PDVL Private Hire Vehicle Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under LTA regulations, which of the following is a PDVL driver NOT permitted to do?
- Pick up street-hail passengers without a prior booking through an approved platform (Correct answer)
- Offer advance bookings through a licensed platform
- Drive passengers to Changi Airport
- Transport a maximum of 6 passengers if using a larger MPV vehicle
Correct answer: Pick up street-hail passengers without a prior booking through an approved platform
PDVL drivers are not permitted to pick up street-hail passengers — all bookings must be made through a licensed ride-hailing platform in advance. Only licensed taxi drivers (with a TDVL) may accept street hails.
Question 2: What type of insurance is mandatory for private hire cars operating in Singapore?
- Third-party only insurance at minimum, but operators typically require comprehensive coverage (Correct answer)
- No special insurance beyond standard car insurance
- Only personal accident insurance for the driver
- Commercial vehicle insurance identical to taxis
Correct answer: Third-party only insurance at minimum, but operators typically require comprehensive coverage
Private hire cars must have motor insurance that covers commercial or hire and reward use. Standard personal motor insurance does not cover vehicles used for hire or reward, so PDVL drivers must have policies that specifically cover PHC operations, typically arranged through the platform operator.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the mandatory pre-service medical examination for PDVL applicants?
- To ensure the applicant is medically fit to drive professionally, including screening for conditions that may impair driving ability (Correct answer)
- To check the applicant's physical fitness for loading luggage
- To satisfy insurance requirements only
- To verify the applicant's identity through a doctor
Correct answer: To ensure the applicant is medically fit to drive professionally, including screening for conditions that may impair driving ability
PDVL applicants must undergo a medical examination by a registered medical practitioner to certify that they are medically fit to drive. This screens for conditions such as impaired vision, hearing, epilepsy, or other medical conditions that could pose a risk to passenger safety.
Question 4: LTA has the power to suspend or revoke a PDVL if the holder:
- Commits traffic offences, engages in misconduct, or fails to meet the ongoing fitness requirements (Correct answer)
- Only if the holder is convicted of a criminal offence unrelated to driving
- Only if the holder accumulates more than 50 demerit points
- Only if a passenger formally complains to LTA
Correct answer: Commits traffic offences, engages in misconduct, or fails to meet the ongoing fitness requirements
LTA may suspend or revoke a PDVL on various grounds including serious or repeated traffic offences, accumulation of demerit points, misconduct with passengers, or failure to meet ongoing medical or fitness requirements. LTA takes professional driver conduct seriously.
Question 5: What must a PDVL driver do if their driving licence is suspended or revoked?
- Immediately stop operating as a PHC driver and inform their platform operator (Correct answer)
- Continue driving until the PDVL specifically is revoked
- Apply to LTA for a temporary exemption to continue operations
- Only stop driving if a passenger reports them to LTA
Correct answer: Immediately stop operating as a PHC driver and inform their platform operator
The PDVL is conditional on holding a valid driving licence. If the underlying driving licence is suspended or revoked, the PDVL becomes invalid and the driver must immediately cease PHC operations and notify their platform operator.
Question 6: Which of the following vehicles is eligible to be a private hire car in Singapore?
- A Singapore-registered saloon car or multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that meets LTA's specifications (Correct answer)
- Any foreign-registered car with the driver's personal insurance
- A motorcycle registered in the driver's name
- A commercial goods vehicle converted to carry passengers
Correct answer: A Singapore-registered saloon car or multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that meets LTA's specifications
Only Singapore-registered passenger vehicles (such as saloon cars and MPVs) that meet LTA's specifications for private hire cars are eligible. Foreign-registered vehicles, motorcycles, and converted goods vehicles are not permitted to operate as private hire cars.
PDVL Private Hire Vehicle Regulations 2
Under LTA regulations, which of the following is a PDVL driver NOT permitted to do?