Thinking of learning to drive? Here's a simple and quick guide to assist you in choosing which driving lessons are best for you and your budget. We will discuss the pros and cons of learning at a driving centre versus hiring a private instructor with a full breakdown of expenses for both.
Before you get your permit, you will have to do the following -
1. Basic Theory Test
You will need to study for the Basic Theory Test and book a session at one of the three driving centres in Singapore: Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC); Comfort Delgro Centre (CDC) and Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC), which are located at Woodlands, Ubi and Bukit Batok respectively. The test will cost S$13.
2. Provisional Driving Licence
Once you’ve passed your Basic Theory Test (BTT), you will have to go to the Traffic Police Test Centre with your test result to apply for a Provisional Driving Licence (PDL), which will require you to bring along your identity card. The Provisional Driving Licence will cost S$25.
3. Driving school vs private instructor
Here comes the most important part where you have to decide if you want to learn how to drive in a driving school or with a private and personal instructor.
The enrolment fees for driving schools are higher than if you were to get a private instructor. You can expect to pay S$165.85 for both theory and practical lessons at a driving school, as compared to S$96.30 for theory lessons and S$50 for practical lessons with a private instructor. Additionally, driving schools may also charge extension fees if you do not pass your driving test within a year of enrolment.
Which to choose
Driving school
Pros- Driving schools followed a structured curriculum which works well for those who prefer a more organised teaching method
- Driving schools have the highest pass rates
Cons- You may have to go for more classes than with a private instructor before you are allowed to sit for your driving test
- It costs more than if you were to go with a private instructor
Private instructor
Pros- You will have more flexibility when it comes to booking your lessons
- You can save on travelling time if the instructor is able to pick you up at your home and drop you off after the lesson
- Fees paid might be cheaper than learning from a school
4. Final Theory Test
Once both you and your driving instructor are satisfied that you are on the road to driving competently, you can book the Final Theory Test (FTT). The test will cost $13.
5. The Practical Driving Test
Once you have passed both your Basic Theory Test and Final Theory Test, you are theoretically ready to take your practical driving test. However, your driving instructor will be best placed to inform you if you are indeed ready to take to the roads and make the booking for you.
The Practical Driving Test (PDT) will be conducted by a driving examiner, appointed by the Traffic Police. It consists of two parts. The first part will test you on your ability in the driving circuits, while the second part of the test is held on the roads to gauge the way you interact with road users and your compliance with traffic rules and regulations.
Once you pass, you are no longer required to get a physical driving licence. The Traffic Police (TP) has stopped issuing physical driving licences unless requested by motorists.
Motorists are no longer required to surrender their physical licences if they do not have one.
Congratulations! You are now qualified to take your place behind the wheel of a car.