Every step from registration to full licence — for Singapore and Japan.
🇸🇬
Singapore — Class 3 / 3A Car Licence
1
Register at an Approved Centre
Choose BBDC (Bukit Batok), CDC (ComfortDelGro), or SSDC (Serangoon). You will need your NRIC/FIN and pass a basic eyesight test. Min. age: 17 (car), 18 (motorcycle).
2
Pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT)
50 multiple-choice questions, 90% pass mark (45/50). Tests traffic signs, road rules and hazard awareness. Book online via OneMotoring. Fee: $7.09 (with GST).
3
Start Practical Lessons
Begin driving lessons at the centre. A Class 3 course typically requires 20–35 lessons depending on ability. Each lesson is 1 hour on an in-circuit or road session.
4
Pass the Final Theory Test (FTT)
50 questions on advanced driving — hazard perception, expressway rules, night driving. Must have completed at least 5 practical lessons before booking. Fee: $7.09.
5
Complete Remaining Practical Lessons
Continue lessons until the centre certifies you ready. Most centres require a minimum standard before booking the TP (Traffic Police) test.
6
Pass the Traffic Police Driving Test
A 45-min driving test with a TP evaluator. Routes are set by the centre. A score of 18 or fewer demerit points passes. Fee: $35.97 (with GST).
7
Collect Your Driving Licence
Collect at the Traffic Police Road Safety Community Park or OneMotoring counter. The Probationary Driving Licence (PDL) is displayed on your car for 1 year.
Typical timeline: 4–12 months depending on lesson frequency. Most people take 3–6 months. The theory tests can be taken within 1–2 months of starting.
🇯🇵
Japan — 普通自動車免許 (via 指定校)
1
教習所に入学 — Enrol at a Driving School
Choose a 公安委員会指定 (government-designated) school in your prefecture. You will need: residence card (住民票), ID photo, and pass an initial health check (eyesight, hearing, etc.).
2
第1段階 — Stage 1 (In-circuit training)
Minimum 10 hours in-circuit driving (manual) or 9 hours (auto). Plus at least 10 hours of theory class covering road rules, signs and safety.
3
仮免許試験 — Provisional Licence Test
A theory test (50 questions, pass mark 90% = 45/50) plus an in-circuit skill test at the school. Passing grants 仮免許 (provisional licence).
4
第2段階 — Stage 2 (Road training with 仮免)
Minimum 19 hours of on-road driving (with instructor) and at least 16 hours of theory class including emergency response and highway driving.
5
卒業検定 — School Graduation Test
A road driving test conducted by the school. Pass and receive a 卒業証明書 (graduation certificate) valid for 1 year. This exempts you from the TP skill test.
6
本免許学科試験 — Final Theory Test at Licence Centre
95 questions (car) or 95 questions (motorcycle), 90% pass mark (86/95). Tests road signs, traffic rules and case scenarios. Fee: ¥1,750. Book at your prefecture's 免許センター.
7
免許証交付 — Receive Your Licence
After passing the theory test and completing any remaining formalities (vision check, photo) at the licence centre, your 運転免許証 is issued the same day.
Typical timeline: 2–4 months for the full course if attending regularly. The minimum course period is set by law and cannot be shortened. Peak seasons (March–April, August) may have longer waiting times.
Singapore Driving Theory Test — BTT, FTT, RTT Practice | TheoryLane
TheoryLane