Omnibus Driver's Vocational Licence
Apply for Omnibus Driver’s Vocational Licence
Land Transport Authority (LTA)
For Business Users only
This licence is only for business users with a registered Unique Entity Number (UEN).
Application Details
Apply for this licence to be an omnibus driver. The licence is valid only while the holder is an omnibus driver with a public transport operator.
FAQ
- What are the requirements to apply for an ODVL?
All Omnibus Drivers (Singaporean, Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) and Foreign Work Pass Holders(FWP)) must be hired by the Public Transport Operator (PTO) before they are eligible to apply for Omnibus Driver's Vocational Licence (ODVL). - Who are the Public Transport Operators?
These are the list of Public Transport Operators:
- SBS Transit (SBST)
- SMRT Corporation Ltd (SMRT)
- Go-Ahead Singapore (GAS)
- Tower Transit Singapore (TTS) - What are the criteria for me to apply for an ODVL?
To be eligible to apply for an ODVL, you should:
1. As Singaporean,
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Holds a valid class 3/3A 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
2. As Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR),
- Holds a valid class 3C/3CA 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;
3. 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 an ODVL?
Only PTOs can submit ODVL application on behalf of applicant via GoBusiness through CorpPass. PTOs are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $40 per applicant, upon submitting the online application. All supporting documents must be uploaded online:
- A recent passport-photograph
- Singapore Class 3/3A/3C/3CA Driving Licence (Front and Back View on a page)
- NRIC (Front and Back view on a page) and Employment Letter
- A copy of your Employment Pass/ S Pass/ Work Permit (stating "Bus Driver" as Vocation) and Employment Letter (stating that "you are employed as a Bus Driver")
- A copy of your In-principle approval letter by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) stating your Name, FIN, Occupation and Company Name if you have not collected your Work Permit from MOM
- Letter of Undertaking Medical Report - How do I withdraw my application?
Applicants who wish to withdraw their ODVL application will have to approach the PTO. PTO will then inform LTA to cancel the application. However, the application fee of $40 is non-refundable. - Where can I go for the medical check-up for the purpose of my ODVL application?
You may go to any registered medical clinic to have your chest x-ray and medical examination done for the purpose of you ODVL 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 an ODVL holder?
With effect from 1 January 2016, the upper age limit for heavy vehicle drivers (i.e. Class 4/4A and 5) has been extended to 75 years old. With the revision, heavy vehicle drivers 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 from the Traffic Police.
It is also subjected to the employment with PTO. - What are the medical requirements to apply for an ODVL?
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 extend his VL up to 75 years of age.
However, ODVL 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 an ODVL, assuming that all relevant documents have been duly submitted. - Will non-Singapore Citizens (SPR / FWP holder) be allowed to apply for an ODVL?
Yes, there is no Citizenship restrictions on who can apply for an ODVL. However, employment letter as proof of being an employee driving for a PTO as a bus captain is required for FWP. - Can I apply for an ODVL if I have an offence?
Please do not apply for a vocational licence if:
- Applicant has a suspended or disqualified driving licence
- Applicant is an existing vocational licence holder but whose VL is currently suspended or revoked
- Applicant is currently undergoing an investigation
In general, those who have committed serious offences will be barred for life. For less serious offences, applications will be barred from consideration for a VL for a certain period after the date of conviction. - How do I register and when will the ODVL course commence?
Public Transport Operators (PTOs) will register, arrange and update applicants on available course date upon submitting the online application. - How can I know more about ODVL Course?
The Singapore Bus Academy(SGBA) conducts training for the ODVL Course. Those who wish to find out more about the ODVL Course can either call SGBA at 6474 0606 or email at (LTA_SGBA@lta.gov.sg). ODVL Course is held at Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability.
Details of the training provider:
Singapore Bus Academy (SGBA)
Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability
80 Jurong East Street 21, Level 2
Singapore 609607
Tel: 64740606 - How long is the duration for the ODVL course?
ODVL course takes 5 days to complete (inclusive of 2 hour written test)
Modules for ODVL course:
- Overview of Public Transport Industry
- Omnibus Driver's Vocational Licence (ODVL) Rules and Regulations
- Sectoral Tripartism
- Overview of New On-board Bus Equipment (NOBE) and Common Fleet Management System (CFMS)
- Service Literacy
- Safe Driving Techniques:
(i) Hazard Awareness Training and Test
(ii) Scenario-based Simulator Training - Are there tests for the ODVL? Why is there a need?
ODVL 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. - Can I re-sit for the ODVL test if I am unable to pass on my first attempt?
Yes, ODVL applicants can liaise directly with the PTO to arrange for re-test. - What is the validity of an ODVL?
ODVL is valid for lifetime from the date of issuance till licensees leave the PTO. This is applicable for Singaporean and Singapore Permanent Resident. Foreign Work Permit Holders will need to re-apply if they leave their current PTO. - Will ODVL holders be required to go for refresher courses?
SGBA will progressively introduce refresher courses and advanced-level modules for existing bus captains to undergo continual training and skills upgrading. - Can Skills Future Credit be used for ODVL course?
Yes. - Is ODVL course available in Chinese?
Yes, ODVL course is available in both English and Chinese. - How will I be notified on the issuance of my ODVL?
PTO will submit all relevant documents to LTA after applicants passed from SGBA training course and issued with Class 4A Driving Licence by Traffic Police for the issuance of their ODVL. - What must I do if my ODVL is lost or damaged?
You are required to make a police report immediately and apply for a duplicate licence at LTA, 10 Sin Ming Drive with the following documents:
- A recent passport photograph;
- Original NRIC (Original Passport - if NRIC is not available);
- Valid Class 3/3A/3C/3CA Driving Licence;
- Original police report stating the loss of the ODVL licence; and
- Letter of employment from PTO.
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.
ODVL APPLICATION
ODVL COURSE
ODVL ISSUANCE
Additional Information
Fee
A non-refundable application fee of $40 is payable upon submission of all documents.
Documents Needed
- NRIC - Front and Back
For Singaporean / SPR: NRIC
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 - Employment Pass / S Pass / Work Permit / In-principle approval letter by MOM stating Name, FIN, Occupation (must be "Bus Driver"), Expiry date and Company Name - Front and Back
For Foreigner: Employment Pass / S Pass / Work Permit / In-principle approval letter by MOM stating Name, FIN, Occupation (must be "Bus Driver"), Expiry date 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 - 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 (Singaporean, SPR and Foreigners)
Mandatory to upload for Singaporean, SPR and Foreigners applying ODVL.
File format: pdf, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, bmp
Maximum upload per application: 2 MB - Letter of Undertaking
ODVL applicants have to sign to agree to go for training prior to our approval. If the ODVL application were to be rejected, the applicants will have to note that the training fee paid is non-refundable.
File format: pdf, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, bmp
Maximum upload per application: 2 MB - Other Supporting documents
File format: pdf, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, bmp
Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
Requirements
Only Public Transport Operators (PTOs) can submit ODVL application on behalf of applicant.