Apart from being able to legally drink alcohol, driving is probably the most exciting thing about becoming an adult. But when it comes down to exactly how to get that driver’s license, the whole process can get pretty overwhelming.
Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC) may not be the most accessible of the three official driving centres in Singapore, but its unique facilities make it a highly worthwhile option to consider.
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Situated at Woodlands, this driving centre is often dismissed because of its more ulu location, but this is actually a blessing in disguise for noob drivers.
Most driving instructors and test-takers actually feel that it’s easier to pass at SSDC thanks to emptier roads and slow traffic – especially during non-peak hours outside of 7.30AM-10.30AM and 5PM-8PM a.k.a the bus lane timings. If you want to maximise your chances of passing and minimise your number of demerit points, enrolling at SSDC may be a good option worth considering.
The driving centre may seem far, but thankfully there’s a free shuttle bus service every 20 minutes to bring you here from Admiralty MRT Station and back.
Disclaimer: All fees listed are for the Class 3/3A course
In order to have your Basic Theory Test (BTT) and Final Theory Test (FTT) at SSDC, you’ll first need to enrol as a student. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, prior bookings are needed for every driving centre, but SSDC has the shortest waiting time so you can get your license ASAP.
Image credit: @erasmatazzzzz
If you’re planning on taking lessons here, the enrolment fee costs $174.09, inclusive of e-Learning and IRL theory lessons. The practical lessons cost $77.04 per lesson for off-peak hours and $85.60 for peak hours so do remember to be quick with your bookings.
Private candidates only have to pay $20.09 when they enrol which is only inclusive of the eyesight test, digital photograph, and BTT booking.
Taking the tests – be it theory or practical – can be extremely nerve-wracking, but if you need some extra practice, SSDC has got you covered. Students enrolled in SSDC will have to take a practice BTT and FTT ($5.35) before the real thing, and private candidates can also attend it if they need to.
As of December 2019, all learner motorists have to complete three driving simulator trainings ($23.94 each) before they can book their practical test. This is good news for all paranoid test-takers because you’ll be able to prepare for a whole range of traffic conditions before the actual thing.
Best part is, you won’t have to travel far because SSDC houses their very own simulators for all students and private candidates.
Taking the practical driving test can get pretty pricey, but at SSDC, it doesn’t have to completely burn a hole through your wallet. The cheapest among the three driving centres, SSDC only charges $231.12 for the car rental and roughly 40-minute warm-up sessions, along with the standard $33 for the actual test.
Image credit: Learning To Drive
Learner motorists may be excited to know that the SSDC has Singapore’s first and only multi-storey driving circuit so the majority of your test will be indoors. This is especially great because you won’t be too affected by sudden weather changes and can fully focus on not hitting any kerbs during the notorious crank or S-courses.
Image credit: SSDC
Enrolling in a driving centre is the first step if you can’t wait to sing along to Driver’s License by Olivia Rodrigo and actually mean it. If you’re torn between the different centres and live along the red line, SSDC may be the best and most convenient option for you.
With a free shuttle bus and a multi-storey driving circuit, SSDC houses everything you need for you to get your “driver’s license last week”.
Address: 2 Woodlands Industrial Park E4, Singapore 757387
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9.15AM-6PM | Sat & Sun 9.15PM-1PM
Telephone: 6482 6060
Website
Things to do once you get your license:
Cover images adapted from: TheSmartLocal (L), @erasmatazzzzz (R)
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