How to get your Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence (PDVL)

Today i will be sharing with you guys my journey in obtaining my PDVL. I am sure there are other ways to obtain them. I took my route via Grab.

Sometime in January 2018, i went down to Grab office at Sin Ming. It is a 10 minute walk from the LTA office at Sin Ming.

Grab office located at Sin Ming

After which, i was given a few registration forms to fill up and had to settle some paper work with the admin staff there. In order to register, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid class 3/3A driving license for 2 years. One of the forms that you are required to fill up can be downloaded from the LTA website itself. 

After the paperwork, i was given another form. With this form, i was told to go to any Grab appointed healthcare providers for my medical checkup. I headed to SATA medical centre at Jurong East. This medical checkup is sponsored by Grab.

With the checkup completed, the medical report will be sent to Grab directly. A few weeks later, i received a message from Grab stating the date of my PDVL course that was held at the Singapore Taxi Academy.

Singapore Taxi Academy located at The Herencia, Singapore 239351

Course schedule that i received on the day itself

Upon commence of the course, everyone received a small box containing a map of Singapore, a book and other course related notes.

The test date, was already pre booked for us. However, the instructor asked if anyone wished to change their test date.

The test will be conducted in a room and be done on ipads. Once you have completed the first paper, you can see your results and leave the room. You would have about an hour before the next paper starts.

The key part of the PDVL test is memorising the demerit point system for both the traffic offences and vocational license offences.

Mock test paper

I failed my first attempt at both papers. However after a couple of months of delay, i rebooked the tests and passed them. The test itself is also sponsored by Grab. However, if you fail, you have to re book the test for each paper (depending on which paper you fail) , at a fee of $10 each.

Upon completion of your test, you would be given your result slip. After which, you would have to settle some paper work with the admin and will be given your temporary PDVL while awaiting your actual license card.

With your temporary license, you are able to start working as a private chauffeured driver.

I took this route via Grab. I am not sure if there are other companies that would sponsor you. You could obtain the PDVL license application form from LTA. However, you will have to pay for your own medical checkup and PDVL course. If I am not mistaken, you can book your PDVL course via Skillsfuture as well.

One of the main documents needed to sign up is the application form form LTA and your completed medical report. You may need to submit your education certificates as well.

Many would also have questions with regards to what will be tested for the test. Just a couple of days ago, i was reading a blog written by a fellow PDVL holder who went through the test. I will copy and paste the info from his blog as it is still accurate.

Paper 1
Paper 1 test is on Service Quality, Health and Safety. The things you need to read is the photocopied notes given by the instruction:

a) Section 1.1 - Service Quality, Health and Safety.
b) Driving in Singapore from Mighty Minds (Yes the thick book!)

1) What are the 5 key factors of Quality Chauffeured Car Services?
2) Where to display the fares?
3) What is surge pricing?
4) What is the driver's age to drive PHV?
5) What is domestic terrorism?
6) Who are licensed professional chauffeurs?
7) Why does terrorism, racial and religious incident affect you?
8) What is a good driver?
9) Where to stand when assisting a disabled person?
10) What is the healthy level range for BMI?

Paper 2
a) Section 2.1 - Rules and Regulations (PSV)
b) Section 2.3 - Rules and Regulations (PHC)
c) Section 2.4 - Rules and Regulations (Chauffeured Private Hire Car and Taxi Vocational Licence Demerit Points System)

A lot of questions will come from c) Section 2.4 - Rules and Regulations (Chauffeured Private Hire Car and Taxi Vocational Licence Demerit Points System). The test will ask you questions regarding the penalties of the offenses
Easy ones for like this:
What is the penalties for soliciting for passengers?
1) Fine
2) Demerit Points
3) Fine + Demerit Points
4) Fine + Demerit Points + Suspension

Tough ones are like this :

What is the penalties for soliciting for passengers?
1) Fine $200
2) Fine $500 + 5 Demerit Points
3) Fine $200 + 5 Demerit Points
4) Fine $500 + 12 Demerit Points

I can tell you that there is no shortcuts for Paper 2. You really have to memorize hard and the questions are tricky as well so read properly before you answer. For example:

Tricky ones:

Which of the following is false when you need written permission of the Registrar to install equipment for your private hire car?

1) Smart Phone

2) Radio

3) Television

4) Acoustic equipment

Overall, it would take you about 3 months to obtain your license. With that being said, i wish you the best of luck in obtaining your PDVL.