~3–6 weeks from start to card in hand. Total cost: ~$350–$450 (excluding course materials and transport).

LTA cross-references your records with the Traffic Police and the Registrar of Vehicles. They check for outstanding summons, demerit points, and criminal history. For Arjun, who had a clean slate, the status changed from "Pending" to "Approved-in-Principle" after 7 working days.

| Step | Action | Cost (approx.) | Where | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | Eligibility check | Free | LTA website | | 2 | Medical exam | $30–$60 | Approved clinic | | 3 | 10-hr course & test | $200–$300 | Driving centre | | 4 | Online application | $50 | LTA e-Services | | 5 | Background check | Free | LTA / Police | | 6 | Collect licence card | $30 | LTA Sin Ming / Post Office |

Important Note: As of this writing, new PDVL applicants must complete a 2-hour Refresher Driving Course every 3 years to renew the licence. Also, you cannot hold both a PDVL and a TDVL (Taxi Licence) simultaneously without special approval.