Singapore TDVL key terms

The Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence issued by the Land Transport Authority. It is a legal requirement for anyone who drives a taxi for hire in Singapore, and driving a taxi without one is an offence.

Points recorded against a driver's licence after conviction for certain traffic offences. Collecting enough points within a set period leads to suspension of the licence.

A calibrated device fitted in a taxi that works out the fare from distance travelled and waiting time. It must be sealed and verified so that passengers are charged correctly.

The amount displayed on the taxi meter at the end of a trip, before any surcharges or extra charges are added to the total.

The fixed starting amount charged on the meter as soon as a passenger boards the taxi and the trip begins.

An extra charge added to the metered fare when a taxi is booked in advance by phone or mobile app instead of being hailed on the street.

An additional charge applied to trips that start from specified places, such as Changi Airport or the city area, during the hours stated in the fare rules.

A percentage added to the metered fare for trips taken during designated busy periods, such as weekday morning and evening peak hours.

Electronic Road Pricing: an automated toll system that deducts charges from a vehicle's In-vehicle Unit when it passes a gantry in a congested area or on an expressway. The passenger normally bears the ERP charge.

An electronic device fitted in the vehicle that holds a stored-value card and pays ERP charges automatically. A taxi cannot pass an ERP gantry if the card has insufficient value.

A tamper-evident seal and approval mark showing that the taxi meter has been checked and calibrated by the authority. Driving with a broken seal or unverified meter is an offence.

A marked area set aside for taxis to wait for passengers. Only taxis may use it, and drivers should not wait for fares where stopping is prohibited.

An LTA framework that measures how much taxis are on the road serving passengers, using distance clocked and time available. It sets minimum standards for operators and drivers.

Declining to carry a passenger who has hailed the taxi without a valid reason, such as already being hired or a genuine safety concern. An unjustified refusal is a licence offence.

Items left in the taxi by a passenger. The driver should keep a record and return them through the operator or police according to the required procedure.

A taxi fitted with a ramp or lift and space to carry a passenger seated in a wheelchair. Drivers must not refuse such passengers or charge extra for the wheelchair.

A guide dog or other trained animal accompanying a passenger with a disability. Taxi drivers must carry the animal and must not charge an extra fare for it.

The process of receiving, recording and fairly resolving a passenger's complaint, including passing serious cases to the operator or the Land Transport Authority.

How a driver treats passengers, including greeting, courtesy, cleanliness of the taxi, help with luggage and clear communication. It directly affects service quality ratings.

A printed or written record of the fare paid, showing any surcharges, given to the passenger when requested. It helps settle fare disputes and supports complaints.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes across the road. Drivers must slow down and give way to pedestrians who are on or about to use it.

A double broken white line painted across the lane at a junction, telling drivers to slow down and give way to traffic on the main road before moving out.

A solid white line across the lane at a junction, crossing or traffic light where drivers must come to a complete stop when required before proceeding.

Two continuous parallel white lines along the centre of the road. Vehicles must not cross them to overtake, make a U-turn or turn into another road.

A dashed white line separating lanes or marking a lane edge. It may be crossed when it is safe and legal to do so, for example when changing lanes.

A yellow hatched box painted on the road at a junction. Drivers must not enter the box unless they can drive through it without stopping.

A lane reserved for buses during stated hours, marked by a continuous yellow line and road markings. Other vehicles may use it only when the restriction is not in force or signs permit.

A circular sign with a red border showing the maximum speed allowed on that road in kilometres per hour. Driving above it is an offence.

The maximum legal alcohol level for a driver, measured by breath or blood test. Driving above the limit is a serious offence with heavy penalties.

A restraint that the driver and all passengers must wear while the taxi is moving, as required by law. The driver is responsible for reminding passengers.

A guide to safe following distance: stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions, and leave more space when the road is wet or dark.

The area around the vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. Drivers must turn their head to check it before changing lanes or moving off.

When the tyres lose contact with a wet road because water builds up beneath them, causing loss of steering and braking. Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking.

Anticipating hazards and driving so that other road users' mistakes do not cause a crash, by keeping space, scanning ahead and planning an escape route.

Tiredness that slows reaction time and judgement. Drivers should take breaks, keep the cabin ventilated and stop driving when they feel drowsy.

Flashing indicator lights used to warn other road users of danger, a breakdown or a sudden slowdown. They do not give permission to park illegally.

A high-speed road with restricted access, such as the PIE, CTE, ECP or AYE. Taxis may use them, but must not stop on the shoulder except in an emergency.

A satellite-based system that shows the vehicle's position and suggests a route. It helps with unfamiliar destinations, but the driver remains responsible for choosing a legal and sensible route.

The designated pick-up arrangement at Changi Airport where drivers join a queue and take the next passenger in turn. Queue jumping or picking up outside the queue is an offence.