PDVL Private Hire Vehicle Regulations

Question 1

What licence is required to drive a private hire car (PHC) for hire or reward in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence (PDVL)

Answer

Drivers who wish to operate a private hire car for hire or reward through a ride-hailing platform (such as Grab or Gojek) in Singapore must obtain a Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence (PDVL) from LTA, in addition to holding a valid driving licence.

Question 2

What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a PDVL in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

30 years old

Answer

Applicants for the Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence (PDVL) must be at least 30 years old. This is higher than the minimum age for a standard driving licence to ensure greater maturity and experience.

Question 3

How many years of driving experience must a PDVL applicant have?

Accepted Answer

At least 1 year of holding a valid Class 3/3A driving licence

Answer

PDVL applicants must have held a valid Class 3 or Class 3A Singapore driving licence for at least 1 year immediately prior to application, demonstrating basic driving experience and familiarity with Singapore roads.

Question 4

Private hire cars in Singapore must be rented through or affiliated with a licensed:

Accepted Answer

Private hire car operator (ride-hailing platform holder) licensed by LTA

Answer

Private hire cars must be operated through or affiliated with a licensed private hire car operator — such as Grab or Gojek — that holds an operating licence from LTA. Individual drivers cannot independently pick up street-hail passengers; all bookings must be made through the platform.

Question 5

What are the vehicle age limits for private hire cars in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Private hire cars must be de-registered when they reach 10 years of age (or earlier based on LTA's vehicle lifespan policy)

Answer

In Singapore, private hire cars are subject to LTA's vehicle lifespan policy, which generally caps the lifespan at 10 years, after which the vehicle must be de-registered. Some vehicles may be subject to Certificates of Entitlement (COE) bidding requirements.

PDVL Practice Test

PDVL Practice Test

PDVL Private Hire Vehicle Regulations