What Is The Cost Of Getting A Driving License In Singapore?

Singapore Driving License Cost Breakdown

In spite of the high cost of owning a car in Singapore (read; other blog post), the demand for getting a driving license is still very high. Personally, I got mine because it is a useful skill to have, but it is definitely costly. Here's the cost breakdown for getting a driving license in Singapore, featuring the cheapest option.

Owning an car is costly in Singapore. Indeed, even outsiders living in different countries realize that. 

The cost of getting a driving license in Singapore isn't shoddy either. In the event that you select for a Class 3 driving course with schools, it could undoubtedly set you back S$2,000. 

Even among the three driving schools, the cost of getting a driving license could shift due to the non-institutionalized expenses charged by each school. 

To compare between each school, these are the rundown of charges that you need to pay keeping in mind the end goal to get your driving license in Singapore.

Just keep in mind that additional transport cost of travelling to the driving school is not included, and it is definitely ideal to choose the driving centre that is nearest to your work, school or home in order for you to minimise the transport fare and travel time for you to travel to the driving centre for your tests or practical lessons, since this may take up to a year to get your driving license. 

Another thing to keep in mine; driving competency is key

Although the cost per practical lesson may not be much lower, private students will rush to call attention to the fact that they don't need to satisfy the base number of lessons, which is usually 25, that school candidates need to satisfy. For whatever length of time that your driving ability is sufficiently skilled to breeze through the practical test, your private driving instructor would be more than willing to send you for the practical test.

Cost Of Getting A Driving License In Singapore

Before getting your driving license, there are a few decisions to make. While cost is definitely a factor for every decision, here's a little breakdown.

First Decision...

There are 3 driving schools in Singapore: Singapore Safety Driving Center (SSDCL) in Woodlands, ComfortDelgro Driving Center in Ubi and Bukit Batok Driving Center (BBDC) in Bukit Batok. At all locations, there will have private instructors available. Note: difference in cost of getting an auto or manual driving license in Singapore is negligible. 

1. School or Private

Driving School

Cost of Passing Your Theory Tests

The choice to be a school candidate requires you to go to for 4 theory lessons before being permitted to take the theory test.

The cost of the theory lessons for the 3 schools are summarised as follows:

From that point forward, schools would require you go for a pre-test before you can sign up for the real theory tests. Keeping in mind the end goal to pass the assessment, it is imperative to go for some practice sessions that contain questions similar to the actual test. It’s not worth it to fail the Basic Theory Test (BTT) and Final Theory Test (FTT). In my experience, the pre-test is intentionally way harder than the actual theory tests.

Actual theory test costs:

                                                

Private candidates can buy the BTT and FTT books from Popular at about $7 together and self study. You are not required to have compulsory theory lessons and evaluations. 

Cost of Practical Lessons for School Candidates

Once you pass your BTT, you must apply for a Provisional Driving License (PDL) at a cost of $25. It is only valid for 6 months, so do aim to pass your driving test by then.

Costs of practical lessons differ greatly for peak and non-peak timings:

Typically, school students have to attend around 25 lessons, depending on how fast they learn, the average cost of which will add up to around $1,888 just for practical lessons alone.

Having the same instructor taking you through all your lessons will require you to pay extra. SSDCL and BBDC charge an extra $8.56 per session if you request for a specific instructor. CDC charges $10.70 for that. 

After your instructor deems you ready for the test, the actual Practical Test costs are as such: 

Cost of Practical Lessons for Private Candidates

Private candidates can hope to save more than school applicants. Enrolment costs range from $50 to $80. 

Practical lessons cost $30-$40/hour and may be more costly on during peak period. Be that as it may, expect to pay more to book circuit trainings in school. 

The quantity of lessons required contrasts broadly among private students. While some are prepared to step through the test with just 10 exercises, others may have up to 30 lessons. It truly relies upon your teacher.

Finally, the last fee to pay is $50 for your driving license.

SUMMARY

In conclusion, it may seem like private will save you more money, however passing rates may not be as high and quality various from instructor to instructor. Benefits of private includes flexibility, but trade off may be quality. Personally, I feel that it depends on your aptitude, and if time is a constraint, private may be a better option. So here is the cost of getting a driving license in Singapore.