Before you start

A valid foreign driving licence (with an official English translation if not in English)
A valid Singapore work pass / FIN, PR, or citizenship status
A pass in the Basic Theory Test (BTT) taken in Singapore

Step-by-step

1
Know your conversion window
If you drive for work, you must obtain a Singapore licence within 6 months of your work pass being issued. New citizens and PRs get 3 months on their foreign licence before they must convert.
OnlineWho: You6 months (work pass) / 3 months (new citizen or PR)—
2
Register for and pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT)
Book the BTT through one of the three driving centres (BBDC, ComfortDelGro, or SSDC). Study the Basic Theory of Driving handbook, then sit the computerised test. A pass is the gate to conversion.
In personWho: You (via a driving centre)Depends on test-slot availability — book earlyBTT test ~S$6.50 + small admin/registration fees (varies by centre)
3
Apply to convert via SPF e-Services
Once you have passed the BTT, apply for the Conversion of Foreign Driving Licence on the Singapore Police Force (Traffic Police) e-Services portal, uploading your foreign licence and translation.
OnlineWho: YouProcessed after submission; allow a few working daysConversion/processing fee (confirm current amount on SPF e-Services)
4
Receive your Singapore driving licence
After approval, your Singapore qualified driving licence is issued. Keep your eyesight and (where required) medical details current for future renewals.
OnlineWho: YouShortly after approvalIncluded in the conversion fee

Documents you’ll need

Valid foreign driving licence
Official English translation of the licence (if not in English)
Passport and work pass / FIN (or NRIC for new citizens/PRs)
BTT pass result

Things most newcomers don’t know

You must pass the BTT to convert — there is no direct swap.

Many newcomers assume a clean licence from home converts on sight. Singapore requires a pass in the local Basic Theory Test first, so plan study time and book a slot early.

Source: Singapore Police Force / Traffic Police

Work pass holders have a hard 6-month window.

If you drive for work, you must get a Singapore licence within 6 months of your work pass issue date. Driving past that on a foreign licence puts your insurance and legal cover at risk.

Source: Singapore Police Force / Traffic Police

New citizens and PRs only get 3 months.

The grace period is shorter than for work pass holders — three months from obtaining citizenship or PR — so start the BTT process as soon as your status changes.

Source: Singapore Police Force / Traffic Police

Book the BTT through a driving centre, but apply via SPF e-Services.

The three centres (BBDC, CDC, SSDC) run the theory test and training; the licence conversion itself is submitted online on the Traffic Police e-Services portal — two separate steps people often conflate.

Source: onemotoring / SPF