batok Driving Centre, ComfortDelGro Driving Centre, Singapore Safety Driving Centre. I went to the one in Bukit Batok because it is the nearest to my home. Upon arrival at the driving centre, take a queue number. You will need NETS, Singapore NRIC and passport. (The passport is extra important because they want to check that you did your driving license before obtaining a Singapore pass. So, if you have to, dig out the old passports!) They won't check your passport at this stage of the conversion, but it's good to know what you need and bring it along just in case! You are required to fill a form and they would probably enroll you as a private candidate. Meaning that you are taking the BTT without any formal classes.
3. After registering at the counter, you will head to the computer terminals where you select a date for your BTT test. Don't worry, you may change the date. But since there's a lot of people taking tests, I suggest you to stick with a date to prevent further delay of your conversion process.
4. Now, I suggest you to buy the Official Handbook for the Basic Theory of Driving from the driving centre. It's only about $3, and is a better investment than needing to sit for the BTT test again. You can fail this test without studying. Consider yourself warned!
5. On your BTT test date, arrive 15 minutes before the test with your Singapore NRIC, and just in case, passport too. You will be given a paper and a seat number to a computer terminal. With the invigilator's instruction, go sit down and relax. When the time starts, do the online test. Use your finger to click on the screen to navigate your way around. You have 50 questions and one hour. You need 45 correct answers to pass. Now, don't be overconfident. When you're done, check at least twice. When you hit 'done', it will immediately show your results. If you pass, go to step 6. If you fail, go to step 2.
6. Upon passing, go to one of the computer terminals marked for printing your BTT results. Print it out and keep it for your conversion process. Now, BTT is over! The application for the conversion starts.
7. To apply for a conversion, you need a few things.
- Original and Photocopy of Singapore NRIC
- Original and Photocopy of Malaysian Driving License
- Original and Photocopy of Passport
- Processing fee of $50 to be paid via NETS
- For Malaysian license holders, you will need a JPJ extract showing information about your driving records and such (obtained not more than 6 months ago). At JPJ, tell them that you are converting to a Singapore license and you need an extract. He will give you a form to fill out.
- One matte finish passport size photograph with white background. Please make sure the person in this photo actually looks like you. Or, they will make you take another one.
8. When you apply for the conversion, the person behind the counter will check all these items and ask you to sit back down. She will call you again to make the payment. When that is done, a piece of paper stating that you may drive 'now' will be given to you. You may keep that until your license is delivered to your house.
9. Your license should arrive in a month or less via registered post to your house. If you are not in, you will need to go and pick it up from your nearest post office. And, ladies and gentleman, that's how you convert your Malaysian driving license into a Singapore one!
Note: If your Malaysian driving license is a 'P' plate, you may still convert, cause that's what I did! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask me! Upon obtaining your license, also remember to put the yellow sign with the red triangle on your vehicle for one year. It is equilavent to the Malaysian 'P' sticker.
Another note: If you have a Malaysian Full B Motorcycle license (500CC and above), they will only give you a 2B (200CC and below) license. This is not negotiable. If you want your 2A (200CC and above but below 500CC) or the class 2 (500CC and above). You must start at 2B, wait for one year and have no bad driving records, and then take the course for 2A. You must wait another year to do the same for the full class 2. This is Singapore's 3-tier motorcycle licensing system. No way out! If you find a loophole, do let me know!
Important links!
When in doubt, you may also call the Traffic Police at 1-800-547-1818. Personally, I don't have any luck with them, always getting the machine. If you are unsure, visit the Traffic Police counter at your driving centre during their working hours.
