Here are some Singapore driving test tips to pass that TP test!
Just turned 18 and want to get your driving license? Fret not as we’ve compiled driving test tips for all you aspiring drivers out there!
Before the driving test, it helps to get some knowledge of what to look out for from your driving instructor(s).
However there are always some tips that they do not tell you, and so here's our compiled list of Singapore driving test tips!
********This list is by no means exhaustive. There are many other comprehensive driving test help articles out there where you can explore:
Weeks before your test:
- Before the driving test, be sure to get the test marking scheme from your instructors. Read it and understand all the requirements to pass.
- When you plan to book your expensive TP test, there are some things to look out for. Book a test slot at off-peak hours. With lesser cars on the road, there are less uncontrollable safety hazards to watch out for.
- For instance, out of the many driving centres in Singapore, the one at Woodlands(SSDC) seems to have the least traffic, as it is situated near factories. Hence you may want to book a test slot there.
- For others who are very confident and less inclined to travel to Woodlands, there are driving centres at Bukit Batok and Ubi.
- One thing we've learnt from others and online is that we are free to use the bus lanes for our test!
- Don't book driving practices at night. This is because all tests happen in the day. In order to get a most accurate feel of the real test, do not practise driving at night, as it may hamper judgement.
- Do not memorise test routes. Instead of stressing over which test route exactly, as testers have countless possible routes to choose from, spend your time perfecting smooth and effortless clutch control(for those taking Class 3).
- For those taking Class 3, make sure you are comfortable with the vehicle you are using for the test. As the clutch feels different on every vehicle, using the same vehicle will prevent undue stress.
Pre-test:
- Be punctual, even better if you're early!
- There is a waiting room to wait in before the test, where you will meet your tester(usually former TP officers). It is helpful to be early, and to not piss off the tester, give a pleasant first impression. A definite no-no would be having the tester wait for you. Human relationships are hard, but they pay off if you tread carefully.
- Do not use your phone, even better if you turn it off completely!
- Disturbances such as calls and messages annoy the tester, and most importantly, distract you! Have a clear mind when you take the test by either turning your phone to silent.
- Dress appropriately, even better if you do not wear slippers!
- Wearing slippers to a test is a definite no-no. Make a good impression by showing the tester that you are serious about passing the test.
During the test:
- When checking your mirrors and blind spots, make sure your tester knows you are doing the checks by exaggerating your actions. For instance, when you check your side mirrors, make sure that not only your eyes are looking in the mirror. You can tilt your head in the direction of the mirror, so the tester knows you are making an effort at safety checks.
- Be calm, collected and go at a suitably slow speed. From experience, the best speed to go at is at 40km/h, unless the tester tells you to speed up. Go any faster than that, and you might be labelled a reckless driver, and get marked down for speeding.
- At zebra crossings, make sure your safety and surroundings checks are done purposefully, so that the tester knows you are looking out for pedestrians especially. Stop before the zebra crossing, even if people approaching are a distance away. Better be safe than sorry!
- When vehicles give way to you, raise your hand to say thank you. Good courtesy on your part will go a long way in passing your test.
- Be on the constant lookout for emergency brake situations. Usually testers will test that when the road traffic is low, the environment is safe and there are no pedestrians around. When that happens, be sure to hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands as you jam the brakes.
- When stopping, make sure that you do not cross the stop line, by using this tip from Goodyfeed. The stop line should appear just below, or above your side mirror. We have tested the tip out on the road ourselves, and found it to be helpful.
After the test:
Exercise courtesy by thanking the tester and congratulations on passing your test!
Here are some notable errors to avoid, as having 20 demerit points will be deemed as a failure.
Immediate failure
- Rolling back more than 1 metre on a slope
- Mounting the kerb
10 demerit points
- Strike Kerb
6 demerit points
- Road Hogging(failure to keep left on the road)
4 demerit points
- Fail to confirm safety
- Fail to check blindspot
- Abrupt lane change
All the best for your test! Be sure to stay around for more Singapore driving test tips, like this article here.
Disclaimer: Not a driving expert