New Licensing Regulation Uber GrabCar drivers

Do you want to continue providing chauffeured services? The new licensing regulation Uber GrabCar Drivers allows you.

Private hire car drivers have an obligation to commit. They must undergo the Private Hire Driver’s Vocational Licensing (PDVL) Framework starting 1 July 2017. It is the new requirement for both Uber and Grab drivers. 

Also, the government expects to leverage the industry. It is possible by revising the existing Taxi Driver Vocational License (TDVL) framework. It is in line with the new developments of Singapore Land Transport Authority regulations.

Private Hire Driver’s Vocational Licensing (PDVL)

The regulation ensures both the chauffeur’s and the public’s interest and safety. However, all drivers must go through sufficient training. Taxi drivers who want to avail of the vocational license will have to attend a two-hour briefing for private hired drivers.

Under the new framework, the applicants must go through strict medical and background screening.

Only individuals as registered owners of a chauffeured service company or employees of a limousine company can apply for the vocational license. UberX and Grab require their private drivers to have a Class3/3A driving license for at least a year. However, under the PDVL, their drivers must now have a driving license for 2 years before the application.

Each applicant must attend the required PDVL course of approximately 10 hours. Furthermore, they must pass the given examinations. In addition, the drivers who successfully kept their license must have a 3-hour refresher course. No worries. It is only necessary every 6 years upon passing.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will use a demerit point system for stricter regulation. Therefore, drivers who never incurred any demerit points will be exempted from the refresher course. Also, it will apply to the limousine company drivers only if the company meets the LTA laid requirements.

Aside from the driver’s vocational license, the private drivers require to display their license and tamper-proof decals on their cars. They can only use these decals once. It will assure the commuters that the driver has undergone sufficient training. Therefore, car registration with the LTA is a plus.

Credit: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/lta-sets-minimum-age-30-new-private-hire-driver-licence-applicants-they-must-also-be

Revised Taxi Driver Vocational License (TDVL)

After months of survey and evaluation, the ministry found that most taxi drivers feel the current TDVL  needs revision. It is vital to provide the needed leverage as the competition with UberX and GrabCar continues to be tight. In response, the ministry is incorporating technology into the framework. Also, it shows that the industry is quickly changing. Plus, innovation is a must.

Under the reconstructed TDVL framework, the taxi drivers must learn to use the Global Positioning System (GPS). It is far different from the usual maps. So for 60 hours, they will shorten the course to 25 hours. But they will do more training online rather than in classrooms.

Also, the refresher course will have shortened period. It is now 3-5 hours from 6-9 hours. Like private drivers, taxi drivers without any demerit points are exempt from the refresher course. Therefore, the government expects better service with the said incentives.

On the other hand, taxi drivers who won’t get a vocational driving license can attend the 2 hours shortened course without paying $40.

New Licensing Regulation Uber GrabCar Drivers Requirements

Uber Driver Requirements in Singapore

You must be a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident with at least 25 years of age and a holder of a Class 3/3A driving license for at least 2 years. All drivers have to register as a limo car company in ACRA. Don’t worry. It can quickly be done in less than 20 minutes online at $65.

In addition, your vehicle has to be a four-door car less than 10 years old with a capacity of 1.4L or larger. Also, it does not have to be new or expensive as long as it is in good condition. It is a common notion that no owner of an expensive car will let a stranger use their beloved vehicle. All because of the fear of premature wear and tear. However, it is up to you as Uber now offers services for commuters who want to ride luxury cars. Uber recently raised its minimum hourly guaranteed rate fare to $25 per hour during non-peak seasons. Nevertheless, it rises to $27 – $36 during peak hours.

It is a common notion that no owner of an expensive car will let a stranger use their beloved vehicle. It is due to fear of premature wear and tear. But still, it is up to you as Uber now offers services for commuters who want to ride luxury cars. Uber recently raised its minimum hourly guaranteed rate fare to $25 per hour during non-peak seasons. However, it rises to $27 – $36 during peak hours.

Credit: https://coconuts.co/singapore/news/all-private-car-drivers-including-those-under-grab-and-uber-must-have-vocational-licences/

GrabCar Driver Requirements in Singapore

You must be at least 21 years old, a Singaporean or a Permanent Resident who has at least 2 years of driving experience. Even if you do not have your own car, you can still be a Grab driver. It is possible through Grab’s exclusive partner fleets. Also, you can drive for an affiliated rental company. As for PDVL, Grab offers to reimburse or pay the corresponding fees. However, if you fail the test, you may retake it at your own expense.

If you need quick cash to get a vocational driving license, you can drive to a moneylender in Singapore, such as Cash Mart. The friendly staff will be willing to assist you with your personal loan.

Article Updated 22 August 2017