How to convert your motorcycle license into a Singapore one

[Astran]

Hi All - read the posts with interest....and yes - I have just gone through the bureaucratic process - unsuccessfully. Explained that when I took my test in the UK on a 250 (yes - it was a long time ago - in '83) was then allowed unlimited cc - reaction - "show documentary evidence of taking the test on a large capacity motorcycle". Informed them of all the big capacity bikes that I had in the past and even though I had my current ZX-12R ownership and insurance papers, was ready to share my holiday snaps of doing route 66 last year, all to no avail. It is looking like a dead-end at the moment. Have requested the DVLA to at least support with documentation regarding the 250cc - but that would only get me a 2A, according to the TP. Any further advice from the forum?

[x9200]

"Informed them of all the big capacity bikes that I had in the past "

I would try to show them evidence for the above. Chronological list, motorbike, proof of riding/ownership, all the bikes you earlier ever have had. There should be a way to appeal, not over the counter but at the HQ, but I believe the above may be essential as this proves long-term use.

[Astran]

Thanks x9200 - will try - have also written an email - try, try, try again I think is the way

[diffuser911]

A lot of information - thanks all for the efforts!

I am applying for conversion based on by driving licenses from India and Bahrain, where I had owned 350cc and 650cc bikes in the past. Recently, I had rented 650s in Australia and Thailand, so safe to say I know my way around on a higher capacity bike.

I have some questions:
1) On passing BTT, do you get your converted license on the same day? If not, how long? Need this info as I am renting bike overseas and it needs IDP, which takes 5 days from applying here in SG.
2) Converting to class 2 - I have my DLs, insurance and ownership docs but not my license test details. Looks like it is going to be a pain!
3) Any tips for BTT? Have been reading theory and QnA books by Mighty Minds, and taking a bunch of mock tests online.

[Strong Eagle]

1) On passing BTT, do you get your converted license on the same day? If not, how long? Need this info as I am renting bike overseas and it needs IDP, which takes 5 days from applying here in SG.

You'll know if you pass the BTT immediately and will be given a slip of paper indicating you passed. You walk down the hall to the police counter with your pass slip and all other docs and you will be issued a temporary license immediately. As I recall, takes around 10 days to get the permanent license with picture.

2) Converting to class 2 - I have my DLs, insurance and ownership docs but not my license test details. Looks like it is going to be a pain!

It used to be much easier to get an unlimited license. I would do everything possible to get test details, large displacement bike training, etc. You need to convince them you are qualified.

3) Any tips for BTT? Have been reading theory and QnA books by Mighty Minds, and taking a bunch of mock tests online.

There are several "gotcha" questions... one answer that seems to be the obvious correct choice when, if you have carefully read the theory book, there is another less obvious answer that is the correct one.

[diffuser911]

1) On passing BTT, do you get your converted license on the same day? If not, how long? Need this info as I am renting bike overseas and it needs IDP, which takes 5 days from applying here in SG.

You'll know if you pass the BTT immediately and will be given a slip of paper indicating you passed. You walk down the hall to the police counter with your pass slip and all other docs and you will be issued a temporary license immediately. As I recall, takes around 10 days to get the permanent license with picture.

2) Converting to class 2 - I have my DLs, insurance and ownership docs but not my license test details. Looks like it is going to be a pain!

It used to be much easier to get an unlimited license. I would do everything possible to get test details, large displacement bike training, etc. You need to convince them you are qualified.

3) Any tips for BTT? Have been reading theory and QnA books by Mighty Minds, and taking a bunch of mock tests online.

There are several "gotcha" questions... one answer that seems to be the obvious correct choice when, if you have carefully read the theory book, there is another less obvious answer that is the correct one.

Thanks for the tips! I hope I clear BTT in one go, since 10 days to get photo card license plus 5 days to get IDP, I am really cutting it close to my trip. I should probably check when applying, whether the 10 days can be cut shorter if I can self-collect.

For the full license, I would be happy even if I can get a 2A, since I have been drooling at the CB400s for some time now, and selling it when moving back wouldn't be much of a loss, financially speaking.

[diffuser911]

Thanks for the tips! I hope I clear BTT in one go, since 10 days to get photo card license plus 5 days to get IDP, I am really cutting it close to my trip. I should probably check when applying, whether the 10 days can be cut shorter if I can self-collect.

For the full license, I would be happy even if I can get a 2A, since I have been drooling at the CB400s for some time now, and selling it when moving back wouldn't be much of a loss, financially speaking.

Hard luck today at SSDC Woodlands - the test system was down and I had to take the paper test, so results will be late: two weeks is the latest as per the invigilators. I had booked a bike to ride around the Alps next month, but looks like I need to check with the rental agency if I need to cancel my booking if IDP is not provided.

Edit: is it possible the check my BTT results online, so that I can go and apply for conversion without waiting for the snail-mail delivery of results?

[Strong Eagle]

Have you tried going over to BBDC to do your tests? Have your tried getting an IDL for one of your other licenses? My experince is that no one gives a crap about an IDL if you've already got a photo license that is current. I'd go that route.

[diffuser911]

Have you tried going over to BBDC to do your tests? Have your tried getting an IDL for one of your other licenses? My experince is that no one gives a crap about an IDL if you've already got a photo license that is current. I'd go that route.

The AAS website states it can issue IDP only for SG driving license. So far, no one had asked in the past for an IDP when driving overseas.

I pestered SSDC daily starting Sunday, until they said yesterday BTT results are in and I passed. I went down to SSDC TP counter today, applied for the conversion and got the driving slip for until I receive the photo-card license. I had my previous DLs and insurance copies with me, but didn't want to delay the photo-card provisioning if they wanted more details; you never know! They asked to contact licensing authority after getting the license to request for a higher class.

The ETA is one week for the photo-card license, thereafter will have to apply for IDP. Crossing fingers for the IDP first, then we tackle the Class 2 DL once I am back from my vacation!

[Strong Eagle]

The AAS website states it can issue IDP only for SG driving license. So far, no one had asked in the past for an IDP when driving overseas.

Yes, Singapore AAS is useless for any other driving license. I was suggesting that you obtain the IDL from whichever country your current license is registered in.

I've never had occasion to use an IDL. I've hardly ever had to show a license of any kind to rent motorcycles in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand.

[diffuser911]

The AAS website states it can issue IDP only for SG driving license. So far, no one had asked in the past for an IDP when driving overseas.

Yes, Singapore AAS is useless for any other driving license. I was suggesting that you obtain the IDL from whichever country your current license is registered in.

I've never had occasion to use an IDL. I've hardly ever had to show a license of any kind to rent motorcycles in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand.

Same here with motorcycles - was using my Indian license for owning bike in Malaysia, and for renting in Thailand and Australia, and cars rented in Malaysia, France and Australia with the same - no IDP asked. I believe if DL is in English, IDP being there or not doesn't matter. I have 3 IDPs issued in Bahrain, KSA and India, never needed to used them once! In fact, the one issued in KSA was based on my Bahraini DL - so that somehow invalidates AAS's reason, although it may depend on traffic laws of the country the AA is based in.

BTW, you are lucky to rent a bike in Cambodia - I had to contend myself with borrowing my tuk-tuk driver's bike for a while in Siem Reap!

[Strong Eagle]

BTW, you are lucky to rent a bike in Cambodia - I had to contend myself with borrowing my tuk-tuk driver's bike for a while in Siem Reap!

The rules changed two or three years ago... there is another thread in this forum that discusses the change... my last romp through Siem Reap was in 2010, I think... could still rent a Wave for USD 5 a day.

It's a lot of BS... I think it was something pushed through by tuk-tuk drivers, taxi drivers, and guides because they perceived the independently riding tourist as cutting into business... and WTH... only those blind or without a brain cannot ride a Wave to all of the fantastic wats.

[jrboy86]

Hi All,

I have a quick question here and yes, i'm very very new to this forum. In-fact, just registered.

First off, I'm a Malaysian, working in Singapore and I've just started back in March 2016.

My question is this, since I'm not planning to convert to SG PR yet, I would like to know, my Malaysian license, can I still use it after 12 months?

I'm currently residing in Singapore and riding my Malaysian Registered bike here.

Going out every 14 days to refresh my Grace Period.

So the 12 months validity, does it applies to me? I'm planning for an upgrade, but if it applies to me, then there's no point of upgrading my bike back in Malaysia.

[diffuser911]

Just a quick update - received my DL by post yesterday, applied for IDP in the evening and got it within 15 minutes. Here's a timeline, in case someone is in a hurry like me:

20 May - Basic Theory Test at SSDC, turns out to be theory test due to system fault
24 May - Result confirmed on call by SSDC
25 May - Apply for IDP at TP in SSDC at 8:45AM, watch video and complete payment by 9:15
30 May - DL arrives in mailbox in daytime, apply for IDP in evening at AMK and receive within 15 mins

Off in two weeks to fulfill an old dream! Thanks for all the help

[bgd]

Hi All,

I have a quick question here and yes, i'm very very new to this forum. In-fact, just registered.

First off, I'm a Malaysian, working in Singapore and I've just started back in March 2016.

My question is this, since I'm not planning to convert to SG PR yet, I would like to know, my Malaysian license, can I still use it after 12 months?

I'm currently residing in Singapore and riding my Malaysian Registered bike here.

Going out every 14 days to refresh my Grace Period.

So the 12 months validity, does it applies to me? I'm planning for an upgrade, but if it applies to me, then there's no point of upgrading my bike back in Malaysia.

From what I recall it's based on residency. Post 12 months you can't drive on a foreign license, you need to convert. But what is the grace period you refer to?