The Ultimate Guide to Taking Classes at Bukit Batok Driving Center
Driving in Singapore is one of the most useful skills you can learn. While it’s true that the country features a reliable public transport system, it’s still great to know that you can simply get inside your car and drive anywhere you want.
Because of this, many Singaporeans aim to earn their own driver’s license, but before you reach this goal, you need to take driving lessons first. And one of the best driving centers available in the country is Bukit Batok Driving Center.
If you’re curious to learn more, here is your ultimate guide to taking classes at Bukit Batok Driving Center—from the courses they’re offering to the requirements you need to prepare.
The Basics of Bukit Batok Driving Center
Founded in 1990, Bukit Batok Driving Center (BBDC) is one of the leading driving centers in Singapore. The company offers a wide variety of comprehensive and systematic courses to new and qualified drivers.
Additionally, BBDC is an advocate of road safety, so they regularly give talks and demonstrations at kindergartens, schools, and various communities throughout the country.
They also offer defensive driving and riding programs to organizations both within the country and overseas, such as China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
- Location: 815 Bukit Batok, West Avenue 5, Singapore, 659085
- Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 7:30 pm (weekdays), 8:30 am to 1 pm (weekends)
How do I get to Bukit Batok Driving Center?
There are two main modes of transportation that you can use to get to Bukit Batok Driving Center: by MRT or bus.
If you’re traveling via MRT, be sure to alight at Bukit Gombak Station (Red Line), then take Bus Service 991 and stop outside BBDC. This will take two bus stops.
Meanwhile, if you want to ride a bus, you can choose from the following bus services:
- 187: available at Woodlands Regional Bus Interchange and Boon Lay Bus Interchange
- 188: Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange and Harbourfront Bus Interchange
- 985: Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange and Lorong 1 Geylang Bus Terminal
- 991: Bukit Batok Bus Interchange, Bukit Gombak MRT Station, and Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange
How much is parking at Bukit Batok Driving Center?
You can also drive your own car to Bukit Batok Driving Center because there’s a parking lot here. That said, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for parking: it costs 2 SGD for the first hour, then 0.034 SGD per minute.
If you arrive by motorcycle, you can park at no additional cost.
Another thing to remember is that only CashCard, FlashPay, and Auto Pass are the accepted modes of payment. Credit cards, EZ link cards, and NETS prepaid cards are not allowed.
What are the classes available at Bukit Batok Driving Center?
Bukit Batok Driving Center features several programs and classes, which can be divided into three main categories: motorcar, motorcycle, and others.
Here are the classes available at BBDC:
- Motorcar Classes
- Class 3/3A Driving Course
- Class 3/3A (For Class 3C/3CA Holders)
- Motorcar Theory Course
- Foreign Driving License Conversion Course
- Class 3/3A Driving Orientation Course
- Class 3/3A Refresher Driving Course
- Motorcycle Classes
- Class 2B Riding Course
- Class 2A Riding Course
- Class 2 Riding Course
- Other Courses
- Driving Assessment for Elderly Vocational License Drivers
- Bus Driver’s Vocational License Course
- Bus Attendant’s Vocational License Course
- Dips Re-Training Course
- Safe Driving Course (SDC)
- Defensive Driving/Riding Course
Motorcar Classes
Class 3/3A Driving Course
This course is intended for drivers operating a Motorcar Class 3 Manual and Motorcar Class 3A Auto.
Both Motorcar Class 3 Manual and Motorcar Class 3A Auto refer to motor cars with a weight not exceeding 3,000 kg and other motor tractors not exceeding 2,500 kg. The only difference is that Class 3A cars are automatic without clutch pedals.
When you enroll in this course, you’ll be able to get theory lessons and then practical training so that you’ll be prepared for the Basic Theory Test, Final Theory Test, and Practical Test.
Here are the requirements you need to qualify for this course:
- At least 18 years old
- Physically and mentally fit
- Pass the eyesight and color blindness test (with glasses and lenses if you’re wearing them)
- Must not garner over 12 demerit points under Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS)
- Must not possess a revoked/disqualified/suspended Qualified Driving License or an electronic Provisional Driving License
- Must possess the following:
- Valid National Registration Identity Card (NRIC)
- Valid FIN Card (for foreigners)
- Valid Singapore Qualified Driving License (if you have one)
- Valid electronic Provisional Driving License (if you have one)
As for the course fees, refer to this table:
Class 3/3A (For Class 3C/3CA Holders)
A Class 3C or 3CA license is given to non-citizens in Singapore who hold a Work Permit and S-Pass and wish to convert their foreign driving license. This new license allows them to operate non-commercial motor cars only.
With the Class 3/3A Driving Course, you’ll get practical driving lessons that are required to get a Class 3/3A driving license. Once you’ve finished the course and passed the tests, you can now drive non-commercial cars and light goods vehicles.
If you wish to enroll in this course, you need to follow the requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- Physically and mentally fit
- Pass the eyesight and color blindness test (with glasses or lenses if you’re wearing them)
- Must not garner over 12 demerit points under DIPS
- Must not possess a revoked/disqualified/suspended Qualified Driving License or an electronic Provisional Driving License
- Must possess the following:
- Valid FIN Card
- Valid Class 3C/3CA Singapore Qualified Driving License
- Valid electronic Provisional Driving License (if you have one)
Here are the fees you need to consider before enrolling in this course:
Motorcar Theory Course
The Motorcar Theory Course provides theory lessons that will prepare you for the Basic Theory Test and Final Theory Test. Passing the Final Theory Test will mark your graduation from the course.
Please take note that this course isn’t a full driving course. If you wish to take one, you can enroll in a Class 3/3A Driving Course.
Here are the requirements if you want to take this class:
- At least 18 years old
- Physically and mentally fit
- Can read signs from a distance of 25 meters and doesn’t suffer from color blindness
- Must not garner over 12 demerit points under DIPS
- Must not possess a revoked/disqualified/suspended Qualified Driving License or an electronic Provisional Driving License
- Must possess the following:
- Valid NRIC
- Valid FIN Card (for foreigners)
Refer to this table for the fees you need to pay for this course:
Foreign Driving License Conversion Course
If you’re holding a foreign driving license but you’re planning to apply for permanent residency or citizenship and you want to hold a Singaporean license now, then you should take the Foreign Driving License Conversion Course.
This course comes with theory lessons and practices that will help you understand Singapore traffic regulations and other essential information about driving in this country. It will also prepare you for the Basic Theory Test.
To enroll in this course, you need to check off the following requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- Physically and mentally fit
- Can read signs from a distance of 25 meters and doesn’t suffer from color blindness
- Must not garner over 12 demerit points under DIPS
- Must not possess a revoked/disqualified/suspended Qualified Driving License or an electronic Provisional Driving License
- Must possess the following:
- Valid NRIC
- Valid FIN Card (for foreigners)
You also need to prepare the following fees for the course:
Class 3/3A Driving Orientation Course
The Class 3/3A Driving Orientation Course is intended for new drivers who have only recently passed the driving test. This lesson helps you adapt faster and become more comfortable when driving on busy roads and highways.
The following are the requirements for the course:
- At least 18 years old
- Physically and mentally fit
- Can read signs from a distance of 25 meters and doesn’t suffer from color blindness
- Must not garner over 12 demerit points under DIPS
- Must not possess a revoked/disqualified/suspended Qualified Driving License or an electronic Provisional Driving License
- Must possess the following:
- Valid NRIC
- Valid FIN Card (for foreigners)
- Valid Class 3/3A Singapore Qualified Driving License or Passed Traffic Police Motorcar Test Assessment Checklist
For your fees, you only have two: enrollment and the practical lesson.
Do take note that the enrollment fee will be waived if you sign up for this course within six months of passing the practical test.
Class 3/3A Refresher Driving Course
Many people hold licenses, technically making them qualified drivers, but in reality, they haven’t been driving for at least a year. Because of this, they might need a refresher to sharpen their driving skills again.
If you’re one of these people, then you might want to check out BBDC’s Class 3/3A Refresher Driving Course. As you can guess from the name, this course features lessons on the basics of driving and the attitude of other drivers on the road.
If you want to take a refresher course on driving, here are the requirements you must follow:
- At least 18 years old
- Physically and mentally fit
- Can read signs from a distance of 25 meters and doesn’t suffer from color blindness
- Must not garner over 12 demerit points under DIPS
- Must not possess a revoked/disqualified/suspended Qualified Driving License or an electronic Provisional Driving License
- Must possess the following:
- Valid NRIC
- Valid FIN Card (for foreigners)
- Valid Class 3/3A/3C/3CA Singapore Qualified Driving License
These are the costs that come with the course:
Motorcycle Classes
Class 2B Riding Course
The Class 2B Riding Course is intended for people who are planning to drive motorcycles not exceeding 200 cc. This class consists of theory lessons and practical training, and by the end of it, you’re ready for the various driving tests.
At BBDC, an MSX Bike is provided for your training. This motorcycle is 4 cm lower and weighs 26 kg lighter than the usual ones, so it will be easier for your feet to touch the ground and keep the vehicle stable.
If you want to take this course, please take note of the following requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- Physically and mentally fit
- Pass the eyesight and color blindness test (with glasses and lenses if you’re wearing them)
- Must not garner over 12 demerit points under Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS)
- Must not possess a revoked/disqualified/suspended Qualified Driving License or an electronic Provisional Driving License
- Photo taken at the center upon enrollment (this is required when you apply for a Qualified Driving License)
- Must possess the following:
- Valid National Registration Identity Card (NRIC)
- Valid FIN Card (for foreigners)
- Valid Singapore Qualified Driving License (if you have one)
- Valid electronic Provisional Driving License (if you have one)
Additionally, here are the fees that come with the course:
Class 2A Riding Course
With the Class 24 Riding Course, you’ll receive theory lessons and practical training that will teach you how to operate motorcycles between 201 cc and 400 cc.
To qualify for this course, you need to have the following requirements:
- At least 19 years old
- Physically and mentally fit
- Pass the eyesight and color blindness test (with glasses and lenses if you’re wearing them)
- Must not garner over 12 demerit points under Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS)
- Must not possess a revoked/disqualified/suspended Qualified Driving License or an electronic Provisional Driving License
- Must possess the following:
- Valid National Registration Identity Card (NRIC)
- Valid FIN Card (for foreigners)
- Valid Class 2B Singapore Qualified Driving License for at least one year
Moreover, this course comes with the following fees:
Class 2 Riding Course
If you want to ride motorcycles that exceed 400 cc, then you need to take the Class 2 Riding Course. This course will provide you with practical lessons, and by the end, you’ll have to take a practical test.
Here are the requirements you need to bear in mind for this course:
- At least 20 years old
- Physically and mentally fit
- Pass the eyesight and color blindness test (with glasses and lenses if you’re wearing them)
- Must not garner over 12 demerit points under Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS)
- Must not possess a revoked/disqualified/suspended Qualified Driving License or an electronic Provisional Driving License
- Must possess the following:
- Valid National Registration Identity Card (NRIC)
- Valid FIN Card (for foreigners)
- Valid Class 2A Singapore Qualified Driving License for at least one year
You also need to prepare for the following fees:
Other Courses
Driving Assessment for Elderly Vocational License Drivers
This assessment is specifically designed to test the driving proficiency of older drivers with a vocational license. This will test drivers for their reflexes, reaction times, physical control of the vehicle, and other criteria.
Once they pass the assessment, they will be certified to continue driving a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) past the age of 70.
The assessment lasts for about 30 minutes, and applicants have to enroll within three months and complete the test within six months from the date of the notification letter sent by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
To enroll, you need the following documents:
- Valid NRIC
- Valid FIN Card (for foreigners)
- Valid Qualified Driving License
- Original Notification Letter from LTA
- “Assessment on Fitness to Drive for Vocational License Holders Aged 70 Years and Above” Form from LTA-Part 2 certified “Fit” by a medical practitioner
As for the course fees, you only need to prepare for two: the first assessment, which costs 87.72 SGD, and the re-assessment, which costs 55.52 SGD (both are already inclusive of 8% GST).
The accepted payment modes are NETS prepaid card and CashCard.
Bus Driver’s Vocational License Course
As you can gather from the name, this course will prepare you to get a license that will allow you to drive buses. So if you want a bus for personal reasons or you’re planning to start a bus charter business, getting this course is a good place to start.
It will take you a total of 14 hours—which can be completed within three to four days—and by the end, you’ll have to take a two-hour written test.
Before you can enroll, you first have to submit your application to LTA via One Motoring/GoBusiness Licensing. Once your application is approved, you need to undergo a medical checkup and X-ray.
When you’re ready for enrollment, be sure to prepare the following documents:
- Valid NRIC
- Valid FIN Card (for foreigners)
- Valid Qualified Singapore Driving License
- Original X-Ray and Medical Report (must be certified that you’re fit to drive by a registered medical practitioner)
- Valid Application Approval Letter from LTA
The course fee costs 108 SGD, which is already inclusive of the 8% GST. You can make your payment via NETS Prepaid Card or CashCard.
Bus Attendant’s Vocational License Course
By taking this course, you’ll be able to earn a license that will allow you to work as a school bus attendant.
Just like the Bus Driver’s Vocational License Course, this one requires you to submit an application to LTA via One Motoring/GoBusiness Licensing. Then undergo a medical checkup and X-ray to be considered fit to work.
Once you receive your approval letter from LTA, you must register for the course within three months and complete it within six. The following are the documents you need to prepare:
- Valid NRIC
- Valid Qualified Singapore Driving License
- Original X-Ray and Medical Report (must be certified that you’re fit to drive by a registered medical practitioner)
- Valid Application Approval Letter from LTA
The course is priced at 32.40 SGD (inclusive of 8% GST) and can be paid via NETS Prepaid Card or CashCard.
DIPS Re-Training Course
If you’ve been issued with a valid DIPS letter regarding a suspension from driving, then you might want to take this course. The DIPS Re-Training Course is created to help drivers improve their driving/riding behavior and practice good habits.
This course tables about 13 hours to complete. Once you pass it, you’ll receive a remission of your driving suspension.
The following are the requirements you need if you’re interested in taking this course:
- Valid NRIC
- Valid FIN Card (for foreigners)
- Valid Singapore Qualified Driving License
- Valid DIPS letter issued by Traffic Police
This course amounts to 197.64 SGD (inclusive of 8% GST), and you also need to pay an Online Facilities Fee, which is priced at 3 SGD. If you enroll online, you can pay via credit card, while a NETS card or a CashCard are allowed for counter enrollment.
Safe Driving Course (SDC)
Sometimes Traffic Police will send a letter to motorists, requesting them to take a Safe Driving Course (SDC). This is because SDC is intended to educate drivers on safe driving techniques and encourage them to practice good road habits.
This course comes with 3.5 hours of theory lessons via Zoom and a 50-minute practical lesson. Once you complete this course, a maximum of four demerit points will be deleted from your records.
If you want to take this course, you need to enroll in person and present the following documents:
- Valid NRIC
- Valid FIN Card (for foreigners)
- Valid Singapore Qualified Driving License
- Valid SDC letter issued by Traffic Police
For the fees, you need to pay 139.32 SGD (inclusive of 8% GST) plus 3 SGD for the Online Facilities Fee.
Defensive Driving/Riding Course
The Defensive Driving/Riding Course aims to reduce the risk of driving and riding accidents, so it contains lessons about how to anticipate dangerous situations and what to do when you find yourself in one.
This is perfect for people who want to improve their driving skills or who have to drive a vehicle every day for work and other errands.
How do I enroll at Bukit Batok Driving Center?
The enrollment process at Bukit Batok Driving Center varies, depending on the course you’re eyeing. That said, the general steps you can take to enroll in a course are the following:
- Make an appointment via the BBDC website.
- Prepare all the necessary documents (check the course you want to see what documents and requirements you need to submit).
- Pay the course fee and other miscellaneous fees.
- Start taking the course. There are lessons you can take online, but you have to be present for practical lessons and tests.
Getting a Driver’s License in Singapore: A Quick Guide
Getting your driver’s license in Singapore can be a complicated and tedious process. To help make the process a little bit easier for you, here are some of the most common questions about getting a driver’s license in Singapore.
What are the steps I need to take to get a driver’s license in Singapore?
There are six primary steps you need to take to get a driver’s license in Singapore:
- Register for a Basic Theory Course and Test. You can do this by taking classes at a driving center.
- Once you’ve passed the Basic Theory Test, apply for a Provisional Driving License.
- Take several practical driving lessons—either from a driving school or a private driving instructor.
- Register for the Final Theory Test.
- Prepare for your driving test by taking a driving simulator lesson.
- Take your driving test.
How much does it cost to get a driver’s license in Singapore?
It’s quite tricky to determine exactly how much it costs to get a driver’s license in Singapore. The most common range is between 1,340 SGD and 2,400 SGD, but it’s possible that the cost can go lower or higher than that.
The reason why the cost of getting a driver’s license is hard to pin down is that there are many factors to consider.
There are fees for enrollment, theory classes and tests, and practical lessons and tests. Of course, you also have to pay a fee when you get your driver’s license.
Additionally, the prices for classes and tests will depend on which center you choose or if you’re hiring a private instructor instead.
How many lessons do I need to pass my driving test in Singapore?
You have to attend around 20 to 25 lessons in order to get all the information you need to pass your driving test in Singapore.
These lessons are primarily divided into two categories: theory and practical. You can also take other classes, such as a driving simulation course or a defensive driving course, to upgrade your skills.
What happens once I receive my Qualified Driving License in Singapore?
Once you receive your Qualified Driving License in Singapore, you’ll be put on a probation period that lasts one year.
During this period, you need to display a probationary license plate (P-plate) at the top right section of your front and rear windscreens.
If you don’t display a P-plate, you’ll have to pay a fine if it’s a first offense or an immediate revocation of your license for the subsequent time.
Another offense that will lead to immediate revocation of your license is accumulating more than 12 demerit points during your probation period.
FAQs about Bukit Batok Driving Center
If you’re enrolling yourself in a course at BBDC, you need to book an appointment beforehand. However, if you’re an existing customer coming to the center to attend a class or test, you don’t have to make an appointment.
Foreigners can take driving lessons at any of the driving schools in Singapore, including BBDC. There’s even a course here that’s specifically designed for foreigners planning to convert their foreign license to a Singaporean one.
Once you’ve taken a course, you just have to pass the Basic Theory Test to qualify for the Singaporean driving license.
Comfortable clothing is the ideal attire you should wear during practical lessons and tests at BBDC. People have different comfort levels, but the most practical clothes are those that don’t restrict your movements.
Additionally, you need to wear shoes with soft soles. Slippers and sandals are not allowed.
If you’re taking a motorcycle course, the suggested attire might be different. Specifically, you’re advised to wear shirts with long sleeves, long pants, closed shoes, and full-covered gloves.
Rainsuits and guards for the elbows and knees are provided, but you do need to bring your own helmet.
One of the reasons BBDC is a popular driving center in Singapore is its high passing rate. It’s 50.49% for Class 3, 97.56% for the Basic Theory Test, and 97.9% for the Final Theory Test.
To see how the center fares when compared to other driving schools, refer to the table below, which shows the passing rates of tests conducted between July 2021 and Jun 2022.