To drive a taxi in Singapore, you need to possess a valid Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence issued by LTA. All applicants must fulfil certain pre-requisites, undergo a training course by the Singapore Taxi Academy (STA) and pass a written test before they qualify to be taxi drivers.

All taxi drivers are required to pay daily rental fares to their respective taxi companies for the leasing of taxis. These fares vary amongst the different companies and are also dependent on the age of the taxi and its engine capacity. The current taxi rental rate ranges from S$75 to S$105 daily.

Taxi drivers who currently own or operate Yellow Top Taxis are required by LTA to replace their taxis after they have reached their 8-year life span.

If you wish to replace your taxi, you may download the Yellow Top Taxi Replacement form and mail it to the Vehicle Transit Licensing (VTL) office upon completion. Copies of the form are also available at the VTL office.

In June 2003, LTA also introduced a revised framework to govern the conduct of taxi drivers, known as the Vocational Licence Points System (VLPS).

The VLPS enhances the transparency of the disciplinary framework to the commuters and taxi drivers, by spelling out the offences, fines, demerit points and guidelines for suspending or revoking the vocational licence of a taxi driver.

A handbook on the VLPS was distributed to all active taxi drivers in June 2003.

The operating hours for the Lost & Found Unit in the LTA Vehicle & Transit Licensing Group at 10 Sin Ming Drive will be adjusted with effect from 1 Aug 2007 to :

Mondays - Fridays : 8.00 am to 4.30 pm
We are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

During the period when the office of the Lost & Found Unit is closed, bus / taxi driver may deposit the properties found in his vehicle at any police station.

Taxi drivers are now able to benefit from more training and personal development opportunities. Formed in July 2003, the Singapore Taxi Academy (STA) is training cab drivers to be more professional in their services. The Academy has also been appointed by LTA to conduct training and assessment for the Taxi Driver Vocational Licence (TDVL) and the TDVL Refresher Training Course.

The STA was officially launched on 11 June 2004.

One of the more unique courses offered by STA has seen cabbies being groomed to become Singapore's ambassadors. Under the taxi tourist guide licence course, these drivers will undergo training and a series of tests before being certified. Chauffered around town by these taxi drivers cum licenced professional guides, tourists will be able to enjoy the local sights and sounds at their own pace.

Last Updated on 21/06/2008