After thinking about taking up driving for awhile, I finally got down to SSDC on 19 Jul to enroll myself for Class 3A. Although CDC is nearer to my house, I chose to learn it at SSDC as I saw that CDC's contract with the land is closing down at the end of the year. I didn't want to risk shifting to another location in the midst of my driving lessons. (however up to this date, I have not gotten any updates on their location shift :/)
How to get there:
The driving centre is located at a deserted area of Woodlands. In order to get there, you can take the shuttle bus at BS46771, which is the bus stop opposite Admiralty station. The timings of the shuttle bus pick up can be found here.What to expect:
Proceed straight to level 3 and approach the customer service counter. The staff there will hand you the enrollment form for you to fill up. Thereafter they will explain the entire process on how to get a driving licence. The information can be quite bombarding, but the details given can also be found in the booklet they hand to you later.
Basically, the entire process is like this:
All in all, you need to pass your BTT in order to apply for a PDL so that you can book your driving lessons. For the FTT, you can either take it after your BTT, or in the midst of your driving lessons. You just need to pass it before you go for TP your practical test.
One additional thing about SSDC is that they implemented this theory trial test (TTT). You have to attend 2 of these sessions and pass one of the sessions before you can actually take the actual BTT (and also the FTT). Therefore, you will need to go for at least 4 of these TTT.
The practice mode allows you to try all questions within 45 minutes, whereas the "test" mode gives you 50 random questions and you have to pass this in order to sign up for BTT/FTT. You can choose to practise some questions before taking the trial test, or you can attempt the trial test straightaway. However, during the 2 TTTs, you must pass the "test" mode.
Let's say you pass the "test" mode on the first try, you can go sign up for BTT/FTT. For the second trial test, you can opt for the practice mode so you can have more practice for the actual test.
Also, I heard from the staff that there are theory lessons available at the centre itself (100 mins each) and it is free of charge. Their website also provides theory lessons (20 mins each). I find it a hassle (or maybe redundant) to go down to the centre for these lessons as they have already provided me with the guides. I read through the guide once and mass attempted questions found here. I found a few mobile applications that provide me with sample questions that I can practise on when I'm on the move. Just search for "BTT" or "FTT" in the app store :)
After passing the BTT, you can apply for the PDL straightaway so you can book for driving lessons. You can apply it at the level 1 counter and get the PDL on the spot. It is just outside the BTT/FTT test room.
One additional thing about SSDC is that they implemented this theory trial test (TTT). You have to attend 2 of these sessions and pass one of the sessions before you can actually take the actual BTT (and also the FTT). Therefore, you will need to go for at least 4 of these TTT.
Theory Trial Test (TTT):
This is a pre-test for the BTT and FTT. The centre states that passing the TTT is a prerequisite of the BTT and FTT. Basically, there is a practice mode and a "test" mode. You have the option of choosing one of the modes for each session.The practice mode allows you to try all questions within 45 minutes, whereas the "test" mode gives you 50 random questions and you have to pass this in order to sign up for BTT/FTT. You can choose to practise some questions before taking the trial test, or you can attempt the trial test straightaway. However, during the 2 TTTs, you must pass the "test" mode.
Let's say you pass the "test" mode on the first try, you can go sign up for BTT/FTT. For the second trial test, you can opt for the practice mode so you can have more practice for the actual test.
Basic Theory Test (BTT)/ Final Theory Test (FTT):
50 MCQs (3 choices per question) are given and you need to score at least 46 to pass it.Also, I heard from the staff that there are theory lessons available at the centre itself (100 mins each) and it is free of charge. Their website also provides theory lessons (20 mins each). I find it a hassle (or maybe redundant) to go down to the centre for these lessons as they have already provided me with the guides. I read through the guide once and mass attempted questions found here. I found a few mobile applications that provide me with sample questions that I can practise on when I'm on the move. Just search for "BTT" or "FTT" in the app store :)
After passing the BTT, you can apply for the PDL straightaway so you can book for driving lessons. You can apply it at the level 1 counter and get the PDL on the spot. It is just outside the BTT/FTT test room.
Cost:
Enrollment Fee ($96.30) + Theory Fee ($69.55) = $165.85, inclusive of BTT and FTT guidesTheory Trial Test: $3.21 X 4 = $12.84
Basic Theory Test: $6.50
Final Theory Test: $6.50
Provisional Driving License: $25 (valid for 6 months)
Total cost before actual driving lessons: $216.69
**provided that you don't have to retake any of the tests
Duration:
Overall, it took me about 2 months to complete the theory tests:19 Jul - Enrollment
25 Jul - TTT for BTT
11 Aug - BTT and Application for PDL
22 Aug - TTT for FTT
08 Sep - FTT
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26 Sep - Practical Lesson 1
You are also able to go for driving lessons once you have a PDL but the next available timeslot stretches all the way to 26 Sep (in my case), which is like 1.5 months later. So it is always good to check for available timeslots and book in advance.
I shall end this post here as I'm still in the midst of my driving lessons. Till then!
