International Driving licence in Singapore?

[carteki]

Where can I get an international driving licence in Singapore? Please do not answer the AA because they have already refused to give it to me because I do not have enough validity left on my EP (they want a FULL YEAR) and refused to compromise to give it to me until the expiry of my EP.
Is there somewhere else that I can go? Are there other agents around?

It is really annoying that I have had to put my life on hold for the last 6 months because I don't have enough validity on my EP. I can just imagine my company being pleased at having to renew my EP 6 months early just so that I can do basic things such as open a bank account or obtain an International Drivers licence, but given my experience with the current renewal cycle they are just going to have to deal with it.

[Strong Eagle]

What do you need an international driving license for, if I may be nosy? I've driven Europe, Asia, US, Canada, Mexico, and never had cause for an international driving license.

[carteki]

But you do need one to drive in Dubai.

[Strong Eagle]

Ahh sooo... haven't driven in Dubai. If your ZA driver license is still valid I suppose your might try for na IDL/IDP from your home country.

Orr.... use one of the firms that create them for you for money... the whole IDP thing is such a scam anyway.

http://idl-iaa.com/?gclid=CO2Hj63_uJsCFQQupAodRy3PBA

http://www.idlforyou.com/

http://www.passportsplus.com/idp.html

[TommyD]

But you do need one to drive in Dubai.

Depends what country your from. You can drive on a foreign driving licence (certain countries i think) until you get your residence visa (i.e. tourists can drive on foreign licence) and then you need to swap to an emirate licence, which is a simple case of going to the rta and showing your valid home country licence and paying a fee. They take your photo and print the emirate licence on the spot.

[carteki]

Thank you Tommy. As I am still resident in SG, I cannot "swap" my licence (and as far as I'm aware, only people with other GULF state licences can swap them without a written test - from my mom who has lived in the region for 9 years and my aunt who arrived 1 year ago).

I am going to be there for 3 weeks and have to rely on public transport unless I can arrange a licence... NOT FUN

[sierra2469alpha]

As a followup to Kim's post - our Australian issued IDL's expired last month (Mr. P dropped his eye off the ball!). We haven't yet tried to hire a car here - is it possible just on our Aussie licenses, or does SIN need an IDL also? Thanks in advance, Mr. P

[carteki]

As a followup to Kim's post - our Australian issued IDL's expired last month (Mr. P dropped his eye off the ball!). We haven't yet tried to hire a car here - is it possible just on our Aussie licenses, or does SIN need an IDL also? Thanks in advance, Mr. P

Nope, you don't need an IDL in Singapore (if your licence is in English). It is just those pesky Gulf States...

[TommyD]

I am going to be there for 3 weeks and have to rely on public transport unless I can arrange a licence... NOT FUN

Public transport is fine. . . as long as you mean taxi's! Taxi's are cheap, clean and the drivers speak english. The buses are few and far between and full of smelly workers (yes they smell after working on a construction site in 45 degree heat!) and there are no trains, yet.

I just moved here from Dubai a few months ago, i hired a car with my australian licence and used it to get a Dubai licence, no test needed but you have to be a resident. Don't know what licence you're on, but most major western countries are fine to use your home licence as a tourist. It can't hurt to get an international licence also, but don't stress if you can't get one.

Where are you staying? have you got a list of things you want to see? Have fun, but beware it's starting to get really hot there now.

[carteki]

Thank you Tommy. I was there for 2 weeks last months. Taxi's are great if you want to get from A to B, but for going out of town or exploring they have their limitations.

Please see the following:
Driving License: All drivers must have a locally accepted driving license for at least one year. UAE residents require a current UAE License. Visitors should present a valid national and international driving license from their country of origin." www.fastuae.com

Note that if you want to drive a rental car in Dubai, you don't need to apply for a temporary licence but you do need to bring an IDP - International Driving Permit (required as of January 2007) and your home country driving licence (from same country as your passport). www.dubaifaqs.com

If you have any other information on this it would be appreciated.

[TommyD]

i guess i just got lucky.