When we turn 18, the first thing many of us strive for – apart from legally purchasing alcohol – is to get our driving licences, but finding a private driving instructor can be a daunting task when you’re not sure where to look.
To help in your search, we’ve narrowed down a list of top three private driving instructors with some of the highest passing rates* for each driving centre – complete with their contact numbers, as well as reviews** by past clients. Regardless of whether you’re seeking to pass in a manual or automatic car, we’ve got you covered:
*Statistics are taken from April 2020 to March 2021
**Some reviews have been edited for length and clarity
Image credit: @nickmarsha1l
Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC) is the go-to driving centre for West- and South-siders, conveniently located just a 10-minute walk away from Bukit Gombak MRT station. But if you’d rather skip the walking, the centre provides free shuttle buses to and from the MRT station every 30 minutes.
Address: 815 Bukit Batok West Avenue 5, Singapore 659085
Customer service operating hours: Mon – Fri 8.30AM-7.30PM | Sat – Sun 8.30AM-1PM | Closed on Public Holidays
Telephone: 1800 666 8888 | 6561 1233
1. Chua Im Hua: 81% pass rate
Candidates tested: 37
Candidates passed: 30
Telephone: 9699 8159
“Mr Chua is a good instructor if you can understand basic Mandarin. He is patient and not easily irritated. Emphasises a lot on safety and makes sure you get your fundamentals right.” – Nicholas
2. Poh Hang Fong: 54% pass rate
Candidates tested: 41
Candidates passed: 22
Telephone: 9707 0629
3. Seow Eng Wah: 39% pass rate
Candidates tested: 31
Candidates passed: 12
Telephone: 9797 5467
1. Tan Kim Seong: 58% pass rate
Candidates tested: 65
Candidates passed: 38
Telephone: 8194 6933
“Mr Tan is a very busy man but he’s definitely worth the wait. He’s a very down-to-earth, attentive, punctual and patient man. Very fluent in English and always emphasises on safety as his top priority.” – G
2. Ng Lian Huat: 57% pass rate
Candidates tested: 30
Candidates passed: 17
Telephone: 9851 0680
3. Ng Lai Huat: 54% pass rate
Candidates tested: 41
Candidates passed: 22
Telephone: 9670 3033
“Good instructor. He may be a bit naggy, but it helps me in remembering important details. He is very on time as well. Female learners can feel safe and comfortable when learning from him.” – Lim
Image credit: Toyota
ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC) is operated by the ComfortDelGro group, so you might just get to know some potential colleagues if you’re looking to moonlight as a taxi driver after obtaining your licence! It’s also where bus and taxi vocational licences are handed out, making it super convenient if you’re considering a career choice as a driver.
Address: 205 Ubi Avenue 4, Singapore 408805
Customer service operating hours: Mon – Fri 9AM-7PM | Sat – Sun 8.30AM-12.30PM
Telephone: 6841 8900
1. Eddie Soh Jim Hock: 82% pass rate
Candidates tested: 22
Candidates passed: 18
Telephone: 9635 4834
2. Tay Lim Heng: 81% pass rate
Candidates tested: 21
Candidates passed: 17
Telephone: 9008 2882
3. Toh Ban Bee: 76% pass rate
Candidates tested: 76
Candidates passed: 58
Telephone: 9734 0310
1. Tan Cheng Kiat: 76% pass rate
Candidates tested: 78
Candidates passed: 59
Telephone: 9388 7679
2. Teo Kok Liang: 72% pass rate
Candidates tested: 79
Candidates passed: 57
Telephone: 9108 2021
3. Lim Kwok Ing: 69% pass rate
Candidates tested: 103
Candidates passed: 71
Telephone: 9745 1565
Image credit: SSDC
Of the three driving centres, Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC) is the oldest yet most impressive, with a three-storey driving circuit not unlike the old Escape Theme Park’s go-kart track. Of course, instead of unleashing your inner speed demon, you’ll need to be cautious and observe traffic rules here!
Address: 2 Woodlands Industrial Park E4, Singapore 757387
Customer service operating hours: Mon – Fri 9.15AM-6PM | Sat & Sun 9.15AM-1PM | Closed on Public Holidays
Telephone: 6482 6060
1. Chua Thian San: 52% pass rate
Candidates tested: 127
Candidates passed: 66
Telephone: 9666 5437
2. Ng Keng Hwa: 47% pass rate
Candidates tested: 125
Candidates passed: 59
Telephone: 9856 6210
Note: Manual driving lessons are also available for those enrolled in BBDC.
3. Lai Sze Woo: 42% pass rate
Candidates tested: 36
Candidates passed: 15
Telephone: 9297 5318
1. Kae Wen Fatt: 68% pass rate
Candidates tested: 34
Candidates passed: 23
Telephone: 9023 0313
“Polite and patient. Reliable and punctual for all lessons. I passed on first try under his good guidance. Highly recommended.” – Yap
2. Liew Yew Seng: 56% pass rate
Candidates tested: 62
Candidates passed: 35
Telephone: 9737 2607
“Very patient instructor, never ever flare up or scold me once. Very supportive and encouraging.” – Janet
3. Ang Lian Seng: 55% pass rate
Candidates tested: 33
Candidates passed: 18
Telephone: 9756 6373
Now that you’re ready to take up your driving lessons with any of the above instructors, it won’t be long before you’re zooming around with friends along the streets of Singapore with your newly acquired skill.
More resources for drivers here:
Originally published on 31st October 2017. Last updated by Josiah Neo on 14th April 2021.
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