My mistakes makes me who I am

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Tuesday, March 11, 2014 || 11:47 PM

ComfortDelgro Driving Centre (Ubi) & getting my license

Hola Amigos,

I have finally gotten my license today. I am so happy that i passed. I swear i was such a wreck the day before the test. Even today, i was panicking like a crazy retard in the warm-up room and waiting room.

The journey has been a great and i would like to thank all the instructors who taught me at CDC. To me, it was a torture going to and fro to CDC almost everyday of my boring mundane life. Although CDC is near my place, but i have to say taking the bus 93 and walking. Sigh! And it's been so hot lately. This drought better end because the grass can't get any browner (HAHA, is that even a word?) than it already is.

Enrollement (School Learner):

First, register at the counter staff. Not forgetting to take a queue number of course =) Don't worry about anything as the staff will be there to guide you along the process. Basically, you'll need to pay enrollment fees, registrations etc. The membership is valid for a year. PDL(Provisional Driving License) is valid for 6 months.

You can book your practical lessons online or via the counter. At CDC, they have desktops that allows learners to book their practicals there. (They even let you print out receipts)

There are 3 ways of learning:

Private Instructor under the school (1 instructor throughout), One Team (consists of 2 instructors who takes turn teaching you), or the Common Pool. However, you have to pay more if you want the private or one team instructors. Hence, i chose to take the common pool.

My method: After passing my basic theory test(BTT), I took practical lessons while waiting for my final theory test(FTT). I hate dilly dallying, so this is the way I did it.

You can choose to take both theory tests first before taking your practical lessons too. For practicals, you'll need a valid PDL of course.

If you are worried about your theory tests, you can book the e-trials which you have 6 free trials given to you. (only for school learners) I only took the e-trials for FTT as i felt it was necessary; thanks to those who scared me that FTT was really tough. Fortunately for me, i passed both theory tests on my first try. Note: If you don't know the answer, go with the safest answer. Safety first, that's what driving is in Singapore huh.

My first practical lesson, IT WAS QUITE SCARY I SUPPOSE. I GOT TO DRIVE IN THE CIRCUIT FOR THE FIRST TIME AND DAMN I WAS SO NERVOUS. Being in the common pool, my instructor changes every lesson. Sometimes I get the same instructors but it's basically random. There are a few instructors that i found really nice and kind. =)

Figure 1: Pocket-sized blue book

You have total 3 modules to complete and 2 evaluations. 1 for module 1 and the other for module 2. And you have to go through all the test routes once. You will receive a blue pocket-sized book (fig 1) that you have to bring along every single time you have a practical and even for your traffic police test (TP).

At the end of module 2, the instructor will recommend the number of lessons you are required to take before booking for your practical test.

PDL can be renewed at singaporepost offices or at the driving centre; for your information. After BTT, you can apply for your PDL at level 2 of the driving centre.

Tip for booking your lessons you want: Book early, don't wait. When slots are open, immediately book your required lessons. You can cancel practicals up to 18 times but you have to do so before the 48 hour mark. For example, if your lesson is at 10.20am; you need to cancel it 48 hours before this timing. =x

Booking of TP: I booked my test at 10.15 am. in my perspective, i think this is the best timing as the traffic outside isn't too bad and chaotic like the peak hours. You can book your TP at the counter. I could have taken the test earlier but i had to delay it for 2 months due to upcoming examinations. Hence, i booked it on 11/3/2014. Book early; before you know it, there will not be any slots left. The cost of the warm-up and the test would be S$223.84 (the test costs 20 bucks, warm-up cost 190.50 and GST of 13.34). I know right? It's so expensive. You will need to complete all your lessons before the test, and ensure you have a valid PDL.

Warm-up: This is when, you get all prepared and do a test run with your test car. My warm-up was at 9.10 am. You should report to the warm-up room at least 15 minutes earlier, to be safe. just follow the warm-up instructor and prep for your test. After you are finish with your warm-up, you'll be escorted to a waiting area where you'll wait for your tester to come. The waiting room looks a little like some sort of detention room for naughty students in high school. *laughs.

i was kind of pissed today actually. My test is scheduled at 10.15 am and i was the first one to arrive at the waiting room and the last to leave. my tester came at 10.25? i thought that maybe they missed me out or something. What a way to start my test huh!

Tips for the test: Remember what number your test car is, because you will be leading your tester to your test car. Follow his instructions and be polite. Testers are not your friend, they are not there to be nice or joke with you. They are there to test you. So do not expect them to smile or joke around, and they might even rush you to do things. Don't panic and remain calm. First of all, when moving out of the lot, make sure yous shoulder passes the kerb then do a full-lock to the left/right. this applies for vertical parking as well. In the circuit, you'll be given priority to cut the queues for vertical, parallel and all the circuit courses. Try your best to get 0 demerit points in the circuit, save those points for the road. (You'll need them)

** safety, blindspots, mirrors, know who has the right of way, take it slow through the circuit course and if you require a reverse movement, please don't hesitate as it is better to reverse than to mount the kerb. mounting the kerb will lead to an immediate failure. take note of double white lines, zigzag lines and gradients in the circuit.

After you are done with the circuit, off to the road babies. Watch out for crazy offensive drivers. they do not care if you are in the right of way. Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate for the traffic lights to change. Do not proceed when it is amber or when the green arrow is flickering.

** before the test, go through the tp checklist in your book and take note of what not to do. the key is the make the tester feel safe and comfortable.

When i saw the tester opening his laptop, my thought was "damn, what i do wrong?!"

After your return to the school and doing a kerb side stopping in the yellow box, follow the tester for your results. After that, report to the warm-up room regardless if you pass or fail to get your booklet. Make payment for your license and wait to watch the 10 min (which felt like forever) safety video. you'll receive a slip which you can use to drive. your photo card driving license will be sent to your house via mail within a month.

And if you are wondering, i took manual transmission. Hah! girls can drive manual cars too alright. hehe

Test date: 11/3/2014

Time: 10:15 am

Weather/climate: Hot as hell

Points: 4 demerit points

Reason: Changing lane abrupt at Eunos Link

In my defense: I changed lane a little sharper than I was suppose to????? But it wasn't that obvious. Oh well!

Adios Amigos ~

Labels: CDC, TP Driving Test CDC, TP Test tips, Traffic Police Driving Test

From: jelene chan said on February 2, 2015 at 3:44 PM

when do i reverse into vertical and parallel lot . I keep getting troubles reverse into the lot . Any accurate point or tips? thanks

CAZP said on February 2, 2015 at 3:56 PM

Hi there. Are you enrolled in school or private? School cars are of same models, so I'll be able to give U some specific tips there :)

Anonymous said on July 1, 2015 at 2:38 PM

I always have trouble turning at junctions/bends. Either too wide or narrow bend. My instructor keeps telling me my steering got problem, but I can't seem to fix it. I slow down and all that but just can't seem to do it well. School learner here, would be great if you can give me some tips. :)

Anonymous said on February 11, 2016 at 6:02 PM

How many practical lesson did you take before your test?

CAZP said on February 12, 2016 at 12:36 AM

If my memory serves me well, I took about 18 lessons?

Anonymous said on May 11, 2016 at 4:44 PM

is it hard to book for slot under common pool? Coz i m working so i only can take weekend classes

CAZP said on May 14, 2016 at 11:40 PM

The slots move pretty quickly. So I advise you to book in advance and if you need to cancel, do so 48h before the actual thing.

Anonymous said on May 17, 2016 at 9:38 AM

Thank you =)

MeiYing Joanne said on July 9, 2016 at 12:19 PM

Late congrats to you! I am going to take my practical driving test (Class 3A) with CDC Ubi. Guess that learning via school is better as they are systematic in teaching. :)

Anonymous said on November 3, 2016 at 1:50 AM

Hi! Is the induction program in CDC compulsory? (:

CAZP said on November 3, 2016 at 8:11 AM

There's an induction program?? You may want to check with the school :)

CAZP said on November 3, 2016 at 8:12 AM

Thanks! Yes definitely. But it can be rather costly

Unknown said on November 18, 2016 at 8:27 AM

When are the slots released ? Mid night of 18th every month ?

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