Advantages and disadvantages of going for try-sell lessons

Here is a question that many of us would consider as a student in the driving school, that is, whether you should take up try-sell lessons. In the previous post, I have explained the concept of try-sell and provided some tips to enhance your chance of getting a try-sell slot. Here, I would like to provide you with a list of advantages and disadvantages of going for try-sell lessons.

Advantages

Shorter time taken to complete the course - Usually your advanced booking lessons would be 1 to 2 months away (especially for peak hour slots). If you want to start going for practical lesson immediately (provided you passed your Basic Theory Test already), you can pack your first few weeks with try-sell lessons. In that way you can shorten the time taken to obtain your driving license. In addition, advanced booking lessons are limited to 3 lessons per week. If you want to pack more lessons, you need to go for try-sell.

Different instructors - This can be a double edged sword. If you go for try-sell lessons, it is unlikely that you'll get your default group instructors. Here I will talk about its advantage. With many different instructors teaching you, you can get more pointers and can learn different techniques for each maneuver since different instructor would emphasize on different aspect of driving. Then you can choose the ones that you feel most comfortable with.

Disadvantages

Many different instructors - As mentioned above, this can be a double edged sword. With many different instructors, they will not be able to fully understand your strength and weakness since every lesson you attend would be a new instructor who has no clue of what you have done in the previous lessons. You end up having to do a fair bit of revision at the start of the lesson for the instructor to verify if you are indeed doing alright in your past lesson. In the end, you may end up going for more lessons. If you frequently stay with your default group, the instructors would be familiar with your strengths and weaknesses and would have more chance to focus on improving your weaknesses.

Different group, less committed -  As advised by some of my default group instructors, other group instructors tend to be less committed in the lesson if they know that you belong to another group (since it does not impact their KPI). I'm not sure if this is entirely true as I have met some instructors who are truly committed to make me pass. One even told me a secret technique he said he rarely mention to other students. In fact, the only instructor that cheer me before my test was an instructor from another group whom had only taught me twice.

Less time to prepare - Usually the try-sell lesson I got is on the same day. Sometimes, it could be only a few hours away. There is less time for me to prepare for the lesson (eg reading up on the practical handbook or revising the previous lesson), unless I mug while taking the bus.

A lot of time spent on monitoring for try-sell slots - You may end up starring at your monitor and refreshing your webpages for hours just to wait for a try-sell slot. But from experience, there are some timing that have a higher chance of others releasing slots.

Read More

Tips to increase your chances of getting try-sell lessons

By definition, try-sell lessons are lessons that are cancelled by other students in the school. When a student cancels a lesson that she has previously booked, it will be released back to the pool of available slots for other students to snatch (literally). If a student cancels a slot 2 days or more before the lesson day, it will immediately be released to the pool and the fee gets refunded back to her account. If she does it in lesser than 2 days, the slot needs to be taken up by another student before the fee can be refunded. If nobody takes up the lesson, she will not get back any refund. Also, she is not allowed to sell her slot at all if her lesson is starting in 2 hours time. Otherwise, from my experience, there will always be someone willing to take up your cancelled lesson. All these actions of releasing and snatching are done in the web portal. Many times. the more popular timings such as weekend slots can be snatched up within seconds upon release. I overheard from another student that some people would just sit in front of their computer for hours to just look for try-sell slots. He called them 'campers'.

About 80% of the lessons I attended were from try-sell. This was because I didn't want to wait until my advanced booking lessons to start which were 2 months away. And for advanced booking lesson, it is limited to 3 lessons per week. With the try-sell option, I was able to start my practical lesson the next day after enrollment (I already passed my Basic Theory Test 10 years ago). One thing about try-sell lesson is that, you most likely will not be allocated to your default group instructor. There are pros and cons in this which I will describe in another post. So by the time I got to my advanced booking slots, I was already in stage 2. That's how I managed to complete my lessons in 3+ months.

Some tips to increase your chance to get a try-sell slot. 

As mentioned above, the competition is very intense. You are probably competing with hundreds of other students trying to get a try-sell slot at the same time. I am not trying to scare you but that is how it is (I am not sure about Auto lessons, but it seems Manual lessons are in high demand, probably due to limited supply of instructors). Lessons get snatched up in a matter of seconds. You may lose your slot even if you are not quick enough to confirm the slot you have chosen! It is like snatching for discount deals during an online fire sale. I hope below pointers would be able to give you an edge:

Choose to look for try-sell slots during some odd hours - I realized it is easier to get try-sell slots after midnight when most people are sleeping. Some of my slots were gotten at around 2am in the morning (I am a night person). However, they are usually 730am slots of the next day. Better than nothing right. In addition, it seems it is easier to get try-sell slots during 12-2pm. I guess many people are surfing the net during lunch time.

Choose to snatch during the time in between Practical Tests - These are the times where those who passed the Practical test may release all those extra lessons that they booked in advance.

Familiarize with your browser's hot keys - This is so that once you found a slot, you can quickly confirm on it. Using keyboard short-cuts would definitely give you an extra advantage in speed. Unfortunately, this is only for desktop.

Use a desktop connected to LAN cable instead of mobile devices - with the slower speed of 4G and wifi as compared to a desktop connected via LAN cables, you will definitely be at a disadvantage if you do this using your mobile phones unless you are on the move. In fact, the BBDC website is not optimized for mobile access.

Read More

My tips and tricks to pass the driving theory test

Now, here is what everybody wants to find out. I believe this would be the most important post in this blog. I do hope that it would be able to help you to pass your tests.

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.

Please understand that what I am going to share here is based solely on my own experience and ideas. It may or may not work for you. Feel free to feedback or adapt any of the pointers to suit your needs.



The theory test (Basic and Final) comprises of 50 multiple choice questions to be completed in 50min. It is done via a touch screen computer monitor similar to the practice and evaluation if you are a school candidate. You need 45/50 (or 90%) in order to pass the test. Take note that Final Theory test is only valid for 2 years. It is a prerequisite for you to book your practical test. Which means you need to pass your practical test within 2 years. Otherwise you need to retake the Final Theory test again (read my post on my account of the Final Theory test).

Preparation

• Complete the practice booklets: If you are a school candidate, try to finish all all the practice booklet before going for the evaluation (read my post on my account of the Final Theory practice and evaluation). I find the evaluation more difficult than the actual test, so if you manage to pass the evaluation, it is highly likely you'll be able pass the actual test - If you are a private candidates you can practise using the 480 Questions and Answers (for Basic Theory) and 600 Questions and Answers (for Final Theory). 
• Mobile app for practice: There are also some mobile apps available that you can use to practise using your mobile phone. The one I used was FTTLearner which is free which comes in handy when I'm on the move.
• Revision: For school candidate, take note that there will be a waiting time of at least 2 weeks until the earliest theory test slot from the time you pass your evaluation. In between, you may want to go for more practice for revision. 
• Rest: As do for other kind of examination, get ample of rest the night before

Taking the test

• Remember to bring your I/C (or other forms of approved identification). Failure to do so will result in you being barred from taking the test. There was a lady being rejected during my session for not bringing I/C. Even a photocopy one would not work.
• Safety first: In general, the questions are mostly related to safety. The correct answer normally reflects the safest action. If you are in doubt, choose the one safest one.
• Distraction: If possible, do not sit near to the entrance. It can be quite distracting (to me) as late candidates will keep walking pass you. For my case, there was an argument between a lady and the invigilators as she forgot to bring her I/C and the invigilators did not allow her to sit for the test. It is also distracting when some candidates finished the test early and start to leave the room halfway (unless you are one of them).
• Do not rush through the test to avoid careless mistakes. You have 1 min for each question. Some questions are simple which can be done in a few seconds. The time saved can be used on other more difficult questions. So pace yourself properly.

Read More

My tips and tricks to pass the driving practical test

Here I will write about the tips and tricks I used in order to pass the practical test for class 3 manual. Most of the pointers are general pointers meaning it applies to both manual as well as automatic.



Similarly, please understand that what I am going to share here is based solely on my own experience and ideas. It may or may not work for you. Feel free to feedback or adapt any of the pointers to suit your needs.

Before the practical test, you, will go through a warm up session with your instructor and test car. This will be your last chance to practise and revise on the circuit courses and one of the test route. For the Traffic Police Practical Test, you will be driving in your test car with a tester from the Traffic Police Department sitting beside you. You will first go through the courses in the circuit (in no particular order and some may not be tested) followed by one of the 10 test routes. Points will be deducted on any mistakes you made during the test. In order to pass, you need not more than 18 points deducted (read the full account of my Traffic Police Practical Test).

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.

Preparation

• Familiarize test route: Familiarize with all the routes before the test. It is good to know some of the riskier part of each of the route eg slopes, pedestrian crossings, the mandatory give-way to bus yellow box and the left turn only lane (around Teck Whye and Bukit Gombak MRT). Fortunately, the routes are quite repeated, divided mainly between Bukit Batok and Choa Chu Kang. Make sure you try out all the routes during your stage 4, 5 and revision.
• Google maps: Use google maps to simulate driving along these routes. It is a good and free way to familiarize - of course if you're willing to spend or have lots of time at hand, you can take a cab or cycle along the routes. It is good if you can do that on the day before the test to take note of any road works.
• Night lessons: Book a few lessons at night to familiarize with night driving - unless you plan only to drive in the day for the rest of your live! At least you learn how to turn on the head lights. Some lessons are not advisable to be put at night. I know sometimes it is not possible (trust me, as a working person, I understand) but try as far as possible not to.
• Stage 3 parking and S and crank course - the ‘feel’ is quite different when doing it at night than in the day. As positioning of the car is quite important, a slight difference could mean kerb mounting or extra maneuvers.
• Overtaking - less car at night means less chance to learn how to overtake
• Final Review and Revision - this is the last chance for you to practise before the test so try as far as possible to make it a day lesson. In fact, there is no revision slot available for 9:10pm. Nonetheless, I still think that the 7:30pm lesson is a bit too late.
• Prepare for rainy day: It is also good if you manage to have some lessons on rainy days (I know you can’t control this). You get to learn how to on the wipers and rear window defogger. Also remember to follow the 4s rules while driving in adverse condition. Who knows you many end up in a thunderstorm during your test day. At least try to visualize in your mind if you really didn’t have a chance throughout the course. At least know where are the wiper, headlight switches. Better be prepared than be taken off guard.
• Revision: For first time practical test, you don’t need to take up revision lesson before the test but it is advised to take at least one before the test. Reason being the earliest test date you can get is normally 2 weeks later (if you are not picky of the timing). By that time, you could have forgotten some of the stuff. It is good to have one revision 1-2 days before the test. Do not take revision lesson on the day of test. You will be drained by the time you reach the test (there is a warm up session just before the test so you still have a chance to practice a bit) - take note that you may not get your group instructors for revision lesson and warm up. .
• Test time slot: Most difficult test timing - 730am - people rush to work and send kids off to school which means many impatient drivers around. According to one of my instructors, statistically, there is no difference in the passing rate. Probably the tester knows it and become more lenient.
• Rest: Ample of rest the night before the test. Last minute cramping only makes you more stressful and do more harm than good

Taking the test

• Dress appropriately: Dress smartly (and sharply) and do not be sloppy. Respect your tester. 
• Be early: Arrive at least 10min earlier 
• No coffee please: That's for me. Too much caffeine makes my hands shiver slightly and may impact my driving
• Different car: You may not get your group instructors during warm up. You may not even get the same car as what you had in Final Review or revision lessons. Please be aware of this and don't get shocked
• Greetings: Greet your tester. It is a form of respect. At least a "hi".
• Drive as usual: I know it is easier said than done. But the last thing you want is to panic and forget everything you have learnt so far. 
• Be courteous = confidence: During the test, you will find that many cars (especially BBDC L-plate cars) will give way to you. Wave at them as a sign of gratitude. It may also be seen as a display of confidence by the tester
• Beware of killer mistakes: There are some mistakes that you just can't afford to make but can easily be made if you are not careful - mount/strike kerb or stop at yellow box/pedestrian crossing or over the stop line. Be extra caution when you are near these areas
• Aim for 0 demerit points in circuit: Try not to make any mistakes in circuit. For school candidates, you should be more familiar with circuit courses. As one of my instructor put it, circuit courses are very static. Just follow the steps and it should be fine. Driving on the streets is more dynamic and unpredictable.
• Exaggerated actions: Sometimes, the tester may not notice the action your are performing especially if it is quite subtle. For example, when you check blind spot, it pays to exaggerate a bit by turning your head more (instead of just shifting your eyes). The idea is to make sure the tester knows what you're doing instead of leaving it for him to guess. In fact, if possible, voice out every action. "Signal left, check rear window, check side mirror and blind spot etc"
• Time your next maneuver: This is something debatable.  The idea is to set the stage so that it is easier to perform the next maneuver. For example, you know that you're going to do a right lane change and you're now stopping at a traffic light with many vehicles beside and behind you. To set the stage, you can drive slower when the light turns green so as to let all vehicle to move pass you. Now the road is clear and easier for you to do lane change. You may get penalized for slow in moving off but that is just only 2 points. Unable to lane change would cause you even more points and unnecessary stress. Another example is at the up slop pedestrian crossing along Teck Whye Lane. Sometimes, you could adjust your speed upslope so that you do not need to stop (and perform the difficult moving off slope maneuver) on the slope. When there is nobody crossing the road or nearby, speed up and get pass the crossing quickly. If you see from far that there are people crossing, slow down to let all of them cross and once all of them have crossed, speed up - it does not always work. It very much depends on the crowd.
• Street traffic is unpredictable: This really depends on the traffic situation on that day. There could be sudden road works or cargo lorry unloading or emergency ambulance or even accident. The weather could suddenly turn worse into thunderstorms or haze (seriously?). On the streets, expect lesser drivers to give way to you even if you are on double L. I had a taste of this during my test. So keep yourself alert and look far while driving (that's why ample of rest the night before is crucial). Anticipate what kind of obstacles you may encounter along the way. During your warm up, take note of any roadworks along the way.

Here, I wish you all the best in your driving test. I hope the above tips and tricks would be of help to you. Most importantly...

Read More

DAY 114: Singapore Traffic Police Practical Driving Test

Finally it is here
Today is the day of reckoning. It is the day that will decide whether my hard work and determination for the past 3 months would paid off or whether I would be $400 poorer (due to retake). With so much effort, time and money already spent in order to reach this stage, it is hard not to be nervous. I didn't slept a lot the night before as I spent quite a bit of time trying to run through google maps to familiarize with the test routes (which I don't advice to do the night before).

The wait...
To cut the story short, I arrived at BBDC 10min earlier. I was told to wait outside the video screening room beside counter 5. After 5 minutes, an instructor came over to register me. Then I waited in the video screening room for my vehicle to be ready. The room was meant for those who passed the test and they were required to watch a video in the room. I was chased out of the room after a while as they needed to run the video for a group of students (ok I don't belong there yet).

The warm up
A few minutes later, an instructor came to bring me to my test car for warm up. So we drove out from the parking lot and immediately he tab on the dashboard. Haha, I knew he would do that as he displayed all the signs. So immediately I stepped on the brake to perform an e-brake. Then we proceed to do all the circuit courses (S course, crank course, directional change, moving off slope, vertical parking and parallel parking). I think I did quite well - no mount/strike kerb except that I rolled back quite a bit during moving off the circuit slope as I didn't release the clutch enough. My low speed control was also smooth and I know my way around the circuits. Then we drove out to the streets. So far so good except that I was slowed down by a bus that kept stopping at the bus stops. I wanted to overtake but there were many vehicles at the right-lane. Then we returned to BBDC and I was told to go to the waiting area at the second floor.

Another wait... 
The wait was not very long but it was stressful. There were already several candidates waiting when I arrived. One by one, they were called out by their tester. It was like waiting for your turn to go for a job interview. On the other side of the room was a barricaded area for those who completed their test to get their test results or to dispute with the tester in case of disagreement.  I could hear things like "Stop line means you must stop even if there's no incoming vehicle" and "Your instructor didn't teach you?" etc etc etc. All in all, the room is not a place you want to spend too much time in.

The test - route 7
Finally I could hear a soft voice near to the entrance calling my name. I quickly got out of my seat and proceeded to the entrance to meet my instructor. He told me I would be doing route 7. I didn't manage to say hi to him. We quickly proceeded to the test car. Along the way, I managed to get a last peek at my practical handbook for the route 7 map.

I didn’t see any of my group instructors today. I don’t expect them to cheer me on anyway in fact most of my lessons were try-sell so i didn’t manage to build a rapport with any of them. In fact, the only instructor who cheered me on was my first lesson instructor.from another group and he still remembered me although he had only taken me for 2 lessons.

So the test began. Actually I was a bit worn out already after the warm up and felt sleepy (I used to take coffee in the morning but not today because I don't want my hands to tremble during driving). We first proceeded to the circuit courses. His instruction was very clear on which route to take and where to turn etc in the circuit. Also I find everyone was super nice to me. Other cars would give way to me to do the courses. Some instructors even stopped incoming cars so that I can do the right turn. Every time, I would wave at them as a gesture of gratitude.

I managed to clear all the courses smoothly. Smoothly meaning no mount/strike kerb and other silly mistakes (like driving in opposite direction or beat red light). But along the way, I saw the tester tick on the test paper several times. I did't know what mistakes I made. I thought I did fine. Anyway, no point thinking about it now. No e-brake by the way.

After the circuit, we moved on to street driving. The traffic condition was smooth except for some heavy vehicles unloading at Bukit Batok Street 32. Then the unfortunate started to happen. While trying to overtake an unloading lorry, a fast food delivery bike appeared suddenly on my left while I was trying to lane change back to left lane. He was riding at such high speed that I didn't even notice him at my blind spot but lucky I was quick to swerve my car to the right. However to the tester, it was considered dangerous driving on my part. Then another unfortunate incident happened when I was about to enter into Bukit Batok Road from the slip road. My car engine stalled! It was because I took too long to check for incoming vehicles until I didn't notice the car had slowed down to almost a halt. Then I try to move off in gear 2 causing the car to jerk and stalled. I was quick to restart engine and proceeded on. As the traffic was quite smooth, I had no issue doing lane change. Similar to inside the circuit, I saw the tester made several ticks on the paper along the way.

After the test, we went back to the same waiting room. This time I was told to sit in the barricaded area while waiting for the tester to come. After the 2 major mistakes I made, I felt my chances of passing drifted further.. I saw 2 other candidates at the other tables discussing with their testers. Both of them failed. (You see the kind of stress I need to go through...)

Five minutes later, the tester came in holding my test paper. He sat in front of me and with a soft and stern voice, he said to me this...

"You made one major mistake. When the motorcyclist rode past you, you should have seen him at your blind spot and stop lane changing back to left lane. This is considered dangerous driving. Apart from this, your low speed control was not very good. You stepped on the accelerator too much causing the engine to roar loudly. Also you kept turning your steering wheel while stationary. Engine stalled twice when trying to enter the major road..."

Then he said something which every candidates wanted (sometimes desperately) to hear.

"Nonetheless... Congratulations, you passed"

He handed me my test paper and I saw my results. 18 points. I did it! I managed to pass (barely) on the first attempt. I don't need to spend any more time and money in this place anymore. I was very happy and excited. Now I am a fully qualified driver. I thanked the tester, shook his hand and went down to the video room to watch 2 gruesome videos on the results of dangerous and drunk driving (plus fill up a survey form).

I didn't go directly to apply for my license as I need to rush off to somewhere else (sometimes the waiting time could be 1 hour) so I went back to apply a few days later.


Appreciation
I want to thank my wife for supporting me all these while and be there to cheer for me during my practical test. I also want to thank all the instructors who had taught me (and those instructors who gave ways and helped to give way during the test). Most of you were not from my default group, but most of my driving knowledge and skills came from you guys.

Expenditure

Practical Test (incl warm up and car rental)    $242.72
Driving License Registration                           $50.00
Final cost:                                                        $2929.60

Read More

DAY 112: Revision Practical Lesson

My one and only revision lesson. In the end, I decided to only take up 1 revision lesson. I think I spent a bit too much on the lessons already. And I think (somehow able to tell myself) that I am not that bad. Luckily, after 3 weeks without practice, my skills didn't deteriorate much. My moving-off was still smooth. I could still remember all the circuit courses and indicators (though during one of the vertical parking, I forgot to adjust back my side mirrors before moving off). I revised on test route 8 and 9 because I was still not very familiar with the part on right lane change if instructor told me to go straight at Choa Chu Kang Road (before Teck Whye LRT station) for route 8 and the Bukit Gombak Station for route 9. Also in test route 8, there is an up slope with a pedestrian crossing at the top. I didn't manage to do my moving off slope maneuver because I had no chance to stop my car as there was no pedestrian crossing the road at that time.


Things to take note:

• Beware of bus stopping at the bus stop in front of pedestrian crossing (at Bukit Batok West Ave 7). You may end up on the pedestrian crossing which would be -10pts.
• Right turn back to BBDC was too slow when there was no car.
• Make sure to check that no pedestrian is crossing along the gate of the road leading into BBDC. Sometimes it is hard to see
• Be careful during lane change. If the traffic is heavy and it is dangerous to perform lane change, do not do so even though you will veer off the route. Explain to tester about the situation instead - I'm not sure about this as it could be quite subjective. Better pray hard that you'll not end up in such a situation

Expenditure

Practical                 $77.04
Total cost so far:     $2636.88

Read More

DAY 95: Stage 5 Practical Lesson 5.01 Final Evaluation

Finally, the last stage of my practical lesson. It was on the same day as my lesson 4.04. When I got my car number and realize that it was parked in area C (outside the canteen) I knew that it would be my team leader. If you have followed my previous post, you would know that my team leader is one of the strictest instructor I encountered. I started to plan for retaking the lesson next week.

True enough it was him. But contrary to my expectation he was quite relaxed today. He told me that he would not want to make me retake at this very last stage as he thinks that it won't help much. He told me to just go for the test - which means my skills were still not up to his expectation and probably no hope of improving. After the lesson I was both happy and sad. Happy because I finally can go for my practical test. Sad because I am not sure if I can pass.

I managed to book a practical test in 3 weeks time. I also decided to go for a revision lesson 2 days before the test as I think that my driving would become rusty after 3 weeks of waiting. For now, I think 1 revision lesson would suffice. Depending on how it goes, I might add another one later. By the way, for first time practical test, you do not have to book revision lesson before the test. It is up to you whether to take up revision lesson or not. However, if you fail the first time and need to retake subsequently, you are required to book at least 2 revision lessons - which adds up to about extra $400 each time you fail.


Things to take note:

• If obstacle appears even in opposite lane, you need to steer vehicle more to the left so that if another vehicle on the opposite lane wants to overtake, it will have enough space.
• My driving speed not fast enough as I tend not to look far enough
• Need to signal when merging lane  - eg the one after traffic light cross junction towards Bukit Batok Road and Bukit Batok West Ave 7
• Directional change and vertical parking - When reversing vehicle always check rear windscreen
• When vehicle is about to swing our (after full lock steering)  check front windscreen then check left mirror (or right for vertical parking) then check rear windscreen
• For side mirror position on road, need to make sure horizon line (can be a kerb 100m away) is at the middle of the mirror and the side of the car occupies ⅕ of the mirror. This is useful for directional change as there is no adjusting the mirror.

Expenditure

Practical                 $77.04
Total cost so far:     $2559.84

Read More

Theory Lesson PPL 5.01 Risk Forecast Training (RFT) which I didn't attend

The Risk Forecast Training was something new. In fact, after I passed the Stage 3 Review, the instructor introduced me to this lesson. If I opt for it, I only need to attend 2 lessons for stage 4. It would save me $100+ dollars. However, I decided not to go for it as I think I needed more practice on the test routes and circuit courses. What is the point of saving $100+ if in the end I failed my test and have to retake? That would cost me another $400+. Doesn't make economic sense. The instructor also agreed. Of course if you already are good and think that 4 lessons for Stage 4 is dreadful, this would be a good chance to save some money.

PS: I'm not sure if you still have a choice to opt out in future but at least during my time, there still is.

Update: Now this training is made compulsory. So if you need more practices, you'll have to book more revision lessons.

Read More

DAY 95: Stage 4 Practical Lesson 4.04 Courteous and Considerate Driving

Today was the last lesson for stage 4. My lane change still not good especially in heavy traffic. Instructor say it is too slow. I tend to turn steering wheel too much. I need to do a gradual shift to the next lane (this includes going into merging lane) . Anyway I passed. So the next lesson would be the Stage 5 final review.

Procedure for lane change to the right:

1. Check rear mirror to determine road condition behind
   
2. Signal right to tell other drivers of your intention
3. Check right side mirror to look out for opportunity
4. If nobody gives way, slow down by releasing accelerator to let vehicles at the right lane pass through
5. When there is a wide enough gap (either the vehicle behind give way by not speeding up or it is too far behind) speed up to match the speed of the front vehicle at the right lane, check blind spot then gently steer to the right lane into the gap
6. When speeding up, do not change gear up but only press accelerator (up gear does not increase speed)
7. Once lane change is done, turn off signal and proceed on

Things to take note:

• At the road outside Bukit Gombak Stadium (tesst route 9), if instructor/tester tells you to go straight, you need to lane change to right lane as left lane is only for left turn. Similarly at Choa Chu Kang Road nearing the Teck Whye LRT station (test route 6 and 8). If you're told to go straight, you need to lane change to middle lane.before the traffic light cross junction.

Expenditure

Practical                 $77.04
Total cost so far:     $2482.80

Read More

DAY 88: Stage 4 Practical Lesson 4.03 Defensive Driving Part III

This was the second lesson of the day. For this lesson, I practiced on test route 3 and 5. The clutch of today’s car was very stiff. There were a few times I didn’t manage to clutch in fully. I stroked a kerb during the first crank course (first time strike kerb). The traffic was heavy on the streets. I had a hard time changing lane as there was a road block in the middle lane at Bukit Batok Road. There was also road block on the left lane right just after a traffic junction (of all places!) at Teck Whye lane. I didn't notice it and ended up stopping in the junction while would be an immediate failure during test. I should have seen it earlier  and lane change before the traffic junction if I only was not too focused on the steering the car straight.

Things to take note:

• Need more confident in lane change during heavy traffic
• Be more aware of oncoming hazards, slow down earlier to allow more room for lane change
• On the streets, do not half-clutch too long in gear one as car cannot accelerate quickly
• Left/right turn not too wide so that motocycle cannot slip in from your blind spot.

Expenditure

Practical                 $77.04
Total cost so far:     $2405.76

Read More

DAY 88: Stage 4 Practical Lesson 4.02 Defensive Driving Part II

For today's lesson, I chose to do test route 4 and 6. There was once in the circuit I accidentally did a lane change at the zig-zag line before the zebra cross. Instructor told me that it would be an immediate failure during test.

Things to take note:

• Don’t overtake in zig zag line - there is one just before the zebra crossing in the circuit. 
• Beware of traffic light suddenly change  to amber. Use the red man as indicator. 
• If entering crank course 47 if from lane 41, you must lane change to right after traffic junction- left lane only meant for left turn.
• Make sure to release handbrake fully after moving off on the slope. Push the handbrake all the way down. If stop at T junction in front of Bukit Gombak CC, need to pull handbrake since it is a slope. Maintain lane discipline (keep left) even in circuit. If there’s a yellow box with an arrow at the bus stop, need to let bus to come out of bus stop if bus signal right. Bus will on hazard light when stopped for passengers.

Expenditure

Practical                 $77.04
Total cost so far:     $2328.72

Read More

DAY 86: Stage 3 Practical Lesson AT1.01 Automatic-Transmission Car

I finally went for my auto car lesson. It was a night lesson. Driving an auto car was much smoother and easier as compared to manual car. One reason was because the auto car I  drove was a newer model. The car was also slightly wider. The accelerator and foot brake were more sensitive. The steering wheel was also more sensitive.

We did all the courses in the circuit (including the one specially for auto car - moving onto ramp). The side mirror was not in the same position as the manual car so I had some difficulties adjusting to the indicators, In addition, it was difficult to gauge correctly the car position while doing the parking at night due to reduced visibility. Then, we went out to the streets. It was easy to accelerate to around 60-70km. My left hand still have the tendency to look for the gear. As I was used to use engine brake while slowing down during manual driving, I realize there was not much engine brake for auto car. So for a few times, I ended up braking a bit too late.

Things to note:

• Step foot brake with right foot. Never step foot brake with left foot.
• Should not step foot brake and accelerator at the same time
• Auto car does not have a lot of engine brake
• When turn left/right at a junction, the first vehicle will go to the pocket, second car wait behind stop line, after first vehicle has passed, check traffic light if it has turn amber or blinking and blind spot before moving off
• If there is a vehicle stopping at a single lane with double white line in between (and it not about to move any time soon), stop the car, make sure it is not going to move (ask tester if can overtake over the double white line), signal left, make sure incoming lane is clear, and proceed to overtake.
• For route 2, after U turn at Bukit Batok Road, maintain lane discipline (go to left lane). Only perform lane change to the right just before passing the overhead bridge to turn right at the next traffic junction

Expenditure

Practical                 $68.48
Total cost so far:     $2151.68

Read More

DAY 80: Stage 4 Practical Lesson 4.01 Defensive Driving Part I

Today lesson was to familiarize with 2 test routes as well as to revise on the circuit courses. The instructor asked me to select 2 routes to drive. I chose test route 1 and 2.

Things to note:

• When you need to lane change several lanes, make sure to cancel signal after one lane change and only signal again when doing the next lane change. Do not keep signal on the whole time. (I get different advice from different instructors on this. Some say it is OK to keep signal on all the way while others you say need to cancel signal on each lane. You need to decide for yourself.)
• If you need to overtake an obstacle near to a junction, return to left lane after the junction, not just before the junction as your left signal may misled other drivers that you are trying to left turn. This happened to me at the T junction at Bukit Batok West Ave 5 in front of Bukit Gombak MRT. When there was a bus stopping at the bus stop, I overtook it from the right lane and immediately move back to the left lane just before the T junction. 2 vehicles waiting at the side road saw my signal left and thought I wanted to turn left (when in reality I was just changing back to left lane) and they just rushed our with their right turn. So instructor told me in such a case, return to left lane only after the junction
• If a vehicle was stationary (not going to move off anytime soon) at the side of a 2 way lane with a double white line in between, you can still overtake over the double white line in this situation (better ask the tester for permission during test!) 
• Make sure car is more towards the left/right when at the slip road for left/right turn to prevent opening a big space to your left/right which would allow motorcyclist to cut in from the left/right

Expenditure

Practical                 $77.04
Total cost so far:     $2183.20

Read More

DAY 79: Stage 3 Practical Lesson Stage 3 Review (again...)

Today was my Stage 3 review again (check out what happened in my previous stage 3 review here). I felt my low speed control smoother after yesterday’s grilling lesson. This time I passed. It was a different instructor. He even brought me to the streets to do 3 point turn. After spending 2 weeks quarantined in the circuit, I became unfamiliar with street driving. Fortunately it all came back swiftly after a while.


Things to note:

• For E brake, step fully on the foot brake, just before stop, clutch in to prevent stall
• For parallel parking, when moving out from horizontal position, no need to reverse full lock as it has higher chance to hit the kerb, 1 round will do.

Expenditure

Practical                 $68.48
Total cost so far:     $2106.16

Read More

DAY 78: Stage 3 Practical Lesson 3.10 Stage 3 Review

This is the second lesson of the day. It is my stage 3 review. I was unfortunate to get a super strict instructor. I later found out from my friend that he's the strictest of all instructors in the group, also the strictest I met so far, even stricter than my group leader. He told me that I need to maintain lane discipline even in the circuit (ie keep to left most lane). Otherwise, 6 points would be deducted,.

Initially, he stayed quiet throughout, letting me do my maneuvers at peace. After I finished all the courses, he told me to pull my car to the side of the road and start telling me how terrible my driving skills were and he was surprised that I managed to reach so far in the course. He pointed to a basic technique that I failed to display - low speed control which is essential while driving in circuit. I tend not to step on accelerator while half-clutching, making the car very jerky at low speed. He said that my poor technique was probably due to all the try-sell slots that I attended, as the instructors were not from my default group, they tend not to be committed.

Even though I managed to clear all the courses, I didn’t make it to the next stage. After the lesson ended, my morale had dropped so low that I was literally dragging my feet (and bag) home


Things to take note:

• While half-clutch at low speed, hold right leg at accelerator, controlling speed only with the clutch (clutch/unclutch)
• For directional change, position car in the middle of lane and that your shoulder is at 2.5 rectangle on the right kerb counting from the front. In this way, you can immediately full lock right when you start to reverse
• For vertical parking, if you see that the left rear wheel is about to hit the kerb, release steering wheel left full lock (adjust steering right) until wheel is able to pass the kerb
• For vertical parking, if you see the right rear wheel is about to hit kerb, stop reverse, move forward slightly and then full lock steering wheel left again and reverse (remember to check right blind stop and rear windscreen when reverse)
• Make sure to check rear windscreen every time before you start to reverse

Expenditure

Practical                 $68.48
Total cost so far:     $2037.68

Read More

DAY 78 :Stage 3 Practical Lesson 3.08 3.09 Emergency Brake, Three-Point-Turn

In today's lesson, I managed to clear 2 subjects which are emergency brake and three-point-turn. By the way three-point-turn is will not be tested.

For emergency brake, the instructor will tap (or slam) on the dashboard and immediately you are supposed to stop the car by stepping hard on the foot brake. You need to REALLY REALLY REALLY hit the brake ALL THE WAY. Do not be afraid you will spoil the car (that’ll be BBDC’s problem) or that the airbag may explode. It is fine if the engine stall after the brake, the idea is not to hit whatever that caused you to e-brake. Initially I made the mistake of trying to keep the engine live and was all to careful when hitting the brake. it increased my braking distance and would be considered failed during the test.

For three-point-turn, make sure no incoming vehicle on opposite lane and no vehicle at the back. Make sure in gear 1. Turn steering wheel fully to the right and drive until car is near to the kerb. Change to reverse gear and check blind spot and rear window. Turn steering fully to the left and reverse until near to kerb. Change to gear 1 and turn full steering to the right and move off until car is straighten before changing to gear 2.

Things to take note:

• Usually tester likes to do e-brake at the outer lane next to the HomeTeamNS club, immediately after moving out from the parking lot during the test
• Normally if the tester wants to initiate e-brake, the tester will start looking back (or side mirror) to make sure no car is close behind. He will also start wearing/tightening the seat belt  If you notice there is no car close behind you it is very likely he will initiate e-brake. Take this as an indicator. 
• Ok, do not over-anticipate, the tester may try to trick you by touching his hair instead (it happened to me once with one of the instructors -_-" )

Expenditure

Practical                 $68.48
Total cost so far:     $1969.20

Read More

DAY 77: Stage 3 Practical Lesson 3.07 Vertical Parking

Today lesson is on vertical parking. Here are steps from what I understood:

1. One you enter the lane, drive close to the centre while line of the lane. I gauge this by making sure the while line is in line with the left side of the cash card machine attached at the bottom right corner of the windscreen
2. Stop the car, adjust both side mirror so that you can see the rear wheels
3. Chane to reverse gear
4. Signal left, check both sides’ blind spot and rear windscreen.
5. As you reverse, you will notice there is a part of the lane that has a different colour (one side is tar while the other side is cement I think. I think it is put there as an indication). Once the left rear wheel (as seen from left side mirror) almost touches the line, full lock steering left
6. Check right side and right side for incoming vehicle. Also check rear windscreen and continue reversing
7. Once car is straightened, quickly return steering to centre. 
8. Check rear windscreen and continue to reverse until the lane kerb on the left is covered by the left side mirror before stop the car
9. After the car is stationary, engage neutral gear and handbrake and let instructor know you have completed the parking
10. Before move off, return side mirrors to previous position.
11. Engage 1st gear
12. Check left and right of lane for incoming vehicle
13. Move car forward until the left lane kerb is about the shoulder of the instructor (⅕ of side window length from behind) before full lock steering wheel to turn

Expenditure

Practical                 $68.48
Total cost so far:     $1900.72

Read More

DAY 77: Stage 2 DS 1.01 Driving Simulator

I finally went to attend my driving simulator lesson today. The idea is to allow you to get exposed to driving hazards that cannot be simulated in real life driving. You attend the lesson with another 2 students. Each student is given about 15min to try the simulator, which is an automatic transmission car by the way. Even though it is a simulator, you're still required to perform all the safety checks (eg check blind spot, signal 3s before lane change, wear safety belt). In the simulation, you will encounter dangerous situations like pedestrian dashing out onto the road or motorcyclist suddenly appear at your blind spot while turning. You will also get to try e-brake in wet weather and the 4s rule.

By the way, for school student, in order to go for practical test, you need to complete the driving simulator lesson.

Expenditure

Practical                 $13.91
Total cost so far:     $1832.24

Read More

DAY 76: Stage 3 Practical Lesson 3.05 3.06 Parallel Parking, Circuit Slope

Today I managed to clear 2 subjects which were parallel parking and circuit slope. I found parallel parking to be the most difficult technique so far as it involved the most actions and checking.

Here are steps and indicators to take note when performing parallel parking. For better visualization and clarity, I advise that you refer to the Practical Training Handbook or consult your driving instructor.

When entering the lane with the parallel parking slot (on your left):.

1. Drive straight forward until about ½ car length from the junction. Make sure your car is at the centre of the lane. For indication. check your right window, and make sure the white dashed line in the middle of the road is just above the edge of right door window 
2. Adjust left side mirror until you can see the rear wheel
3. Change gear to Reverse and check left and right blind spots and rear window
4. Signal left
5. Reverse until the left wheel is in line with the front side of last rectangle of the left kerb by looking at the left side mirror (the kerb is coloured with black and white rectangles)
6. Check right and left side for incoming vehicles
7. Immediately left full lock steering wheel and reverse until you can see right rear wheel in line with the middle of the rear kerb from the right side mirror (coloured by black and yellow rectangles) Also check left side mirror to make sure rear left wheel is not too near to the left kerb
8. Immediately return steering wheel to the centre before stopping the car
9. Adjust right side mirror until you can see the rear wheel
10. Check left right blind spots and rear window
11. Continue to reverse until rear right wheel is above the white border line of the parking lot (as seen from the right side mirror)
12. Cancel left signal
13. Immediately right full lock steering wheel.and continue to reverse until vehicle is straightened. 
14. Change to gear 1, immediately left full lock steering wheel while moving car forward until vehicle is straightened. Make sure you see not more than 4 rectangles on the left side mirror or else your car may risk hitting the front kerb.
15. Change to Reverse gear and reverse car until only 3 rectangles of the left kerb are seen in the left side mirror. 
16. Once done, change gear to neutral, pull hand brake and raise hand to inform tester that parallel parking is completed

To move off:

1. Change to gear 1, move car forward until about 4 rectangles of the left kerb can be seen on the left side mirror 
2. Change to Reverse gear and left full lock steering while reversing (check rear mirror first). Check both sides mirror to make sure rear wheels do not hit kerb. 
3. Return steering to centre before stop
4. Set side mirrors’ position back to previous setting (for main road driving)
5. Change to gear 1, check right blind spot. 
6. Signal right
7. Right full lock steering while moving forward until left door handle is in line with the left kerb of the lane.
8. Cancel signal
9. Continue move forward and steer car left to straighten the car

The next time we came back to the slot to try parallel parking another time, I realized I was not able to adjust my side mirrors back to the same position as the one just now. The indicators were not at the same position anymore. So the final parallel parking was not successful as my car was parked quite out of the lot. So far, I have not figured out how to mitigate this. Perhaps in the next lesson I will find a way or perhaps with more practice, it will come naturally.

After parallel parking, we proceed to do the stopping and moving off of the circuit slope. As I had done this before in Stage 2, it was more like a recap.


Things to note:

• To pass parallel parking, right side mirror much stay inside the white line bordering the parking lot. The car must also stop at the centre of the parking lot
• If brake too hard while reversing, tester might think that you have hit the rear kerb
• Remember to check blind spot, and signal.
• 10 points will be penalised for striking kerb. Stop car if you’re about to strike kerb even if the car is not straightened yet to avoid being heavily penalized
• 5 minutes is not a lot to perform parallel parking during test. Try to get it right the first time
• For moving off slope, need to signal right and check blind spot before moving off
• Accelerate until about 3000 rpm before releasing handbrake
• Do not release accelerator or clutch until car has reached the top of the slope else the car may slide backward
• When going down slop, make sure to use engine brake

Expenditure

Practical                 $68.48
Total cost so far:     $1818.33

Read More

DAY 74: Stage 3 Practical Lesson 3.04 Directional Change

In today’s lesson, I spent some time at the beginning revising the crank and ‘S; course. The instructor felt that my technique for ‘S course was weak as my car was not kept to the outer part of the lane, resulting in the need to turn the steering wheel more and the back wheel was very near to the kerb. In addition, I tend to end up near to the right kerb at the end of the course due to the excessive turning. He advised that I should try to keep to the outer part of the lane and just before I clutch in to stop at the end of the ‘S course, I should return the steering wheel to the centre position.

Next, we moved on to directional change. It was not as difficult as I imagined. There were 'indicators' within the car which I could use to judge and gauge while doing the different actions, It made me wonder whether all these indicators are doing good or harm to a learner. Yes it made it easier to do the maneuvers (and probably helps in passing the test) but I don't think all these indicators will work when you really try parking at the car park (ok perhaps there will be other indicators).

Here I will attempt to describe how to perform directional change (For better visualization and clarity, it is better to refer to the Practical Training Handbook)

After entering the directional change slot:

1. Drive straight to the end with the right kerb just below the left door window. Front kerb ~10cm below the right side mirror
2. Check left/right blind spot and rear mirror.
3. Reverse straight until horizontal kerb is at the centre (or slightly back) of the rear right window. Use cluch/unclutch technique for low speed control
• A tip from another instructor: if you already position your car such that your shoulder is at the 2.5 rectangle of the right kerb (counting from the front), you can immediately do a full right reverse
4. Immediate turn steering wheel fully to the right
5. Check left windown and blind spot before car reverse rightward into the slot (to make sure no car is coming in from the left)
6. Check right side mirror to make sure right rear wheel does not strike right kerb
7. Check left side mirror to make sure left rear wheel does not strike left kerb
8. Once car is almost straightened, immediately return steering wheel to the centre.
9. Check rear mirror before reversing straight until left side mirror is in line with the left kerb of outgoing lane
10. To move off, check left and right for any car
11. Move car forward until left door handle is inline with the left kerb of outgoing lane
12. Turn steering fully left at low speed (clutch/unclutch for low speed control)
13. Return steering wheel as car is almost straighten

Expenditure

Practical                 $77.04
Total cost so far:     $1749.85

Read More

DAY 72: Stage 3 Practical Lesson 3.02 3.03 Reversing Technique, Crank Course & ‘S’ Course

I got another try-sell lesson tonight. After doing 2 rounds of warm up, we headed to the parking lot to try out the reversing technique. The instructor placed 2 poles at the side of the parking lot. I learnt to reverse the car either in between the 2 poles or to the left or right side of the poles. It was quite difficult to see the poles at night via the rear mirror. I did several attempts, moving from sides to sides by moving the car forward and then reverse. Steering the wheel while reversing was not very intuitive. Sometimes I would spend a few seconds trying to figure the correct direction to turn while reversing to the left or right. Fortunately lesson 3.02 is not tested.

After that we proceeded to the crank course & ‘S’ course training. The technique to go through the crank course is to do a full steering wheel turn once the left (or right depending on the direction to turn) kerb is in line with the left (or right) car door handle. Just before the car position is straightened, return the steering wheel quickly to the centre. For ‘S’ course, try to keep to the outer part of the semicircle while turning - for the first anticlockwise semicircle of the ‘S’ course, keep more to the right side, for the next clockwise semicircle, keep more to the left. Once you reach the end of the course, clutch in and quickly return steering wheel to centre before coming to a stop. (I know it is hard to visualize through words. Refer to the Practical handbook if in doubt)


Things to note:

• To reverse to the left, turn steering wheel left. If reversing right, turn steering wheel right
• It is better to go through the course slowly so that you have more time to turn.
• Control low speed by clutch/unclutch to biting point
• The steering wheel can turn 2 rounds maximum in both directions
• For ‘S’ course, keep the left bonnet edge to the centre of the road for the first anticlockwise semicircle. Then, keep the right bonnet edge to the centre of the road during the next clockwise semicircle.
• Do not turn the steering wheel while the car is not moving (-2 points during test)

Expenditure

Practical                 $68.48
Total cost so far:     $1672.81

Read More

DAY 71: Stage 3 Practical Lesson 3.01 Driving in Circuit

Managed to get another try sell night lesson. Tonight I started my Stage 3 subject. The first lesson was familiarizing with the roads in the circuit. We drove around the circuit, with the instructor giving directions (change lane, turn left, turn right etc). Roads in the circuit are narrower and shorter. There are some parts where I need to perform lane change immediately followed by a left turn after a right turn. In addition, the traffic light only remain green for 6s.


Things to take note:

• Maximum gear 2 in circuit. 
• Left/right turn with gear 1
• To reduce vibration while gear 1 (due to car speed too slow), fully clutch in
• Turn left after sign board, turn right before. Eg if instructor tells you to turn left on 4, it is to turn into the lane AFTER the no 4 sign board (which is the S course). If it is a right turn it would be into the lane before the sign board (which is the same S course).

Expenditure

Practical                 $68.48
Total cost so far:     $1604.33

Read More

DAY 70: Stage 2 Practical Lesson 2.11 Stage 2 Review

Today driving lesson was a review of all the Stage 2 lessons. We drove a few rounds around the circuit and then moved out to the streets. I am now more familiar with night driving. I think the whole lesson was quite alright including moving off the up slope. I passed. By the way, today's lesson was another try-sell night lesson.


Things to take note:

• Must come to COMPLETE stop at the Stop line even if there is no vehicle on the major road
• After coming to a complete stop at the Stop line, can inch out a bit if the view of the major road is blocked (by trees, poles etc)
• Turning right can be improved by changing to gear 2 while turning (to move faster). If you are the 2nd car, can change to gear 2 before turning
• Moving off on up slope can still be improved. 
• Keep at centre lane when reaching Choa Chu Kang Road if not turning left as the left lane is meant for turning left only.

Expenditure

Practical                 $68.48
Total cost so far:     $1535.85

Read More

DAY 70: Final Theory Test (50/50 Passed)

Took my Final Theory Test today. I was quite worried that I would forget all the practices and evaluation I did 3 weeks ago. In the end I managed to score 50/50! PASSED. I find it much simpler than the practices and evaluations.

Things to note:

• Remember to bring your I/C (or other forms of approved identification). Failure to do so will result in you being barred from taking the test. There was a lady being rejected during my session for not bringing I/C. Even a photocopy would not work.
• In general, the questions are mostly related to safety. The correct answer normally reflects the safest.action.
• If possible, do not sit near to the entrance. It can be quite distracting (to me) as some candidates may come in late and walk pass you. For my case, there was an argument between a lady and the invigilators as she forgot to bring her I/C and the invigilators did not allow her to sit for the test. It is also distracting when some candidates finished the test early and start to leave the room.

Expenditure

Final Theory Test    $6.50
Total cost so far:     $1467.37

Read More

DAY 69: Stage 2 Practical Lesson 2.10 Overtaking and Being Overtaken

I managed to get another try-sell night lesson. Today’s lesson was on overtaking (and assist other vehicles to overtake me). The instructor commented that overtaking lesson should not be put too late at night as there would not be many cars to overtake. I told my instructor that my next lesson would also be at the same time tomorrow. So if we couldn’t find any car to overtake tonight, it would be the same situation tomorrow and subsequent night lesson of the week. So he tried hard to look for a slower cars. (Appreciate it a lot!) We drove to many places, from Teck Whye until Jurong East Ave 1. Finally, we managed to find 2 slow L plate cars (one at Bukit Batok Road and the other at Bukit Batok West Ave 3)  which I hastily proceed to overtake in gear 4. The instructor commented that I drove as if I was racing with someone. Yeah, racing to overtake so as not to repeat the same lesson tomorrow.

I had one near-hit incident happened while driving along Bukit Batok Road when a cyclist suddenly appeared out of the merging lane. He was quite close to my car. Luckily I noticed him (from his bike’s headlight) and shifted my car to the right (need 1.5m distance). Now it began to sink into me the importance of checking my blind spots.


Things to take note:

• Overtaking lesson should not be put too late at night as there would not be many cars for you to overtake
• Do not be hasty - I was a bit anxious not being able to overtake, so I kept changing up gears rapidly. I was also hasty in moving off. I also stopped twice over the Stop line. In previous lesson I was too slow, today I was too fast. Sigh...
• While overtaking from right lane, if you ended up too near to traffic light, maintain at right lane until you pass the traffic light before changing back to left lane. If traffic light turns red, just stop at right lane.
• Need to pull handbrake on any slope, steep or gentle. The instructor said that if I roll back even slightly, points would be deducted.
• Some slopes which are candidate for handbrake stop apart from the ones at Teck Whye test routes::
• All traffic lights along Bukit Batok Central road (Bukit Batok Community Centre and Bukit Batok Polyclinic)
• T traffic junction at the end of Bukit Batok Ave 1 (in front of Bukit Batok MRT)
• When stopping on slope, the instructor preferred that I step on foot brake even if handbrake was pulled.
• Need more practice on moving off slope - there was once at the horrendous Teck Whye up slope traffic junction, I thought my clutch was at biting point but in reality it was not. The car ended up rolling backward, not matter how hard I stepped on the accelerator. Immediate failure if roll back more than 1m.
• I was late to react to some obstacles because I kept trying to adjust car position to the centre of the lane. The instructor said not to keep focusing on the dash line to adjust car position as it remove my focus from the actual driving (and would become slow to reach in case of obstacles)
• Check blindspot 2s before turning or lane change

Expenditure

Practical                 $68.48
Total cost so far:     $1460.87

Read More

DAY 67: Stage 2 Practical Lesson 2.09 Lane Changing in heavy and fast Traffic

Today’s lesson was on ‘Lane Changing in heavy and fast Traffic’. We went around the circuit a few times, performing lane changing several times along the way. Then we moved out to the streets. Apart from lane changing, we did some U turns and also stopping/moving off of slope (at the pedestrian crossing traffic light in front of Bukit Batok CC along Bukit Batok Central road). I found my moving off getting smoother. There were not many jerking incidents. The instructor feedback was that I should step on the accelerator harder when moving off in order to gain power faster. I was too gentle to on the pedal.


Things to take note:

• When moving off, step on the acceleration pedal harder for more power.
• Cover foot brake when approaching green traffic light in case need to brake when light suddenly change to amber.
• Brake harder if need to stop when traffic light suddenly changed amber so as not to stop after Stop line.

Expenditure

Practical                 $77.04.
Total cost so far:     $1392.39

Read More

DAY 66: Stage 2 Practical Lesson 2.08 Reacting to Road Hazards

I managed to get a try-sell slot at night. It was my first time driving at night. I decided to start going for night lesson because it is too slow to only have lessons during weekends. Furthermore it is good to have a feel of night driving, unless you're planning to drive only in the day for the rest of your life! However, do take note that there is no practical test at night so if you find that certain subjects are crucial to you, please do them in a day lesson.

Driving at night felt different than driving during the day (obviously). The roads were not as visible even with the street lights. It was quite difficult to notice people at the side of the road especially when the person was wearing dark clothes. However, the dashboard was very bright, I could see the speedometer, tachometer and odometer clearer as compared to during the day.

In the beginning, the instructor told me to go two rounds in the circuit to get used to the night driving before moving off to the streets. Today’s lesson was on ‘Reacting to Road Hazards’. We didn’t specifically go around looking for hazards but more on react-if-I-see-one kind of lesson. As this was the first time I’m driving at night, the reduced visibility was already a hazard to me. I had some difficulties judging the correct distance of oncoming vehicles based only on their head lights. It was also quite difficult to see where the humps and pedestrian crossings were. My instructor told me to look out for cues like the ‘HUMP AHEAD’ marking on the road and the zig zag white line or the ‘X-ING AHEAD’ marking for pedestrian crossing. Throughout the lesson, I was driving all too careful. I was in gear 2 on some of the small roads which I used to be in gear 3 during the day. In one of the T junction (where Bukit Batok St 33 meets Bukit Batok West Ave 4), I made a mistake when I did the right turn too sharply until I went over the double white line. The instructor told me that it would be an immediate failure during test. There was also once I forgot to stop before a solid white line (with a Stop sign) at the end of a deceleration lane at at Bukit Batok West Ave 7, which is also an immediate failure.


Things to take note:

• Right turn be careful not to go over the double white line which would be an immediate failure
• When moving off in gear 1, don’t release clutch. Once reach sufficient speed, immediately step full clutch and change to gear 2.
• If you’re able to see red light from far, slow down (foot brake or engine brake if far enough) then change to gear 2 to engine brake.
• Engine brake is stronger at lower gear (reminder)

Expenditure

Practical              $68.48
Total cost so far:  $1315.35

Read More

Day 59: Stage 2 Practical Lesson 2.07 Driving on Slopes

I managed to get a cancelled slot today. Today's lesson is on driving on slope. In the beginning, I did some practices on the circuit's slope before moving out to the streets. Most of the time we were at Teck Whye. There are several up slopes there - One has a T junction right at the top. The other one has a pedestrian crossing at the top. The instructor said that the one with the traffic light is a killer test route. Pray hard that I'll not get it. If I really get it, pray that there is nobody crossing the zebra crossing or the traffic light is green when I reach there so that I don't need to stop...

To go up these slopes, it is fine to use gear 2. The tough part about the up slope is when I need to stop and move off from it. To stop on an up slope, step on foot brake then full clutch before coming to complete halt. Once fully stopped, pull hand brake and release foot brake. To move off, half clutch to biting point while at the same time press on accelerator until about 3000rpm. You'll observe that the car bonnet will raise slightly once you reach the biting point. (Note that the accelerator need to be stepped harder as it requires more force to move the vehicle up slope than on level ground). Once clear to go (check rear mirror and blind spot), fully release hand brake and move off. If you're doing a right turn at the same time, make sure to turn to the right most lane, change to gear 2 and maintain lane discipline (change to leftmost lane).

The tough part of the up slope T junction is that I need to check left and right for incoming traffic, at the same time my left foot must maintain biting point, right foot controlling the acceleration, left hand release hand brake and right hand turn the steering wheel (the ultimate multi-tasking octopus in the making). In addition, there is a thick bush blocking the view of the right traffic making it difficult to judge if the road is clear. I stalled several times at the junction but managed to move off after several tries. Perhaps it is a good idea to cut down the bush the day before my test  (just kidding)


Things to take note

• When moving off, maintain biting point for 3 seconds. I tend to release clutch too fast especially when I am doing a turn at the same.
• I tend to rush when changing gear up or down. Relax and don't be a 'kan cheong spider'
• My driving performance is not consistent. Sometimes I am fine, other times I will go back and repeat the same old mistakes again.

Expenditure

Practical              $77.04
Total cost so far:  $1246.87

Read More

DAY 52: Final Theory Practice and Final Theory Evaluation and Stage 2 Practical Lesson 2.06 U-turn and Roundabout (again?)

Final Theory Practice and Final Theory Evaluation

In order not to flung the Final Theory Evaluation again (check out what I did in my last FTE attempt), I decided to complete all the practice booklets before going for the evaluation. I spent another 3 lessons today to complete all the booklets. Then I went for the Final Theory Evaluation during the next timing slot. I passed with a score of 98/100. Hooray!!! I can go for my Final Theory Test now. The latest available night slot was 2 weeks later. Hopefully I can still remember all the stuff after 3 weeks.

Things to take note:

• All (I think) the questions for the Final Theory Evaluation comes from the practice booklets. If you finish practicing all the booklets, you should be able to pass the evaluation.
• The theory practice allows you to review the answers, it is better to do so to understand the logic and reasons for the answer (no matter right or wrong)

Stage 2 Practical Lesson 2.06 U-turn and Roundabout

Today's instructor was from my default group. I think he is team leader of the group. I didn't make it to the next lesson. He was very strict - he finds that my fundamental techniques are not up to standard, given now that I'm already in stage 2 and I'm still making silly mistakes like releasing clutch too early and not able to hold half clutch.

At one point, he let me decide if I want to proceed to 2.07 or use today's lesson to improve on my weaker areas. I chose the latter. It is better to fix mistakes earlier than later right? Otherwise, he said, it would turn into a 'bad' habit that is hard to kick

We drove around inside the circuit and Bukit Gombak areas doing left, right turns, stopping at the side of the roads and also U-turn. I didn't perform up to my usual standard today, probably rusty after not having lesson for more than 2 weeks (no choice, I had an overseas assignment) and I was in a rather low morale.


Things to take note:

• For starting off, half clutch biting point need to be smooth. 
• Left leg need to be touching clutch when gear 1. 
• Gear 1 is only for starting off. Must change to gear 2 swiftly. 
• Do not step on accelerator while turning. Only step accelerator after you have positioned the steering wheel correctly
• When reach 40km/h, must go to 4th gear already at Choa Chu Kang road. Small road can be in 3rd gear. Do not drag gear too long. Listen to engine sound to judge
• For Choa Chu Kang/Bukit Batok Road, maximum speed is 70km/hr. Need to keep near to it and maintain 4th gear while cruising
• Check rear mirror every time 1s before brake and move off
• Signal 3s earlier before turning or changing lane.
• Position car with your shoulder in line with the edge of the kerb (use the pole or traffic lights as marking) for right turn
• Foot brake is to reduce speed to a desired range before gear down. Do not gear down when speed is still about the range
• For U-turn, maintain around 1m to the right kerb in the bend to leave more space on the outer (left) side of the car. This allows motorcyclist to move up on the left side instead of the right (and end up in your blind spot)

Expenditure

FT Practice         $3.21 x 3
FT Evaluation      $5.35
Practical              $77.04
Total cost so far:  $1169.83

Read More