Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence (TDVL) Re-application Criteria

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Transport what are the conditions for re-application or re-qualification for a Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence (TDVL) where the TDVL has been revoked due to the conviction of a criminal offence that is unrelated to road traffic and/or driving matters.

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     Land Transport Authority (LTA) considers the nature of the offence when assessing the re-applications of ex-offenders for a Taxi Driver Vocational License (TDVL), with a view to protecting the safety of passengers. Those who have committed extremely serious offences, such as rape, murder or kidnapping, are barred from re-obtaining a TDVL for life. Those who have committed less serious offences like housebreaking are barred for three to five years from the date of conviction, after which their re-applications will be considered. Other offences which do not pose any danger to the physical safety of the public, such as forgery, would not attract any debarment.

2.     This calibrated approach is needed to maintain public confidence in the safety of our taxi services. At the same time, it provides some ex-offenders with a second chance.