How do I get a P plate in Singapore?
In other places, the P plate might be like a hint of freedom with a few strings attached. But here in the Lion City, that P screams “probationary” loud and clear!
Yep, we’re talking about the probationary driving license, a.k.a. the P plate, and it’s all about following the latest rules set by the Singapore Traffic Police for newbie drivers like yourself.
So, before you rev up that engine and show off your F1 skills to the world, let’s get you the scoop on how to grab that P plate in Singapore, shall we?
How do I get a P plate in Singapore?
— From kathleenxue
Let’s further break down the above information into steps.
Step 1: Enroll in an approved driving school
— From francis247
First off, you must be eligible for a P plate. This means you must be at least 18 years old and have successfully completed the required driving course at a driving school approved by the Singapore Traffic Police.
These driving schools include
Singapore Safety Driving Center (SSDC), https://www.ssdcl.com.sg/
ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC): https://www.cdc.com.sg/
These are the three main driving schools in Singapore that provide driving education and conduct theory tests, practical driving lessons, and driving tests.
Step 2: Pass the basic theory test (BTT)
— From louislyeys
Next, you’ll need to pass the Basic Theory Test which covers essential road rules and traffic regulations. You can take this test at any of the three approved driving schools or the Traffic Police Test Centre.
To pass the BTT, you generally need to achieve a passing score of at least 45 out of 50 marks.
As a heads-up, here are some of the things you can expect during the BTT:
- Multiple-choice questions with four options for each question
- Test topics related to road rules, traffic signs, traffic signals, right-of-way, road markings, and general driving guidelines
- Questions related to road safety, defensive driving techniques, and best practices to avoid accidents
- Some questions may include images of road signs, traffic situations, or driving scenarios, and you’ll need to select the appropriate response.
- The test is typically conducted within a time limit, and you must answer all the questions within the allocated time.
- Before taking the BTT, you can access study materials, practice tests, and revision guides from the driving school or official sources to prepare for the exam.
Step 3: Complete the practical driving lessons
— From lhmoto
After passing the BTT, you’ll need to attend and complete the required practical driving lessons at the driving school. The number of lessons can vary based on individual learning progress and the driving school’s curriculum.
You can look forward to the following:
- Hands-on driving practice – You’ll receive hands-on driving practice with a certified driving instructor. The instructor will guide you through various driving manoeuvres and techniques.
- Learning road rules – You’ll learn how to apply road rules and traffic regulations in real-world driving scenarios.
- Mastering driving skills – The practical lessons aim to help you master essential driving skills such as turning, changing lanes, parking, and navigating different types of roads.
- Building confidence – As you gain more experience behind the wheel, you’ll build confidence in your driving abilities.
- Mock tests – Some driving schools conduct mock tests to prepare you for the practical driving test (PDT).
- Feedback and corrections – Your driving instructor will provide feedback and corrections to help you improve your driving skills and address any mistakes.
- Understanding road safety – Emphasis will be placed on road safety, defensive driving techniques, and dealing with various traffic situations.
- Practice driving test – Closer to your scheduled practical driving test, you may undergo a practice driving test to assess your readiness.
- Gradual progression – The practical lessons are designed to gradually progress from basic driving manoeuvres to more complex driving situations.
Step 4: Pass the final theory test (FTT)
— From thelaoniang
Passing the final theory test (FTT) is a crucial step in obtaining a driver’s license in Singapore. It’s designed to assess your knowledge of advanced road rules, traffic regulations, and driving practices.
To pass the FTT, you generally need to achieve a passing score of at least 45 out of 50 marks.
Here are some requirements and tips to give you a heads-up:
- Valid BTT pass result – To be eligible for the FTT, you must have a valid basic theory test (BTT) pass result.
- Booking the test – You can book the FTT at the Traffic Police Test Center or through the official booking platform.
- Prep materials – Study materials, practice tests, and revision guides are available from the driving school or official sources to help you prepare for the FTT.
- Topics covered – The FTT covers more advanced road rules and regulations than the BTT. It includes topics such as road signs, traffic signals, right-of-way, road markings, driving etiquette, and defensive driving concepts.
- Focus on road safety – Emphasis is placed on road safety, defensive driving techniques, and best practices to avoid accidents.
- Multiple-choice questions – Like the BTT, the FTT consists of multiple-choice questions with four options for each question.
- Image-based questions – Some questions may be presented with images of road signs, traffic situations, or driving scenarios.
- Time limit – The FTT is conducted within a time limit, and you must answer all the questions within the allocated time.
Step 5: Take and pass the practical driving test (PDT)
— From premiummall
The PDT is designed to ensure that new drivers have the necessary skills to drive safely and responsibly on Singapore’s roads. Here are some things you need to know about it:
- Preparation – Before taking the PDT, make sure you have completed the required practical driving lessons and gained sufficient driving experience. Your driving instructor will inform you when you are ready for the test.
- Booking the test – You can book the PDT through the official booking platform or your driving school. Choose a date and time that suits you best.
- Test format – The PDT typically lasts around 30 to 40 minutes. An official traffic police examiner will assess your driving skills and ability to apply road rules and safe driving practices in various traffic situations.
- Driving routes – The test will cover a range of road conditions and traffic scenarios, including residential areas, main roads, junctions, and parking manoeuvres.
- Evaluation criteria – The examiner will assess your performance in areas such as lane discipline, signalling, turning, stopping at appropriate points, observation skills, and overall road safety.
We’re throwing in some tips for when you’re taking the test, too.
- Stay calm and focused! This will allow you to follow the examiner’s instructions carefully and drive confidently.
- Avoid making major mistakes. While minor mistakes are common, avoid major errors such as dangerous driving or violating traffic rules, as they may lead to an automatic fail.
- Demonstrate safe driving skills. Show the examiner that you can drive safely, anticipate and react to traffic situations, and make well-informed decisions on the road.
- Get ready for the final assessment. At the end of the test, the examiner will provide feedback and inform you whether you have passed or failed.
- Retake the test if you failed. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after a waiting period. Use the feedback from your previous attempt to improve your skills.
Step 6: Obtain the probationary driving license (PDL) or P plate
— From boojunfeng
Finally, you’re ready to get your P plate and proudly display it on your vehicle during the probationary period!
Upon passing the test, you’ll be eligible for the PDL or P plate. Here’s what you should do next:
- Collect the P plate – Visit the Traffic Police Test Center or the driving school from which you took your PDT to collect your PDL. Or you can buy some at petrol stations or convenience stores.
- Display the P plate – Once you receive the distinctive P plate with its distinct neon orange triangle, display it on the front and back of your vehicle.
- P plate placement – Affix the P plate in a conspicuous position on the vehicle so that it is easily visible to other road users. It’s a legal requirement to display the P plate during the probationary driving period.
- Probationary period – The PDL is valid for one year, and during this probationary period, you must adhere to specific rules and regulations for new drivers. This includes restrictions on speed limits, towing vehicles, and driving during certain hours.
- Follow the PDL rules – Observe and follow the rules of the PDL carefully to avoid penalties or license suspension during the probationary period. Once you have a P plate, you’re expected to:
- Adhere to a lower maximum speed limit of 70 km/h on expressways
- Not drive between midnight and 5 AM unless you have a qualified driving instructor present in the vehicle
- Not tow other vehicles
- Strictly adhere to a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption while driving. Any trace of alcohol in their system can result in severe penalties.
- Observe traffic rules including obeying traffic signals, road signs, and right-of-way rules
- Have all occupants in the vehicle wear seat belts at all times