Applications for private hire car driver's vocational licence to open 13 March
Grab and Uber drivers will be able to apply for the private hire car driver’s vocational licence (PDVL) from Monday (13 March), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Thursday (9 March).
Private hire car drivers with a valid taxi driver licence will not need to apply for the new license.
The PDVL course will equip applicants with knowledge on private hire car rules and regulations, service quality and safety. It will consist of two hours of self-study, and eight hours of classroom coaching.
LTA said applicants should apply by 30 June. For those who submit their applications by the date, they will have up to one year to attend and pass the PDVL course, during which they will still be allowed to provide private hire car services.
For those who apply for a PDVL after the date, they will have to obtain the PDVL before they can provide the service.
Those applying for the PDVL must hold a Class 3/3A driving licence for a continuous period of at least two years.
Singapore citizens can apply for a PDVL as a self-employed driver, while non-citizens, including permanent residents, must be employees of a company providing chauffeured services to be eligible for the PDVL.
All applicants will be required to undergo a medical examination, and will be subject to background checks. A non-refundable $40 application fee will be charged as well.
Once the application has been processed, applicants will be informed by LTA to register for the 10-hour PDVL course with the Singapore Taxi Academy.
The application form can be downloaded on LTA’s website.
