Singapore—From December 16, individuals who wish to obtain a Singapore Driving License will have to undergo training before they schedule their Practical Driving or Riding Tests. The training is either through driving or a simulator programme.
A police advisory says this applies to all Singaporean Citizens, all Permanent Residents, foreigners residing in Singapore for more than 12 months, foreigners residing in Singapore for less than 12 months and are employed as drivers holding Work Permits or S-Pass.
Class 2, 2A, 2B, 3 or 3A student drivers, are required to complete the driving or riding simulator training, which is offered in three venues in Singapore, namely the Bukit Batok Driving Centre, the ComfortDelGro Driving Centre, or the Singapore Safety Driving Centre.
“The simulator training provides learner motorists with the opportunity to practise defensive driving or riding in a safe and controlled environment,” the police says.
Individuals who applied at driving schools before December 16 need not comply with this new requirement, says a report from Channel NewsAsia (CNA).
After undergoing the training and taking and passing the relevant theory and practical tests, individuals may apply for, or replace their valid Singapore Driving Licence by visiting the E-Services page of the police.
The police say that requiring the driving or riding simulator training is part of the traffic police’s endeavours to prepare learner motorists for different situations they may encounter in the course of driving and to develop in them good and safe driving habits.
There are 3 modules to the simulator training, whose goal is to give learner motorists chances to practise defensive driving or riding within an environment that is safe and controlled.
The modules may be accomplished within 15 to 20 minutes. They contain examples of what may happen to drivers based on the 10 most common reasons for traffic accidents which often cause injuries, including high-speed expressway cornering, cyclists in blind spots and driving or riding in wet weather conditions.
Drivers or riders-in-training need to be sufficiently competent in controlling the respective class of vehicles for which they apply for a driving licence. Before they can schedule simulator training, they must first accomplish at least five practical sessions. -/TISG