5,000 applications received for private-hire car licence so far: LTA

SINGAPORE — The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Wednesday (March 15) that it has received about 5,000 applications for the Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL), since it started accepting applications on Monday.

The licence is among several regulations announced last April for the growing private-hire car sector.

To qualify for a licence, applicants must have held a Class 3 or 3A driver’s licence for at least two years prior to application, which costs S$40. They must also undergo a medical examination and attend a 10-hour PDVL course, among other things. Those who sign up by June 30 will have up to a year to attend and pass the course by the Singapore Taxi Academy (STA), during which they may continue providing private-hire car services. Drivers who sign up thereafter must obtain a licence before they can do so.

Last week, Uber and Grab unveiled measures to assure their drivers that application-related costs would be taken care of. Uber launched a FastLane programme to cover all costs associated with applying for the PDVL, including medical check-ups and application fees. In an update on Wednesday, Uber Singapore general manager Warren Tseng said that 50 per cent of their drivers have registered for the programme over the weekend.

He added that drivers have passed on feedback on the impact of the PDVL, including concerns over the impact of the licensing requirements on groups such as the hearing impaired and single mothers, as well as those who drive for a few hours a week or were in-between jobs. “Given these valid concerns, Uber will continue to work closely with the LTA... to ensure that (the new requirements) reflect technological advancements such as online training, and don’t unnecessarily inhibit people from accessing the technology they need for independent work,” said Mr Tseng.

Grab said last week that it was investing S$10 million into its GrabCar service, partially to help private-hire drivers obtain their licence. It will foot the bill for related costs, such as for medical check-ups, training, tests, and the application fee. The ride-hailing platform will set up an online portal to facilitate applications from drivers, including preparing their records in advance and issuing reminders.