Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites (e.g. go.gov.sg/open). Trusted websites
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Beware of fraudulent posts/messages making false claims about Public Transport Vouchers.

Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call. Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.

Ministry of Transport
In Parliament

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Unsuccessful Applications for Private Hire Care Driver's Vocational Licence Due to Past Criminal History and Disbarment Period

2 August 2022

This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Transport

a.     since 2018, how many applicants for Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence (PDVL) have been unsuccessful because of past criminal history;

b.     how many of them are barred from applying for PDVLs because of their convictions of less serious offences; and

c.     what is the average period of disbarment of such applicants before they are successful in attaining the PDVL.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.     In the past year, LTA did not accede to about 70 applications for the Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence (PDVL) in view of applicants' past criminal records. This is about 1.4% of all applications.

2.     The Government takes a calibrated approach. Applicants with less serious offences may have their applications considered after the completion of their sentence and debarment period. However, applicants with past offences which pose a risk to passengers in the vocational driving context or repeat offenders may be debarred for periods longer than three years. This approach balances the need to maintain public confidence in the safety of ride-hail services, while providing ex-offenders a second chance.

Back to top