DAY 51: Stage 2 Practical Lesson 2.06 U-turn and Roundabout

Today’s lesson was on U turn and Roundabout U turn. After having no lesson for 2 weeks due to work commitment, I started to forget the things I have learnt previously. Luckily it all came back after a while of driving round the circuit. Today’s vehicle was type C (the one that start engine with a red button). We drove to Hillview where there is a roundabout. The idea of U-turn at a roundabout is to keep to the right lane when entering the roundabout (signal right) and after ¾ of the round signal left before exit. By the way roundabout U-turn will not be tested.

Then we moved on to do U-turn along Bukit Batok Road, Choa Chu Kang Road and also Bukit Batok Central. The one at Bukit Batok Road and Choa Chu Kang Road are in some of the test routes. Always remember to U-turn to the 3rd ‘lane’. Thick kerb is considered as one lane. So for the U-turn at Bukit Batok Road and Choa Chu Kang Road, U-turn to the right most lane since the middle kerb is a thick one.

Things to take note:

• Maximum speed at Bukit Batok Road is 70km/hr so try to keep close to it. Should go to gear 4. 
• Use engine brake to reduce speed if you see red light and you are still far away. Using too much of foot brake will wear off its effectiveness esp when emergency braking.
• If you reach a green traffic light in gear 4 (~70km/hr) cover break do not lower gear (or reduce speed) suddenly near the traffic light unless need to emergency brake.
• After right turn (to right lane) immediately maintain lane discipline and signal left and try to move to the left lane.
• For U turn, from left lane (assume in gear 3-4), check rear and side mirrors for clearance, then signal right, check blind spot and change to right-most lane (repeat the mirror checking in each lane). When you enter the deceleration lane (keeping left signal and check blind spot), brake, change to gear 2 and slow down. For thick curb U turn, turn to the right most lane (check blind spot before turn). Try to keep the car about 1m distance from the curb during turning. After turn, signal left, change to gear 2-3 maintain lane discipline and change to left most lane (check mirror and blind spot while changing lane).
• U turn is a slow process, make sure the incoming cars are far far away.

Expenditure

Practical              $68.48
Total cost so far:  $1077.81

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DAY 31: Stage 2 Practical Lesson 2.04 2.05 Lane Change, Right Turn

Today was the first time I drove to Choa Chu Kang. Previous, my street driving was only in Bukit Batok and Bukit Gombak area. I know that a few of the test routes are in Choa Chu Kang area so it would be better for me to start familiarizing myself with the roads in Choa Chu Kang.

The instructor commented that I need to fine tune on my lane changing as I tend to turn the steering too much causing the car to turn sharply. Another pointer he had for me was that I need to reduce speed when nearing traffic light  (reduce to gear 3) and cover brake in case the traffic turns yellow suddenly and I would be able to stop in time. I should only drive along in amber light if I am driving near the speed limit and already reached the last arrow when the light turns amber.

Right turn was a bit difficult for me as I need to watch out for vehicles on both sides of the major road (for T or cross junction). There was this situation where my car stalled (due to releasing the clutch too quickly) while doing a right turn at the junction along Bukit Batok West Ave 8.so I ended up right in the middle of the junction and the traffic light was turning red. The instructor asked me to reverse back to the minor road (first time reversing) but there was a lorry behind already formed up. He was honking his horn off afraid that I would reverse into him. It was quite a tense situation there.

Things to take note:

• Lower speed when nearing traffic light (gear 3)
• If light is green, cover brake until you reach the last arrow
• If light turns amber when the car is already at the last arrow, you can proceed because stopping the car now will cause you to end up in the junction
• Lane change cannot be too abrupt (do not turn steering wheel too much). You should shift the car gently to the next lane.

Expenditure

Practical              $77.04
Total cost so far:  $1009.33

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DAY 31: Final Theory Practice and Final Theory Evaluations

I finally decided to go for my Final Theory practices and evaluation. I managed to complete 2 practice booklets within the 45min timeslot. I was confident that i could pass the evaluation given that prior to this I had already read through the text book and did some practices using a FT Test app on my phone named FTT Learner (can found in Google Play Store). 

I thought I had enough practice already so I sat for the FTL evaluation during the next time slot. Surprisingly, there were quite a number of questions that I had not seen before and some of them were quite tricky. Passing mark is 90/100, I got 80/100. FAILED!

After that, believing that I could pass in a second attempt, I booked another FTL evaluation slot on the same day. But, I failed again 84/100. I should have just spent the money on more practices instead. It's enough for the day. I shall do it another day.

Expenditure

FT Practice             $3.21
FT Evaluation         $5.35 x 2

Total cost so far:     $932.29

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DAY 24: Stage 2 Practical Lesson 2.02, 2.03 Pedestrian Crossing, Left Turn and Slip Road at Junction

Learn about left turn at junction. Spend all the time driving around Bukit Batok area. I met with daring pedestrians that even tried to stop my car to cross the road. Whenever there is a stop sign at junction, I need to stop even if there is no incoming traffic on the main road. The stop line (solid white line) is also an indication that you need to stop. If it is dashed white line, it means you need to give way to vehicles on the main road. If no vehicle, then you can proceed without the car coming to a full stop. When you are reaching traffic lights, make sure not to speed up. Instead maintain speed, with right foot covering foot brake in case the light turns amber suddenly and you need to brake. However, if you have already reached the last arrow before the junction when the light turns amber, you are allowed to proceed as stopping at such a last minute is dangerous and the car would likely end up in the junction.

Things to take note:

• Stop sign or solid white line means need to stop the car completely.
• Give way sign or dashed line means can proceed if no vehicle along the main road
• Cover foot brake when nearing green traffic light
• Once reach the last arrow before the traffic light, can accelerate and proceed on amber

Expenditure

Practical             $77.04
Total cost so far: $918.38

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DAY 24: Stage 2 Practical Lesson 2.01 Driving in Observance of Traffic Rules

Very early morning lesson. First drove a few rounds in the circuit to warm up before going out to the road. I learnt how to stop at the roadside. Before stopping, need to check rear mirror, signal 3s earlier before steering left slightly. The instructor also let me try driving a few rounds of up slope and downslope in the circuit. He told me that my basic is quite weak - he is referring to my clutching technique. He told me i can actually control the moving off and low speed by clutching unclutching while the right foot is holding steady on the accelerator. Also that if down changing gear, i should keep pressing on my brake. I have a tendency to release my brake when changing gear. More practice required. He told me it is better to know it early and rectify than to make the mistakes during test. He also commented that it is not good to keep taking up cancelled slots as i will most likely get a different group and instructors that do not know my weaknesses.

Things to take note:

• Control the moving off and low speed by clutching unclutching while the right foot is holding steady on the accelerator
• When down changing gear, you should keep pressing on the foot brake, instead of release and full clutch

Expenditure

Practical             $77.04
Total cost so far: $841.34

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Stage 1 Practical Lessons 1.07 - 1.11

Unfortunately, I didn't manage to find time to blog for lesson 1.7 to 1.10 earlier and by the time I started to write, I realized I don’t quite remember most of the details. Basically, I only manage to clear one subject for each lesson. Some days, I would take 2 lessons per day. By the way, BBDC doesn't allow you to put practical lessons side by side, reason is to allow you have some rest in between lessons. Even though there was a gap in between, it was still quite tiring to have 2 lessons in a day - my left leg would  be shaking in the second lesson after all the clutching in the first lesson.

Here are the list of lessons I have gone through

• 1.07: Speed regulation - first time driving in gear 4 at Bukit Batok Road
• 1.08: Braking - my foot braking was too harsh
• 1.09: Negotiating Sharp Turns - need to be in gear 2 when doiing left turn 
• 1.10: Safety Routine - learn where to see for left and right blind spot
• 1.11: Stage 1 Review

So far all my lessons were obtained from try-sell, hence I got many instructors from different groups. Good thing is I got to experience the different teaching styles of the different instructors and they gave pointers and advice on different areas (eg one was more particular on my braking and another on my speed regulation). The not so good side is that (I was told by some of the instructors) if the instructor was not from my group, he would not be that motivated since my performance would not impact his KPI. Well, I am not sure about this for now as most of my instructors were not from my own group so I have no way to benchmark.

Things to take note:

• You need to be in second gear to go over hump. You also need to be in second gear when going through raised pedestrian crossing
• When you stop in front of the traffic light, make sure the white line touches the edge of the right side mirror
• When you are overtaking just before a T junction, signal left and return to left lane only when you are over the T junction so as not to give drivers behind you the wrong idea that you are turning left into the junction
• My braking is too harsh. Need to release the foot brake gently when coming to a stop, not step harder.

PS: I realize that whenever I drink coffee just before the lesson, my hands would be shaking (mildly) during driving, probably due to the caffeine effect even though I am a already a habitual coffee drinker. It may not apply to everyone. Hence subsequently, I refrained myself from drinking coffee just before lesson commence. Not gonna drink (coffee) and drive.

Expenditure

Practical             4 X $77.04 + $68.48
Total cost so far: $764.30

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DAY 3: Stage 1 Practical Lesson 1.05, 1.06 Gear Shifting, Slowing Down and Stopping

Second lesson of the day. Going round and round the circuit again. The lesson was on gear changing, back and forth between gear 1 and gear 2. I started to drive in the inner circles where the bends are narrower. I was still not used to the gear changing. I still can’t feel the position for gear 1 and 2 without looking at the gear. The instructor told me that I should not be looking at the gear at any point in time while driving, I need to be able to ‘feel’ the position, something that comes with more practices. Towards the end of the lesson, the instructor drove me out to the roads to show me how it was like to drive in the streets and how to perform gear changing along the way. He told me that depending on my next lesson's instructor, I might be able to drive out to the roads.

Things to take note:

• Never look at the gear while driving - you should be able to feel the position
• Should use gear 2 while going over hump and pedestrian crossing

Expenditure

Practical             $77.04
Total cost so far: $387.66

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DAY 3: Stage 1 Practical Lesson 1.03 1.04 Moving Off and Stopping, Steering Technique

I managed to get 2 cancelled slots today. Similar to yesterday, I drove round and round the circuit. I also started to drive in the opposite direction. While turning, I tend to cross my hands, a habit I need to kick. Also my foot braking was too harsh until my whole body (and instructor’s) would lurch forward. My instructor told me that I need to step gently on the brake and slowly releasing it as the car slows down to a halt.

Things to take note:

• Do not cross hands while turning, especially on narrower bend where you need turn the steering more
• Slow down by releasing the accelerator pedal before entering a bend otherwise the car will tend to flung outward due to inertia.
• In circuit, drive at gear 1 or 2.
• Foot braking is too harsh. Need to step gently on the brake and slowly release it as the car slows down to a halt

Expenditure

Practical             $77.04
Total cost so far: $310.62

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DAY 2: Basic Theory Lesson 1.01, 1.02 and Stage 1 Practical Lesson 1.01. 1.02 Orientation of Vehicle, Pre-drive Procedures

BTL Basic Theory Lesson 1.01, 1.02

In the morning, I took 2 BTL classes. Though I have already passed my Basic Theory previous, the school still needs me to complete the lesson before I can advance to FTL (Final Theory Lesson). Just treat this as a revision. After all, I will definitely see all the signages when I start driving on the streets in the coming practical lessons.

Stage 1 Practical Lesson 1.01. 1.02 Orientation of Vehicle, Pre-drive Procedures

My first practical lesson. I managed to find a cancelled slot yesterday so I decided to go for it. My instructor was a friendly soft spoken guy. In the beginning, he went through the different components of the car and their functionalities. First he described those components inside the car (eg seat belt, steering, all the indicators of the dashboard) then we got outside and he explained the parts of the engine, how to check the engine oil, battery oil and also how to change tyre). 

I thought the whole lesson would be on this but after about 20min, he started to drive me out to the circuit explaining about steering maneuver and the clutch changing. Then we exchange seats and I began to drive the car. My first time driving. Very excited. We drove round and round the circuit for the next 1hr. It didn’t bore me at all. It was like a child who just learned to crawl and he was crawling around the house the whole day and the parents were going ‘Doesn’t he get bored keep crawling round and round?’. All along, I was in gear 1. Clutching is a rather confusing concept. The idea is not totally new to me though (I have played Daytona and Gran Turismo when I was young). But now when I was put inside a real car, I realized that the technique is far more complex. The most difficult part I found was clutching when starting off. The 'biting point' concept is quite distant to me. Basically what I understood is that when you start off in gear 1, you need to step the clutch halfway and the clutch will connect the gearbox to the engine. It is quite difficult to gauge exactly where is halfway. Press too much, the clutch will not catch, too little, the car will stall. I stalled many times along the way. Who designed such a complex mechanism? 

I was also introduced to the concept of engine brake - meaning to reduce speed without using the foot brake but to use the ‘pull back’ from the engine when the accelerator pedal is released. It is meant to prolong the life of the foot brake (by not using it that often). It is kind of hard for me to appreciate it now (not my car). Maybe I will  in the future when I own a car.

Things to take note:

• To move off, make sure gear is at 1. Release clutch to ‘biting point’, hold there for 3s.
• Hands should not cross while turning or returning the steering wheel
• Use engine brake to reduce speed
• To come to a complete stop, step on the clutch fully then step on the brake. Otherwise the car will jerk and stall when it reaches a very slow speed.
• While driving straight, adjust the car so that the dashed white line in the middle of the road appears to touch the right lower corner of the windscreen.

Expenditure

BTL   1.01          $17.12
BTL   1.02          $17.12
Practical             $77.04
Total cost so far: $233.58

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DAY 1: BBDC (Bukit Batok Driving Centre) enrolment and application for PDL (Provisional Driving License)

Went to BBDC to enrol for driving lesson. Before I went there, I was planning to take up as private student. 

Update: I came across this page that shows the passing rates of different schools and private lessons. Not trying to form an opinion here but the statistics should give you an idea of how others fare and perhaps spur you a bit to be more diligent.

But after talking to one of the instructors at the helpdesk, I was being convinced to take up the school. I must admit that he was quite a good salesperson being able to convince people like me. One reason that convinced me was that for school, I can start learning immediately. The instructor showed me how to get cancelled/try-sell practical lesson from the BBDC portal. These are the lessons that students cancel last minute (less than 2 days) and will be posted in the portal for others to take up. If someone take up your cancelled lesson, you’ll get refunded. Otherwise, either you make time for it or it will just be cancelled without refund.  The instructor told me that if I am lucky, I can even start going for practical lesson tomorrow! This is a very important point to me given that I have a busy work schedule and I am not always around in Singapore. I have to be able to go for lesson on short notice and I don’t want to drag the whole course for too long. The common story that I heard is that it takes an average of 2-3 months waiting time before you can start lesson for both private and school. With this try/sell concept, I don’t have to wait anymore.

After enrolment, I immediately went 2nd floor to apply for my PDL. After that I started booking for lessons. I  managed to get 2 BTL (Basic Theory Lesson) lessons and a practical lesson for the next day.

Expenditure

Online Enrolment Fee with ACCOUNT $96.30
Online Facilities Fee with ACCOUNT    $1.00
PDL (Provisional Driving License)         $25.00
Total cost so far:                                     $122.30

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About this blog

I am going to use this blog to keep track of my journey to learn driving (Class 3 Manual) at Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC). I am also going to use it to note down all the tips and advice given by the different instructors I encountered during the lessons. My motivation is to get a driving license as soon as possible. Not to buy a car yet - to me, car is a huge liability. Learning driving is just something I want to get it over and done with. I know I would need it sometime in the future and I wouldn’t want to end up needing to drive but having no license or starting to learn when I’m in my 50s. Why didn’t I learn when I was younger? No money and no time.

Why did I choose BBDC? I lead a busy life (and so do many of us in Singapore). I have work and family commitments. My work schedule is irregular as during peak periods I could be very involved and would travel to overseas rather often. So waiting for a few months to start my lesson is not favorable. I want to start my lesson immediately. In addition, I don’t have the time (and energy) to research on private instructors and check on their reviews. The more popular ones would most likely be fully engaged and the queue could be several months’ long. For school (at least for BBDC) I was told that if I want to start immediately, I can go for try-sell slots. These are lesson slots that are cancelled by other students which are released in the school’s website for others to take. So I took the advice. Most of my slots were try-sell. I was able to start immediately after enrolling and get the slots that I want most of the time. There is a disadvantage for going for try-sell as some of the instructors have pointed out. I will share more on this in my posts.

I hope this blog can provide useful information to those who are planning to learn driving from driving schools in Singapore. If you lead a busy life like me and intend to get a license, I hope this blog will motivate and encourage you to go for it!!

Ps: I've already passed my Basic Theory a decade ago (really). It is for lifetime so i needn't retake it.

Disclaimer: This is a personal blog. The opinions expressed here represent my own and not of anyone else. It represents my own interpretation of what I (think) understood and may not be accurate and in line with what the other party meant to convey. In addition, the contents and interpretations may change during the course of time. 

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