Cost of getting a driver’s license in SG

If you’ve only got a minute:

• Getting a driving license in Singapore can cost anywhere between S$1,400 and S$2,800, depending on your choice of driving school or private instructor, the number of lessons you require and the timing of your lessons.
• If you decide to buy a car after getting your license, be prepared for significant upfront (purchase price) and recurring costs (insurance, maintenance, road tax and parking fees).
• Consider car rentals, car-sharing services or public transport as cost-effective alternatives, if you don't need a car all the time.

Obtaining a driver’s license in Singapore is a rite of passage for many, symbolising independence and freedom. It opens opportunities for personal mobility for both work and leisure. However, this journey comes with a financial commitment that can vary significantly based on your choices.

The desire to drive remains strong among Singaporeans, despite the high costs associated with car ownership.

Let’s explore the various expenses involved in getting your driver's license.

Cost of getting a driving license in Singapore

The cost of getting a driving license typically ranges from S$1,400 to S$2,800 (or more, especially if you need to retake any of the tests). The exact amount depends on the various factors, such as the choice between driving schools and private instructors, the number of lessons required and the timing of those lessons.

Driving schools offer a structured curriculum and fixed schedules and they are less flexible in lesson timings. Slots are also quite limited and often requires you to book months ahead.

Private instructors, on the other hand, offer a level of flexibility that can be a game-changer for those with irregular schedule. If you’re a student, you can arrange lessons in the late afternoon or evening after classes, while working professionals might prefer weekends or late-night sessions to accommodate their work commitments.

• Enrolment and other miscellaneous fees

The first step in your journey is to enrol in a driving school or hire a private instructor.

Singapore has 3 main driving schools: Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC), ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC) and Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDCL), all offering structured programmes. The enrolment fees range from approximately S$107 to S$189 per year.

Proximity is certainly a priority when picking a driving school, as you’ll want to minimise travel time. However, don’t let location be the sole deciding factor. Research the schools’ pricing structures and pass rates to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

	BBDC	CDC	SSDC
Enrolment (1 year)	S$106.82	S$179.85 (standard)	S$188.24
Course extension (if required)	S$9.81 (monthly)	S$65.40 (half yearly)	S$59.95 (half yearly)
Eyesight test	S$1.96
Digital photograph	S$7.09		S$7.08

You’ll notice CDC and SSDC have higher enrolment fees because they include 4 theory classes. BBDC separates enrolment from class charges (see below).

In the event you fail to complete your course within the stipulated period, BBDC offers a more flexible monthly extension option (monthly), making it potentially more cost-effective.

If you prefer a more personalised learning experience, consider engaging a private instructor. They typically charge a one-time fee between S$80 and S$90 for enrolment into a driving school for all things tests related. 

• Theory lessons and tests

Once enrolled, you’ll need to complete theory lessons and pass 2 theory tests - the Basic Theory Test (BTT) and Final Driving Theory Test (FTT). Passing the BTT is crucial, as it allows you to apply for a Provisional Driving License (PDL), which is necessary for practical lessons.

Both BTT and FTT cost S$6.50. 

	BBDC	CDC	SSDC
Theory lesson (100min/session)	S$18.53	Inclusive in enrolment fee
Theory practice	S$3.27
Theory evaluation	S$5.45

If you take lessons at BBDC, expect to pay at least S$74.12 (4 theory lessons). For enrolment and theory lessons, CDC appears to be the cheapest option at S$179.85.

• Practical lessons

Moving on to the fun part - Practical lessons are where the real learning happens and where the bulk of the costs lie.

	BBDC	CDC	SSDC
Driving simulator (50min/session)	S$70.47	S$59.95 (off peak) S$64.31 (peak)	S$54.50
Simulator course – 3 modules (20mins/session)	S$23.49 / module	S$27.03 / module	S$24.38 / module
Practical lesson 100min/session - Off peak hour	S$71.94	S$73.03
Practical lesson 100min/session – Peak hour	S$80.66	S$81.75

Before you can start practical driving lessons, you need to obtain a Provisional Driving License (PDL). This license costs S$25 and is valid for 2 years.

Each lesson typically lasts about 100 minutes (S$72 to S$82 per session) at a driving school. Expect to pay between S$1,440 and S$2,050 for 20 to 25 lessons. It will cost more if you require more lessons.

At CDC, an average of 29 lessons is recommended for class 3 license (manual) and 24 lessons for class 3A license (automatic without clutch) to complete your practical driving course. If you opt for a private instructor, lessons typically cost between S$40 and S$60 per hour, which amount to about S$600 to S$1,200 (15 to 20 lessons). This option may include a few lessons on a driving circuit to prep you for the final practical test.

The choice between a driving school and a private instructor will significantly impact your total costs. Do consider your learning preferences and budget when making this decision.

• Practical test

Once you’ve completed your practical lessons, you’re all set to take the practical driving test.

	BBDC	CDC	SSDC
Practical test	S$33	S$33	S$33
Vehicle rental	S$250.70	S$295.39	S$239.80
Practice test warm-up session	S$40.33		S$43.60
Admin fee (if any)	SS2.94 / test
Total	S$326.97	S$331.33	S$319.34

The fee for the practical test is S$33, which is standard across all driving schools. However, you will need to rent a vehicle for the test and that can set you back by S$240 and S$295, depending on the school and whether you choose to include a warm-up session.

Once you pass the test (hurray!), you’ll need to pay an additional S$50 for your driving license registration.

Costs beyond the license

While obtaining your driving license is a significant milestone, it’s essential to consider the costs that follow.

Car ownership in Singapore can be prohibitively expensive, with the average price of a vehicle often exceeding S$120,000 due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) and other fees such as Open Market Value (OMV), Additional Registration Fees (ARF) and various taxes, which can easily chalk up tens of thousands.

You must also budget for recurring expenses such as insurance, maintenance, road tax and parking fees, which can easily amount to S$2,000 monthly (minimally) for running costs alone.

Read more: Budgeting for a car in Singapore

Alternatives to buying a car

Given the high costs associated with car ownership, renting a car can be a cost-effective solution, especially if you only need a vehicle occasionally. Daily rental rates for compact cars typically range from S$60 to S$100, while larger vehicles or luxury cars can exceed S$150 per day.

Alternatively, you can consider car-sharing services (GetGo and BlueSG). It allows you to rent cars by the hour, with costs ranging from as little as S$3 (off peak) to S$25 (peak) per hour, depending on the car type (standard, premium and luxury). This option is great if you don’t drive frequently.

Both options offer flexibility and convenience without the long-term financial commitment of owning a car.

Even if you don’t end up purchasing a car, having a license opens up more opportunities and independence, especially If you have access to a family car (think late night supper with friends or running occasional errands) or exploring a foreign country via self-drive.

Getting a driving license in Singapore is a significant investment, but a valuable life skill to have. With careful planning and consideration, you can achieve that coveted blue card and enjoy the independence that comes with it. All the best and drive safe!

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Disclaimers and Important Notice
This article is meant for information only and should not be relied upon as financial advice. Before making any decision to buy, sell or hold any investment or insurance product, you should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding its suitability.