Parliament: Driving test a must for foreign workers who operate small buses and vans

From June 1 next year, work permit holders and S-pass holders will need to pass a practical driving test - on top of the basic theory test - to drive light commercial vehicles in Singapore, under the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill passed on Monday, Se
From June 1 next year, work permit holders and S-pass holders will need to pass a practical driving test - on top of the basic theory test - to drive light commercial vehicles in Singapore, under the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill passed on Monday, Sept 8, 2014. -- PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - From June 1 next year, work permit holders and S-pass holders will need to pass a practical driving test - on top of the basic theory test - to drive all Class 3 vehicles in Singapore, under the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill passed on Monday.

This class allows them to drive cars and light commercial vehicles such as small buses that do not weigh more than 2,500kg. Currently, they only need to pass the basic theory test in order to convert their foreign equivalent licence.

But if they want to just stick to cars, and not light commercial vehicles, they can apply for the new class 3C licence, in which they only need to pass their basic theory test.

Work pass holders who drive for work will also need to obtain a local driving licence within six months from the date they obtain their work passes from Jan 1, 2016. Previously, they can drive with a foreign licence for up to a year.

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli said in Parliament on Monday: "Put together, these two changes will ensure that foreign vocational drivers are competent (and familiar) when they drive on our roads."

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