A Guide To Getting Your Driving License

Driving is definitely a must have skill. Imagine all the road trips you could take with your friends. If you’re thinking of getting your license and don’t know where to get started? Don’t worry! We’ll tell you all you need to know, and even share with you our little tips on passing the theory tests with ease!

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE APPLYING

Automatic or Manual Driving License?

You’ve got a choice between obtaining a Class 3A (automatic license) or Class 3 (manual license). Having a class 3A license will allow you to drive an automatic car while a class 3 license will allow you drive both an automatic and a manual car. Getting a little confused? hold let me explain.

Automatic cars means that you don’t have to switch the gears, all you gotta do is just to press the pedal to go and steer using the steering wheel and you’re good to go!

Manual cars, you got to learn how to work the gears, the most important thing to learn here is making sure your car doesn’t stall in the middle of the road.

Most cars in Singapore are automatic, go for the manual license only if you are planning to race cars on a track or if you plan to go for an off-road, road trip overseas.

Private or Driving School?

Private

PROS

All you need to do is to pass all the theory tests, no compulsory lessons or evaluations *(evaluation is like a mock test that you have to pass before taking the actual test) * this means lesser money spent on practices and evaluation!
Private driving instructors give you more flexibility when scheduling practical practices. *this means the faster you take the lessons the faster you’re able to take your test and get your license!

CONS

Apparently lower rate of passing
Lesser practice questions as compared to students of the driving school. While students in the driving school get about 3 practice booklets. Private candidates only get access to one practice booklet.

Driving School

PROS

Higher passing rates (more safety nets to help you pass, for example, more practice questions)
No need to find a reliable driving instructor.

CONS

You’ve got to go for 3 compulsory lessons before being able to book an evaluation which you have to pass*(Passing mark 45/50)*, before you are able to book your basic theory test or your final theory test.
Many test or practice slots are taken up before you can book them. So many of the practical practices are booked very far in advance which makes it hard to schedule for practical practices, if you have a very busy schedule.

In conclusion, joining a driving school, may be more expensive and you might take longer to get your license, but there’s a higher chance of you passing on your first time. On the other hand, becoming a private candidate requires you to be more independent. Self-Study and do your research on who to hire as your driving instructor because there might be a chance you might not pass on your first go. *many have instructors who are too naggy while others are way too relaxed. Finding your perfect match is really a mixture of luck and good research.

Now once you’ve decided which route you want to take, it’s time to take that route to getting your license. I’ve separated it into two sections, individuals who are planning to do it as private candidates and those who plan to do it with the driving schools.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR LICENSE

DRIVING SCHOOL

ENROLLING YOURSELF INTO A SCHOOL

Enrolling yourself in a school is really easy, just go to one of the driving schools and approach the information counter. They’ll let you know what you’ve got to do. They’ll basically just ask for your information and help you create an account with the school with allows you to book your practices and tests. Don’t worry it’s super simple just remember to bring your NRIC! Here’s a list of driving schools you can enroll yourself in.

Bukit Batok Driving Center

PHOTO CREDIT: http://drive-to-success.blogspot.com/

815 Bukit Batok West Avenue 5, Singapore 659085

Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday*: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
* Closed on Public Holidays

TEL: 6561 1233

https://www.bbdc.sg

ComfortDelGro Driving Center

PHOTO CREDIT:
http://mushollamasjid.blogspot.com/2016/07/comfort-delgro-driving-centre-musholla.html

205 Ubi Ave 4, Singapore 408805

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday & Sunday*: 8:30am – 12:30pm
* Counter service for test and lesson booking is available until 11.30 am only

TEL: 6841 8900

https://www.cdc.com.sg

Singapore Safety Driving Center

**PHOTO CREDIT:** **https://www.streetdirectory.com/stock_images/travel/preview/12826407910172/254088/singapore_safety_driving_centre/**

2, Woodlands Industrial Park E4 Singapore 757387

Customer Service Centre (For CDC School Learners)
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday* : 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
* Counter service for test and lesson booking is available until 11.30 am only
Public Holidays Closed

(For Private Learners)
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 6:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Public Holidays Closed

Practical Training Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 10:20 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 am – 6:05 pm
Public Holidays Closed

TEL: 6482 6060

https://www.ssdcl.com.sg

PASSING YOUR BASIC THEORY TEST

The process: Here, you’ll need to sit for three compulsory lessons. Pass an evaluation test and finally sit for your Basic Theory Test (BTT) and ace it! You Literally have to ace it because the passing mark is 45/50. Yeap, we totally understand how you feel, but fret not here are some tips from us to pass your test!

Tips:

1.BOOK YOUR TEST DATE: It may seem “kiasu” to book your test early, but the earliest test date you can book is probably a month away. Anyways booking your test date early will also give you the extra motivation to consistently study till the set test date. This way you’ll be in top form to ace the test! You can book your test dates online at your respective driving schools website.

Bukit Batok Driving Center: https://www.bbdc.sg

ComfortDelGro Driving Center: https://www.cdc.com.sg

Singapore Safety Driving Center: https://www.ssdcl.com.sg

2. BUY THE BOOK: Buy the New highway code book 1 from popular ($4.90) and read it. This is going to be your main support line, this magical book contains all the information you need to pass the test.

3. GO FOR LESSONS: You will need to complete the compulsory lessons set by the driving schools. Even though many people dread the lessons and claiming that they are a waste of time, it gives you all you need to know to pass your Final Theory Test. So as boring as it is, remember to listen up and ask your instructors if you’re unclear of anything because they’re there to help.

4. DO PRACTICES: Spam book practices just before your evaluation, the more questions you go over, the easier for you to remember and pass. When I say spam book practices I actually mean to just book 1-2 practices (depending on your confidence level) right before taking your evaluation, because the questions are usually the same. However, if you’re on a budget, you can avoid paying for all those practice sessions and go online instead. There are many free online BTT practice questions you could do to prepare for the test as well.

5. THE EVALUATION: Yeah this is the annoying part about being a student of the driving schools. They make you take this mock test called an evaluation and you have to pass the evaluation before you’re able to book your test date. The evaluation is exactly the same as your Final Theory Test, it has 5 multiple choice questions lasting for 50 minutes and the passing mark is 45/50. Don’t forget, its compulsory to pass this before you’re able to book your actual final theory test. We agree that it’s both a waste of time and a waste of money. But this is compulsory, so just get it over and done with so that you can be on your way to getting your license.

6. THE TEST: The Final Theory test costs about $6.50 and it consists of 50 multiple choice questions with a duration of 50 minutes. The passing mark is 45/50, yeah we know it sounds crazy but believe me its a lot easier to pass than you think.

TEST TIPS:

1.Be early:

It’s common sense, be early on the test day so that you’ll be able to settle into the environment before the actual test, allowing you to approach the test with as much confidence as possible.

2.Bring Your NRIC

This is kind of common sense but don’t forget to bring your NRIC and be early for your test. Yeap there are people like me who forgot to bring their NRIC and had to forgo the test and rebook another one. Not to mention each test costs around $5, what a huge waste of money!

3.Bring your BTT booklet:

Having your BTT booklet will allow you to feel even more confident and prepared. Just read through it once more before the test to refresh your mind and you’ll be good to go.

4.Double check your answers:

When doing the test remember to go back and check through your work, because the passing mark is 45/50! So don’t take any chances, you wouldn’t want to have to retake the test because it’ll be both a huge waste of time and money.

APPLYING FOR YOUR PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENSE (PDL)

Its super easy to apply for your PDL. All you need to do is to go online to apply through the singapore police force website( https://www.police.gov.sg/e-services/apply/provisional-driving-licence#content ). You’ll need your singpass account to log and there is a one time application fee of $25 . Do note there isn’t a physical copy of the PDL as it is all in an online system and don’t forget that your PDL will expire in 6 months so quickly pass your final theory test and go for your practical lessons so that you’ll be able to get your driving license!

Tip: Book your lessons and tests as soon as you can because the slots are very quickly filled up and the earliest lessons are usually a month away so be quick!

PASSING YOUR FINAL THEORY TEST (FTT)

To simply put it, your final theory test is the same as your basic theory test but a little harder. It tests your practical knowledge on driving.

BOOK YOUR TEST: You can book your test dates online at your respective driving schools website.

Bukit Batok Driving Center: https://www.bbdc.sg

ComfortDelGro Driving Center: https://www.cdc.com.sg

Singapore Safety Driving Center: https://www.ssdcl.com.sg

COMPULSORY LESSONS: You will need to complete the compulsory lessons set by the driving schools. Even though many people dread the lessons and claiming that they are a waste of time, it gives you all you need to know to pass your Final Theory Test. So as boring as it is, remember to listen up and ask your instructors if you’re unclear of anything because they’re there to help.

TEST YOURSELF: The best way to help you retain all that theory knowledge is to apply it to a real-life situation. So when you’re in your parents are or maybe when you’re living the High SES life in a grab, look out for different situations and imagine it as a test question you’ve got to answer.

PRACTICE TESTS: Some people find this extremely useful while others say its a waste of money. Both sides aren’t wrong, it’s really about which you prefer. Practice tests are provided by the school, but you’ll have to pay about $5 for it. It aims to simulate exam conditions and many claim that the questions they use for the practice is very similar to those used in the test. However, if you’re more budget conscious, with the amazing evolution of technology, you can also do free online practices to prepare for your test. This helps you save that extra cash for something else like that cup to bubble tea you’ve been craving.

THE EVALUATION: Yeah this is the annoying part about being a student of the driving schools. They make you take this mock test called an evaluation and you have to pass the evaluation before you’re able to book your test date. The evaluation is exactly the same as your Final Theory Test, it has 5 multiple choice questions lasting for 50 minutes and the passing mark is 45/50. Don’t forget, its compulsory to pass this before you’re able to book your actual final theory test. We agree that it’s both a waste of time and a waste of money. But this is compulsory, so just get it over and done with so that you can be on your way to getting your license.

THE TEST: The Final Theory test costs about $6.50 and it consists of 50 multiple choice questions with a duration of 50 minutes. The passing mark is 45/50, yeah we know it sounds crazy but believe me its a lot easier to pass than you think.

TIPS:

1.Be early

It’s common sense, be early on the test day so that you’ll be able to settle into the environment before the actual test, allowing you to approach the test with as much confidence as possible.

2.Bring Your NRIC

3.Bring your BTT booklet:

Having your BTT booklet will allow you to feel even more confident and prepared. Just read through it once more before the test to refresh your mind and you’ll be good to go.

4.Double check your answers:

5.AFTER PASSING: After passing your FFT, you’ll be eligible to take your Practical driving test. But you will have to complete your practical driving test within two years if not your FTT will not be valid and you will have to go through the whole process again.

PASSING YOUR PRACTICAL TEST

TIPS:

1.Book a good time slot

Be strategic when booking your test date and timing – early morning test slots let you make use of bus lanes, so you don’t have to worry about avoiding them. And with less cars during off-peak hours, changing lanes will also be less of a hassle.

2.Book your test early

By booking your test early, it will allow you to have a good gauge on how many lessons you want to slot in before your test and it allows you to have a goal to work towards.

3.Be nice to your tester

Even though your tester is most probably going to give you a straight face even when you cheerfully great him when you enter your car, continue to be positive and optimistic throughout the entire test. This will not only make you feel more at ease but by putting your tester in a good mood might help with your test grades as he may help you pass.

4. Exaggerate when checking your blind spots

It’s better safe than sorry. Its common to see individuals get annoyed at their testers for faulting them for not checking their blind spots when they did. This is because their actions were not intentional enough. Even though you’re probably not going to drive like that, enhance all your actions make them big and loud so that your tester knows you’ve taken the initiative to properly check your blind spots.

5. Stay away from taxis

Taxis are the most unpredictable and dangerous thing on the road. I sometimes question how they even get their license… Anyways, just don’t go near them it increases the risk of you failing your test.

GETTING YOUR LICENSE

After passing your final theory test and practical test, you will need to apply for your Qualified Driving Lisence (QDL) at http://www.police.gov.sg/e-services . After doing so, your QDL will then be mailed to you within the next 7 days.