The validity of Provisional Driving Licence (PDL) of learner motorists will be extended from six months to two years by the fourth quarter of this year, announced the Singapore Traffic Police today. Further, simulation training will be made compulsory for all learner drivers from 2019.
The simulation training will be rolled out after trials in all three driving schools start in the first quarter of next year.
Talking about the simulation training, Mohd Saad, head of Traffic Police’s Testing and Licensing Branch, “Unlike traditional methods, simulation training will enable learner motorists to undergo experiential learning and handle real-life traffic situations in a safe and controlled environment, without risks of actual injury.”
He added, “Users will be able to understand the importance of keeping a safe driving distance during wet weather, or the proper way of reacting when a boy suddenly dashes out onto the road, for instance.”
Learner drivers will be able to apply or renew their PDL online or through the mobile app by the fourth quarter this year, and hard copies will no longer be issued.
The Traffic Police will also be making digital copies of the Basic and Final Theory Driving handbooks available to the public for free from July 1 via a new online learning portal on www.police.gov.sg. The step is being taken to train safer and more competent drivers on the road.