Top Private Driving Instructors in Singapore

Getting a driver’s license is akin to a rite of passage to adulthood in the developed world. It’s not uncommon to see several teenagers lining up at driving centres just to get this goal checked off their list. If you’re an adult without a driver’s license, don’t worry. It’s never too late! This is what we’re here for – To help you find the most suitable driving instructor so that you can also get this checked off your box! 

For the sake of clarification, we are talking about driving instructors for Class 3 and 3a, licenses for driving manual and automatic transmission cars respectively. 

Driver’s license? Why should I get one? 

Singapore’s transport system is so efficient, and driving’s so expensive here. 

I’m probably not going to get a car. What can a driver’s license do for me? 

I understand where you’re coming from. Yet, I like you consider looking beyond driving as a utility. Driving is also a skill and can be an asset. 

Having a driver’s license can bring about not just convenience for yourself. It also raises your level of professionalism up in the eyes of your clients. You can choose to give them a lift, which can also put you in a service-oriented, responsible light, in their eyes. 

Regardless of whether they’re your clients or your friends, you should always look upon giving someone a lift as an honour. People will have a positive impression of you, especially when you saved them from walking under the hot sun just to wait for the next bus to arrive in 10 minutes!

Some people may also associate driving with taking a hike in nature, as driving, especially at night, can be therapeutic.   

A driver’s license is also almost recognised worldwide. You can use it for official identification purposes when entering into a restricted place or opening up a bank account. 

Yes, while you’re concern about the expenses of buying a car, you can always rent one instead! 

Obtaining a Driver’s License in Singapore

If you’re reading up to here, I presume that you’re a Singaporean or PR, above 18 years old, and are medically fit for driving. If you’re a foreigner, you can check out this link for more information on how to apply or convert your foreign driver’s license for local purposes. 

Choosing an Instructor – Driving Centre vs Private 

Regardless of whom you’ll be learning driving from, you’ll be required to go for an eye test at one of the 3 driving centres, which costs $1.82. You’ll also need to pay $6.42 for your driver’s license photos.

The 3 driving centres in Singapore are Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC), ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC) and Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC). 

In these centres, you can also obtain both manual and automatic transmission licenses, as well as licenses for buses, lorries and motorcycles. 

Alternatively, you can also choose a private driving instructor. Here are the main differences between a driving centre instructor and a private instructor. 

Theory Lessons 

To start off, you’ll have to take a Basic Theory Test (BTT), which costs $6.50. When you pass it, you’ll be issued with a Provisional Driving License (PDL). The PDL costs $25 and is valid for 2 years. Upon completing the BTT, you’ll also have to sit for a Final Theory Test (FTT), which also costs $6.50. You have to pass your FTT before you can register for your practical driving test. 

If you’re enrolled in one of the 3 centres, you’ll be required to sign up for theory lessons, which sets you back by around $69.55 for 4 lessons. 

However, if you’re signing up with a private instructor, the lessons are optional. All you need is just to take the tests. You’ll just be required to purchase the theory textbooks, which only cost a couple of dollars online. Yet, it’s highly advisable to attend a lesson or 2 to better understand what will be tested. 

Driving Centres Instructors are Costlier, But Offers a More Structured Practical Curriculum 

If you’re totally new to the realm of driving, having a structure might be helpful for you. You can learn driving systematically. Driving centres also include circuit lessons in your package. There are also various courses within the school where you can practice your manoeuvres through different environments — for example, SSDC’s multi-storey driving circuit. However, with a structured curriculum, there’s a minimum amount of classes you have to take. 

On average, you will have to complete around 20-odd sessions for a manual course, and 18-20 sessions for an auto course, before you can take your test — each lesson on average costs around $68.48 to $85.60. The fees will also vary according to peak and off-peak hours.

Bear in mind, all the 3 driving centres will also require an enrolment fee from you. This enrolment fee will last for a year. BBDC charges around $96.30, while SSDC and CDC charges $174.09 and $171.20 respectively. 

Private Practical Lessons are Cheaper, But It Also Depends on How Fast You Learn! 

If you’re retaking your practical and have some basic driving knowledge, a private instructor might be easier on your wallet, considering how much you’ve previously spent! There’s no minimum amount of sessions required. It all depends on how fast you’re able to learn and grasp everything. 

A private lesson on average will set you back only by $25-$35 per lesson. However, it does not cover the fees for the circuit lesson, which will cost about $60 per lesson. 

A private instructor will also charge an enrolment fee, which is usually cheaper than that of a driving centre. You’ll be looking at around $50-$90. 

Driver’s License: Automatic vs Manual 

With more and more cars leaning towards the automatic model, getting an automatic license seems like a practical route. You can save close to a few hundred dollars with an automatic course. 

However, a manual license, though costlier, has its own benefits too. 

Manual (Class 3) 

A manual transmission car requires you to master the art of clutch pedals, shift knob, throttle and shifting different gears to change the car’s speed.  

While the cost of learning to drive this transmission is more expensive, purchasing and maintaining a manual car is much cheaper. 

With a manual driving license, you can legally drive an automatic car without getting another license. Having a class 3 license also allows you to sign up for a class 4 or 4a exam. When passed, you can drive a heavy vehicle which exceeds 2,500 kilogrammes or an omnibus respectively. 

Automatic (Class 3A)

Automatic driving is a more convenient option, especially when the car does away the gear shifting responsibilities for you. This alleviates the physical strain on your limbs and makes it easier for you to concentrate on the road. Automatic cars are also better at handling steep terrains. 

Automatic cars are generally more expensive and difficult to maintain. You cannot legally drive a manual car with a class 3a or automatic driver’s license, let alone getting a class 4 or 4a license. 

I’ve completed my driving lessons. What’s next?

Congratulations! You’re most likely ready for your Practical Driving Test (TP). The test fee for both private and centre students is $33. However, the test car rental fee for centre students is much cheaper; you’ll be looking at around $200, as compared to private students who’ll have to pay about $400.

If you’re lucky to pass this round, you’ll need to apply for a Qualified Driving Licence (QDL), which can be done online. This license will only set you back by $50.

Editors Note:

While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccuracies. Therefore we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information.

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