A practical guide to Singapore licence conversion for Indonesian SIM A holders.
Indonesian nationals holding a valid SIM A may drive in Singapore during a temporary stay, subject to foreign-licence rules. New Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) may continue using a valid foreign driving licence for up to three months after acquiring their new status. Those wishing to continue driving after that period must convert their licence. Foreigners residing in Singapore for more than 12 months, and Work Permit or S Pass holders employed as drivers, must also obtain a Singapore driving licence. The Singapore Police Force (SPF), through its Traffic Police unit, administers the conversion process.
Who needs to convert an Indonesian SIM A?
Singapore requires citizens and PRs who drive, foreigners residing in the country for more than 12 months, and foreigners residing for less than 12 months who are employed as drivers on Work Permits or S Passes to hold a valid Singapore driving licence.
New citizens and PRs may use a valid foreign driving licence for up to three months after acquiring their new status. They must convert it if they wish to continue driving after that period.
These requirements are set out in the SPF’s driving-licence guidance.
What does the ASEAN agreement allow?
The 1985 ASEAN Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences Issued by ASEAN Countries was originally signed by six countries: Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Other ASEAN countries subsequently acceded to the agreement. ASEAN’s legal-instruments register currently lists 11 parties.
The agreement recognises qualifying domestic driving licences for holders making a temporary stay in another participating country. It excludes temporary, provisional and learner’s licences. Holders may drive only the vehicle categories authorised by their domestic licences. A licence not issued in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
SPF states that visitors from ASEAN countries do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for a stay of less than 12 months, provided they hold a valid foreign driving licence. This visitor arrangement does not remove the conversion requirements for people who reside or work in Singapore under the conditions described above.
When is conversion required?
Foreigners generally need a Singapore driving licence when they have resided in Singapore for more than 12 months. Work Permit and S Pass holders employed as drivers must obtain a Singapore licence within six months from the date their work passes are issued, even if they have been in Singapore for less than 12 months.
How and where can applicants apply?
Applicants must pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT) in Singapore and complete the online Foreign Licence Pre-assessment. Those who meet the eligibility requirements will receive a link to book an appointment.
Applicants should visit Traffic Police Headquarters only after securing an appointment. The office is at 10 Ubi Avenue 3, Singapore 408865.
What documents are required?
The SPF requires supporting documents to verify identity, licence validity and residence in the country where the licence was issued. These generally include:
- A current Indonesian SIM A and a letter of endorsement from the issuing country.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Identification and immigration-status documents, such as a passport, NRIC, FIN card or work pass, depending on the applicant’s status.
- An extract of the driving licence record if the SIM does not show its original first-issue date.
- An official English translation by a Singapore-registered translation company if the licence is not in English.
- Evidence of residence in the country where the licence was issued.
The SPF’s general guidance asks for proof of one year of residence in the issuing country, including at least six months of physical presence. A separate six-month-within-12-month requirement applies to Singapore citizens applying with a foreign licence and to PRs or pass holders whose foreign licence was obtained after they acquired PR status or their first pass. Applicants should check the general requirements and online eligibility criteria to establish which conditions apply to them.
If an Indonesian SIM A does not display its original first-issue date, Singapore Traffic Police requires an extract of the driving licence record from the issuing authority. Indonesian applicants should contact the Satpas that issued their SIM and ask whether it can provide an official record showing the original issue date. They may also seek guidance from Korlantas Polri, Indonesia’s National Police Traffic Corps. However, availability and acceptance of such a document for Singapore conversion have not been confirmed in publicly available Indonesian guidance. Hence, applicants should check with Traffic Police about acceptable alternatives before relying on old SIM cards or renewal receipts.
How much does conversion cost?
The SPF charges S$50 for a foreign driving licence conversion application. Test and preparation fees are separate.
For example, Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC) lists a BTT fee of S$7.20 and an administrative fee of S$2.94 per test booking. Its other published charges include enrolment, theory lessons, theory practice and evaluation. These are BBDC-specific fees, not universal charges across all driving centres.
Which licence class will applicants receive?
Work Permit and S Pass holders receive a Class 3C licence upon successful conversion. It permits them to drive motor cars with an unladen weight not exceeding 3,000kg and no more than seven passengers, excluding the driver.
Holders who wish to drive vehicles requiring a Class 3 or Class 3A licence must meet the relevant additional testing requirements. Applicants should confirm the required licence class and any practical test requirements with Traffic Police before driving a vehicle outside their Class 3C entitlement.
Source: Singapore Police Force
Last updated: 12 November 2026.
