Bus Driver's Vocational Licence (BDVL) / Bus Attendant Vocational Licence (BAVL)

Apply for Bus Driver’s Vocational Licence (BDVL) / Bus Attendant Vocational Licence (BAVL)

Land Transport Authority (LTA)

Application Details

A Bus Driver's Vocational Licence (BDVL) is needed before a person can drive a bus and a Bus Attendant's Vocational Licence (BAVL) is needed before a person can be a bus attendant on a school bus.

Vocational licences granted by the LTA ensure that drivers are properly trained. They also bring an improved professional image to the different professions.

FAQ

BDVL/ BAVL APPLICATION

What are the criteria for me to apply for a BDVL/ BAVL?
a. To be eligible to apply for a BAVL, you must:
- Be a Singaporean;
- Be at least 18 years old;
b. To be eligible to apply for a BDVL, you should:
i. As Singaporean,
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Hold a valid class 3 Singapore driving licence for a continuous period of at least one year at the point of application;
- Pass LTA's required medical examination and background checks
ii. As Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR),
- Hold a valid class 3/3A Singapore driving licence for at least a continuous period of one year at the point of application;
- Pass LTA's required medical examination and background checks;
iii. As Foreign Work Pass (FWP) holder,
- Hold a valid class 3/3A Singapore driving licence for at least a continuous period of one year at the point of application;
- Pass LTA's required medical examination and background checks;
- Be an employee with a Bus Company and produce a copy of your Work Permit (stating "Bus Driver" as Vocation), Employment Letter (stating that "you are employed as a Bus Driver) at the point of application
How do I apply for a BDVL/ BAVL?
You may use your SingPass to apply online at GoBusiness Licensing, with a payment of $40 to LTA for the non-refundable application fee. You will be required to upload the following documents with your application:
- A recent passport-photograph
- NRIC (Front and Back view on a page)
- Singapore Class 3/3A/3C/3CA Driving Licence (Front and Back View on a page) (Optional for BAVL)
- A copy of your Work Permit (stating "Bus Driver" as Vocation), Employment Letter (stating that "you are employed as a Bus Driver")
- A copy of your In-principle approval letter by MOM stating Name, FIN, Occupation and Company Name or Work Permit (stating "Bus Driver" as Vocation), Employment Letter (stating that "you are employed as a Bus Driver")
Can I apply for both BDVL/ BAVL?
Yes, However, do note that only Singaporeans are given the option to apply for BAVL when applying BDVL. Application fee applies.
How do I withdraw my application?
Applicants who wish to withdraw their vocational licence application can submit a feedback to https://www.lta.gov.sg/feedback, However, the application fee of $40 is non-refundable.
Where can I go for the medical check-up for the purpose of my BDVL/ BAVL application?
You may go to any registered medical clinic to have your chest x-ray and medical examination done for the purpose of you BDVL/BAVL application.
You will be required to use LTA's medical examination form at https://www.onemotoring.com.sg/content/dam/onemotoring/Forms/VL_Medical_Form.pdf.
What is the statutory age limit for a BDVL/ BAVL?
With effect from 1 February 2011, the statutory upper age limit for BAVL has been removed, i.e., there is no maximum age for BAVL holders. In addition, the upper age limit for BDVL holders has been raised to 75 years. This applies only to BDVL holders driving Class 3 buses.
However, from 1 January 2016, the upper age limit has been extended until heavy vehicle drivers turn 75 years old. With the revision, heavy vehicle drivers (i.e. Class 4/4A and 5), aged between 70 to 74 years old, can retain their licences if they pass an annual enhanced medical examination and proficiency driving test. Hence, these drivers can continue to drive Class 4/4A buses provided they pass the above requirements by the Traffic Police
What are the medical requirement to apply for a BDVL/ BAVL?
Applicants who are aged 50 years and above are required to pass regular medical examinations. The frequency of medical examinations are as follows:
50 - 64 years: Once every 2 years
65 years onwards: Every year
For applicants reaching the age of 70 years, there is a requirement to undergo a special assessment to certify that they are fit to continue driving. This assessment is called the "Assessment on Fitness to Drive for Vocational Licence Holders Aged 70 years and Above". This Assessment covers a medical examination, an occupational therapy evaluation, and an on-road driving test with an occupational therapist and a driving instructor. After passing the Assessment at age 70 years, he will have to continue to pass LTA's annual medical examination at 71 and 72 years of age. This Assessment will be required once again at the age of 73 and 74 years of age before the VL holder is allowed to renew and extend his VL up to 75 years of age.
However, BAVL holders aged 65 years and above will have to pass LTA's yearly medical examination in order to continue to hold the licence.
How long can an applicant expect to wait for his application to LTA to be approved?
As a general guide, it will take about 30 working days for LTA to process an application for a BDVL/ BAVL, assuming that all relevant documents have been duly submitted.
Will non-Singapore Citizens (SPR/ FWP holder) be allowed to apply for a BDVL/ BAVL?
Yes, there will be no Citizenship restrictions on who can apply for a BDVL. However, employment letter as proof of being an employee driving for a bus company as a bus driver is required for FWP. However,BAVL is only for Singaporeans.

BDVL/ BAVL COURSE

Can I register for the BDVL/ BAVL Course before submitting a BDVL/ BAVL application?
No. Applicant would need to submit the BDVL/ BAVL application that is approved by LTA before they are allowed to register for the course.
When will the BDVL/ BAVL course commence?
Applicants who are interested in BDVL/ BAVL and have obtained their approval letter from LTA may visit CDC/ ComfortDelgro Bus/ BBDC/ SSDC to register for the BDVL/ BAVL Course.
When should I register for the BDVL/ BAVL Course?
You may register for the BDVL course once you receive an approval letter from LTA. BDVL/ BAVL applicants are required to register for the training course within 3 months and complete and pass the competency test course within 6 months from the date of approval letter. There is no test for BAVL.
I would like to register for the BDVL/ BAVL Course. Where should I go?
CDC/ ComfortDelgro Bus/ BBDC/ SSDC are able to conduct training for the BDVL/ BAVL Course. Those who wish to find out more about the BDVL/ BAVL Course can contact CDC at 6841 8900(http://www.cdc.com.sg/) or ComfortDelgro Bus at 6553 3838 (http://www.comfortdelgrobus.com.sg) or BBDC at 6561 1233 (http://www.bbdc.sg/) or SSDC at 6482 6060 (http://www.ssdcl.com.sg). Please note that BAVL course is no longer available at ComfortDelgro Bus.
Details of the training providers below:
ComfortDelgro Driving Centre (CDC)
205 Ubi Avenue 4
Singapore 408805
Tel: 6841 8900
Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC)
815 Bukit Batok West Avenue 5
Singapore 659085
Tel: 6561 1233
ComfortDelgro Bus Pte Ltd (ComfortDelgro Bus)
205 Braddell Road
Singapore 579701
Tel: 6553 3838
Singapore Safety Driving Centre Ltd (SSDC)
2 Woodlands Industrial Park E4
Singapore 757387
Tel: 6482 6060</br> When registering for the training course, please bring your approval letter, NRIC, Driving Licence and the following documents:
a. LTA's medical examination form duly completed and certified by a registered medical practitioner; and
b. The original or certified true copy of your chest X-ray examination result card signed by a radiologist;
How long is the duration for the BDVL/ BAVL course?
BDVL course takes 14 hours to complete (inclusive of 2 hour written test) and BAVL course takes 3 hours to complete.
What is the course fee for BDVL/ BAVL?
The BDVL course fee includes GST is $107 and BAVL course fee includes GST is $32.
Are there tests for the BDVL/ BAVL? Why is there a need?
BDVL/ BAVL course applicants will be required to attend training and pass the relevant tests in order to obtain the licence. This is to ensure that they are equipped with knowledge on traffic rules and regulations, service quality as well as general safety and route. There is no test for BAVL. Please see question 13 for details.
Can I re-sit for the BDVL test if I am unable to pass on my first attempt?
Yes, BDVL applicants can approach CDC/ ComfortDelgro Bus / BBDC/ SSDC to schedule a re-test.
What is the validity of a BDVL/ BAVL, and will BDVL/ BAVL holders be required to go for refresher courses?
BDVL/ BAVL is valid for three years from the date of issuance. Currently, there is no refresher course for BDVL/ BAVL holders.
Can Skills Future Credit be used for BDVL/ BAVL course?
Yes.
Is BDVL/ BAVL course available in Chinese?
Yes, BDVL/ BAVL course are available in both English and Chinese.

BDVL/ BAVL ISSUANCE

How will I be notified on the issuance of my BDVL/ BAVL?
Applicants who have completed the BDVL/ BAVL course and passed the test will receive a collection letter from LTA to collect the Vocational Licence Card from LTA.
What must I do if my BDVL/ BAVL is lost or damage?
You are required to make a police report immediately and apply for a duplicate licence at LTA, 10 SinMing Drive with the following documents:
- A recent passport photograph
- Original NRIC (Original Passport - if NRIC is not available);
- Valid Class 3/3A Singapore Driving Licence; and
- Original police report stating the loss of the BDVL/ BAVL licence
Please approach the Reception Counter at Level 1 for assistance. You will need to make a payment of $10 (excluding GST) for the replacement of the licence.

Additional Information

Fee
A non-refundable application fee of $40 is payable upon submission of all documents.

Documents Needed

NRIC / Employment Pass / S Pass / Work Permit / In-principle approval letter by MOM stating Name, FIN, Occupation and Company Name - Front and Back
For Singaporean / SPR: NRIC
For Foreigner: Employment Pass / S Pass / Work Permit/ In-principle approval letter by MOM stating Name, FIN, Occupation and Company Name Mandatory to upload upon application for all type of vocational licences.
File format: pdf, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, bmp
Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
Driving Licence (Front and Back)
For Singaporean, SPR and Foreigner.
Mandatory to upload upon application for BDVL only.
File format: pdf, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, bmp
Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
Passport size photo
Please provide a recent passport size photograph (400 by 514 pixels (35mm by 45mm)). Photo must be recent with full face, front view with eyes open, ensure the full head from top of hair to the bottom of chin and head must be at the centre, wears a collared shirt, and on white background. Headgear worn in accordance with religious or racial custom is acceptable as long as it does not hide the facial features. Photo in any uniform group is not allowed. Mandatory to upload upon application for all type of vocational licences
File format: jpg, jpeg
Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
Medical Records
Mandatory to upload upon approval to go for course for all vocational licences.
File format: pdf, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, bmp
Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
Employment letter for Foreigners
Mandatory to upload for Foreigners applying BDVL.
File format: pdf, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, bmp
Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
Other supporting documents
Letter of Undertaking / Letter from Singapore School Transport Association / Letter from Singapore School and Private Hire Bus Owner Association, etc.
File format: pdf, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, bmp
Maximum upload per application: 2 MB