OK this is probably old news from LTA, but yes it will be necessary to get a private hire car driver’s vocational licence (PDVL). Applicants must have 2 years' driving experience, pass a medical check-up, and pay a $40 application fee. The course itself is 10 hours (2 hours self-study, 8 hours classroom session).
On the bright side, Singaporeans no longer have to register an ACRA business in order to drive private hire cars, either. PRs and foreigners will have to be employees of chauffeured services companies in order to drive private hire cars. This isn't relevant to UberFlex drivers currently, but it's nice to know if we ever wish to do this with a full-time rental car or even our own car.
Also, for drivers who submit their PDVL application before 30 June 2017, they have 1 year grace period to attend and pass the PDVL course. Applicants after 30 June will have to pass the PDVL before they can drive private hire cars.
Even more fortunately for Uber and Grab drivers, the respective companies will be paying for all associated costs. Uber drivers can apply at http://www.driveuber.sg/fastlane/. Remember to do so before 30 June to enjoy a 1 year grace period to complete the PDVL course!
Overall, while this regulation will raise the barrier to entry, it is going to be better for the industry as private hire drivers can no longer be accused of being unlicenced pirates. Passengers can have more confidence that their drivers have had some form of training before hitting the road, and hopefully, rides will become smoother and safer as a result.
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