​How to Convert Your Personal Car to Drive for Grab

(Photo Credit: Grab)

Planning to drive with Grab? You’ll need to convert your vehicle to either a Z10 or Z11 classification before providing private-hire services. Here are the steps to do so.

Before converting your vehicle, please ensure that you meet the following requirements set by Grab.

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• You must be a Singaporean with a valid Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL) or Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence (TDVL).
• For Singapore PRs, you must be employed by a limousine company.
• Have a minimum of 2 years driving experience.
• Possess a 4-door car that is 1.5l and above.

Once you’ve met the minimum requirements above, you can proceed to convert your vehicle class to provide private-hire services.

Converting Your Vehicle

(Photo Credit: One Motoring)

As mentioned above, you’ll need to convert your vehicle to a Z10 or Z11 classification before driving for Grab. Z10 is for regular sedans, while Z11 is for larger vehicles like SUVs and MPVs. To apply, simply visit One Motoring and login using your SingPass ID.

Once logged in, click on the ‘Ownership’ tab, followed by ‘Vehicle Scheme/Specifications’, then the ‘Convert my vehicle scheme’ option. Under ‘Conversion Type’, select the drop-down option ‘Passenger Car to Private Hire (Chauffeur) – P to Z’.

Once selected, you’ll need your vehicle license plate number, and make a payment of S$100. Kindly note that you’ll need to pay another $100 if you plan to change your vehicle class back for personal use only.

Getting a Private-Hire Car Decal

(Photo Credit: Business Times)

From 1 July 2017, all private-hire drivers are required to display special decals on both their front and rear windscreens of their vehicles. These decals are tamper-evident, meaning enforcement officers will be able to tell if they have been tampered with (e.g. removed or re-pasted).

According to LTA, these decals “allow for easier identification of registered private-hire cars and facilitate enforcement against offences such as unregistered cars providing chauffeured services, or private hire cars picking up passengers by street-hail”.

Once you’ve converted your vehicle class, it’s best that you visit any Vicom, JIC or STA inspection centres to get the decals affixed. It will cost you $20, including GST, to get them affixed.

These private-hire decals will also be inspected during your regular vehicle inspections. If found to be tampered with, you will not be allowed to renew your vehicle’s road tax.

Purchase Commercial Insurance

Before you start picking up passengers, it’s probably in your best interest to insure yourself first. That way, if you happen to get involved in an accident, your insurance would cover both you and your passengers.

Do note that you can sign up with any insurance provider as long as they provide commercial insurance for you and your vehicle.

If you’re looking for a best and most comprehensive insurance coverage, Motorist.sg can help you source for a competitive quote from over 10 insurers, completely free. The best part is our service is 100% obligation-free, meaning you can turn down our offer anytime you want.

Once you have completed all these steps, you may apply to Grab and become a private-hire driver under them!

Read more: 10 Tips to Make Your GrabHitch Ride More Enjoyable