Learning to drive?
Here's what you need to know
Going to driving schools to get your driver's license is almost a rite of passage in Singapore if you are 18 years old and physically, mentally fit. Which school should you choose? Is it better to hire a private driving instructor?
1. Time
This is important for those who have a limited time frame, such as those who are studying a few months before starting university. Learning can take anywhere from 1.5 months to over a year. It all depends on how quickly you want to progress and your ability to keep up.
You should expect to have 24 practical lessons for Class 3A (auto) and 29 practical lessons for Class 3 (manual). Estimate how long it will take by dividing that amount by the number of times you are willing to learn per week, e.g.
24 sessions / 3 times per week = 8 weeks
Private learners generally progress faster because they can take the test whenever they choose, while a school would require you to follow a certain curriculum.
Another factor to consider is when you will be able to begin. The first step in either private or public school is to take the Basic Theory Test (BTT). Visit any of the schools' websites to find out when BTT is scheduled to begin. Schools such as ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC) will let you take a few practical lessons on the circuit before you pass your BTT.
You will still need to schedule an appointment and register for your eyesight examination. There might be fewer available slots due to COVID-19, so be prepared to wait longer for registration.
2. Costs
Driving lessons can be costly, even without taking into account the cost of owning a car in Singapore. It varies greatly depending on how many lessons you need and whether you pass on your first attempt.
| Driving School | Address | Approximate Cost Of Driving License 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC) | 815 Bukit Batok West Ave 5, Singapore 659085 | $2,427 |
| Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC) | 2 Woodlands Industrial Park E4, Singapore 757387 | $2,639 |
| ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC) | 205 Ubi Ave 4, Singapore 408805 | $2,437 |
3. School vs Private
This is yet another major decision that many people struggle with. Here are some advantages and disadvantages.
| School | Private |
|---|---|
| More school learners pass on their first try, due to having more lessons | Higher failure rate |
| More chance to practice in circuit | Fewer chances of practicing in circuit due to having to pay |
| Fairly consistent quality, instructors should be ok to good | Wider range of instructors, have heard many horror stories of bad ones |
| Easier to book theory tests and practical tests due to priority | Might have to wait longer |
| Usually more expensive due to both price per lesson and number of lessons | Usually cheaper due to the opposite reasons |
| Usually learns what is on the curriculum and nothing more | Able to learn different, real-world things like parking at HDB slots rather than the mock ones in the circuit |
| Might have to change instructors every lesson, not consistent learning (unless pay extra for OneTeam) | Instructor always remains the same |
| Might be more difficult to book lessons due to large number of students | Instructors will usually know how to manage |
There are a variety of reasons why you may choose one over the other, and I suggest that you ask your friends for their opinions as well to help you decide. However, if you choose to go private, the most important thing is to get a good recommendation you trust (preferably from a friend).
Websites such as pdireviews.com will likely be a good starting point, and getting a good one is crucial to learning. There's even a HardwareZone forum thread where you can get recommendations.
4. Choosing a School
You must first register with one of the three driving schools - CDC, BBDC, or SSDC - whether you are a school learner or a private learner. I recommend that you go to the one that is nearest to you because there isn't much of a difference between the classes.
If you're in a hurry, look for a school that offers the earliest BTT date, particularly if the other schools only have slots a month or two later.
Summary
You are now ready to take your first step! Your next hurdle would be the Basic Theory test, and we have just the perfect tool to get you ready for it.
Simply click on the button below to assess your knowledge!
Footnotes
-
Based on:
- You complete your driving license within 6 months.
- Pass your basic and advanced theory on the first attempt.
- Attend 10 practical lessons during off-peak timings.
- Attend 15 practical lessons during peak timings.
- Pass your practical test on the first attempt.
- Proceed to register for your driving license thereafter.