Driving License - HOW SHOULD I START?

Driving License. When I was 17, I told myself that I must get my Driving License once I turn 18.

I went for my BTT and got my PDL (Provisional Driving License). I passed my BTT only on my second try but no worries, at least I passed! I found a good manual driving instructor and attended only 1 lesson.

I chickened out after that 1 lesson.

Somehow, the news were filled with traffic accidents or maybe I was too focus with the little report accidents. I was afraid of the responsible behind the wheels. I didnt want to take the responsible. I was thinking into too much of the negative.

I was stuck with my BTT and expired PDL. And many reminders by my parents and friends to go back for driving lessons.

All things changed when a close someone (who I didnt expected) went ahead with learning MANUAL driving lessons and even had a FTT test date already!

It was then I told myself that I can do much better and should continue with learning. Passed FTT in 1 try (with a lot of pressure) and my TP in 1 try!

Before I start, let me state clearly that I will be referencing a lot of sites and credit them accordingly. I didn't generate these information but I will be collating them so you will be able to have a place to have sufficient details on.

In case the link didn't appear, this image is obtained from here.

From the above image, you can have a clear look that to get a driving license, you should

1. First, head to a driving center. For myself, I went to ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC).

The counters there might advise you differently but do understand that the advises here are from my own personal view. Any decision made should be thought through carefully.

After comparing the pros and cons between a Private& School candidate, I opted for the Private Candidate option. That means individual responsibility to study for theory tests (BTT& FTT) + to find your own driving instructor. This also means that you can

A) Go through everything at your own pace (fast/ slow)

B) Not pay for additional fee to join school

C) Not pay for re-test fee (the additional lessons when you fail your theory tests)

D) Have a dedicated teacher to teach you for every lesson

Note: Private instructors do not have a schedule to teach point by point. They teach based on your overall capability to drive.

On my first lesson (regardless the very first or the first time after I went back), my instructor just asked me, 'Do you know/ remember how to drive? No? Okay, never mind, lets change seats.' After I changed and sat onto the driver's seat, he guided me how to on the engine and move off smoothly.

As compared to school candidates, they are first taught in lecture settings, going through the guide book then several lessons later, being guide how to drive. The instructor that teach you might also change for different topics. Do understand that this comparison is done based on what I have heard and understood from my friends that went through as School's Candidates.

All steps below are guidance for private candidates. For school candidates, the path has already been set for you. You will be guided by instructors/ teachers in your driving center. 

2. Sign up for BTT Test immediately. Oh! To do that, you need to sign up an account with CDC (additional $).

Why immediately? The wait for a BTT Test Date is approximate 2-3 months at least. I am sure you will be able to study, read and memorize within this waiting period. Don't hesitate!!

With this, you might be prompt to purchase the BTT Guide Book/ sign up for trial test in CDC - both, additional $$. I personally do not think this is required. I signed up an account with Singapore Test. They provide study notes which are more concise and a huge pool of sample questions to try on. Do take note, opting for additional trial test for BTT is a good choice, just don't be too dependent on it. For private candidates, you can only do 1 set of paper regardless how much time you will be in the exam hall.

Study hard and move on to Step 3 if you passed! If not, head back to memorizing more and do more practice questions!

3. Congratulations on passing your BTT. You need to make a choice now.

Do you want to head for PDL or FTT first? Are you dedicated to start learning how to drive? Why?

Once you obtain your PDL, you only have 6 months to pass FTT and your TP (Traffic Police Test).
Once you obtain your FTT, it is only valid for two years from the date you passed.

This means- if you do are not dedicated to do anything, just stop at your passed BTT to avoid any unnecessary wastage of $$. Yeap, BTT has no expiry date! (:

Most people will first find a driving instructor before choose to obtain their PDL and get their FTT test dates.

What will be your decision? Let me know in the comment box below! (:

4. Decide if you want a Class 3 or Class 3A license. 

What's the difference between 3 and 3A? With a class 3, you will be able to drive both auto and manual cars but with class 3A, only auto cars. 

Any significant impact? 

There's really no significant impact. Honest.

Manual cars require the maintaining of clutch. It's said to be quite difficult thus I challenged myself to go ahead for Class 3 license. Also, my dad has a Nissan Cabstar lorry which I'm looking forward to drive (not happening soon because daddy's not feeling secure enough) + my boyfriend's car is a manual car (which I'm looking forward to drive soon). So yeap, I had a goal to drive a lorry and to challenge myself.

If you think that it's unnecessary because most cars are auto now, then sure, go ahead with class 3A but before you do, maybe you should take a look into this compiled opinions from Goodyfeeds here. 

5. Find a driving instructor. 

The best and most reliable way is actually to ask those friends that has already passed their driving for their driving instructor's contact number. If that doesn't work out, you should head to online forums for reliable instructors. At least in forums, there are verdicts if instructors are good. Of course, in the learning process, the definition of good instructors varies for different people but at least they give you a heads up of things you should take note. 

If you still can't find any, Google. Really, Google is my best friend; make it yours too. 

When you have successfully find the one, contact him/ her.

First, inform the instructor if you are learning Auto/ Manual car. You don't want to meet the instructor& his car, then realize it's not the one you're learning with. Second, ask about the instructor's available slots and their rates. Some instructor charges by 1hr, some by 1hr 15min, some 1hr 30min and some 2hrs even. 

Do take note that it's normal to have a 'Sign Up' fee with the instructor as he needs to record your details and lessons progress. Circuit fees are also additional fees, on top of every lesson. It is not normal if he is always late/ go to the washroom/ pump petrol during your driving lesson. Every minute is paid by you. Voice it out if it happens frequently. 

Also, attend your driving lesson at least once a week! You wouldn't want to forget how to drive and waste additional money! (:

This post is updated on 24th Feb 2016.