By Jo Rathbone
Issue 79 - February 2009

If 2009 is the year you turn eighteen, the time has come for you to dip your toes in the pool of driving freedom. All you need now is to hitch a lift to driving school.

After months of anticipation and hassling your folks for permission, and maybe some dosh, you are now ready to embark on your first driving lessons.
Once the big birthday bash is over, you can enrol in the Basic Theory Test (BTT). This can be done online at any one of the accredited driving schools (see the links below). Online booking is quick, easy, and costs only about $6. Be warned – there can be a long waiting period, so the sooner you enrol, the sooner you will be behind the wheel.

Once you have passed the BTT, you can apply for a Provisional Driving Licence (PDL). Without this, you can’t get into the driver’s seat. A PDL requires a vision test for sight and colour, which is offered at accredited driving schools. Remember to take all required documents with you, such as your passport, student pass (or any other such government-issued passes), and one recent passport-size photo. Applying for a PDL will set you back about $25. Keep in mind that the PDL is valid for only six months, so you have to apply for a new one if it expires.

The next stage is writing the Final Theory Test (FTT), which you can book online. Again, the cost is about $6. Each theory test involves 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 45 correctly. If you flunk either test, don’t panic. Just jump back online and book another test date. Before you can start any practical driving lessons, you will need to have under your belt the BTT and the FTT, and have a valid PDL.

Lesson fees range from $60 to $80 per lesson, and some schools recommend a minimum of 30 lessons. If you are going to take private lessons, make sure your instructor is licensed by the Singapore Traffic Police.

Once you have your licence, you have to figure out how to borrow the car. I would suggest offering your services as the family chauffeur for a while.
Drive safely!

Useful websites:

www.sgdriving.net
www.singaporetests.com
learn-to-drive.spf.gov.sg/services/learn_to_drive/index.htm