News

Ms Yeo Wan Ling asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     whether the Ministry will consider extending the maximum age of vocational licences for driving such as the Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence and the Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence, should the driver be certified to be medically fit to drive a vehicle by a medical professional; and 

b.     if this is not possible, in what circumstances will the Ministry consider this on a case-by-case basis.

Reply by Senior Minister of State for Transport and Sustainability and the Environment Dr Amy Khor:

1.     The Land Transport Authority (LTA) recently commissioned the Singapore Medical Association (SMA) to conduct a study on a possible increase in the statutory age limit of 75 years old for holding a vocational licence to drive a public service vehicle. As taxi and private hire car (PHC) drivers spend a significant amount of time on the road and are responsible for the safety of commuters and other road users, it is important to ensure that they are fit to drive.

2.     Based on past accident statistics and SMA’s medical assessment, SMA recommends not to increase the age limit for vocational licence holders beyond 75 years. SMA found the accident rate of older vocational drivers to be higher than that of younger vocational drivers. For instance, taxi and PHC drivers in the 70-74 age group were 5 to 6 times more likely to have had an accident compared to taxi and PHC drivers aged below 60 years.

3.     Given safety concerns, LTA has assessed and considered the SMA’s recommendations, and decided not to raise the maximum age limit for vocational licence holders for now. But older drivers aged 50 to 74 years can continue to hold valid vocational licences if they undergo regular check-ups and meet the necessary medical requirements. LTA will continue to monitor the sector and review the statutory age limit periodically to ensure an appropriate balance between safety and allowing older drivers to remain in their vocation.