My BBDC experience – (3.3) Practical - Revision lessons & Booking of Test

At the blink of an eye, it was time to book my Traffic Police Driving Test and revision lessons.
While waiting for my test (around 2 weeks for me), I attended revision lessons spaced out evenly so that I won’t lose the “feel” and momentum.

For the test, you are required to undergo both the “Circuit” and “Road” segments. To pass, you must not obtain more than 20 demerit points.

“Circuit”

A tip from an instructor was to “familiarize yourself with the Circuit courses” – because these courses are fixed and won’t change. If you keep practicing, you’ll get better and eventually be able to master all these courses without sweat. Then, there is lesser tendency of obtaining any demerit points.

“Road”

Unlike the Circuit courses, Road-driving is not fixed – the weather and road conditions may change. These might affect your performance. However, fret not. With proper preparation, you will still be able to go through this segment smoothly.

Speaking of weather, do you know what you should do if it rains? The first thing that pops up in your mind should be activating the Wiper. There are different wiper speeds, so do choose the one that is the most suitable – i.e. Heavy rain, higher wiper speed. Do turn on the headlights if there is heavy rain.

Besides weather, do ensure that you understand the road signs and such, and what you are not supposed to do - e.g. stopping in a Yellow box. You can read your Highway Code as a refresher.

Although you have no control over the weather and road conditions, remember - You still have control over your car. You are still in control : )

- Final note -

Lastly, remember to be confident. Keep in mind that your objective is to complete the Circuit and Road driving safely, with a passenger (tester) beside you. Don’t attempt to secretly count and guess the number of demerit points you’ve got. This is unnecessary and would only make you more nervous.

I managed to pass my test with 4 demerit points. If I can do it, so can you!

With that, I end my post on the topic of Driving.

I wish you all the best for your Driving journey and test! : D

Feel free to ask me any questions if you need!

My BBDC experience – (3.2) Practical - Circuit, Road, Simulator

Circuit

As a beginner driving student, the circuit is like a safe environment since the courses (e.g. parking, ramp, S-course) are fixed and there are only school vehicles (BBDC cars and motorcycles). The vehicle speed is much lower as compared to that of the road.

This is somewhat a “fixed guide” which you can adopt to successfully pass the courses – e.g. For vertical parking, reverse your car to point A, then turn your steering wheel fully to the right, till you come to a stop at Point B. It takes time and practice to embed this fixed guide in your mind. 

This guide can be found in the driving manual, and also by verifying and seeking the advice from your instructor(s). Sometimes, different instructors might give you varying advices. So the key is to determine the way which suits you best by trial and error.

My instructors said “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It is the best way of learning”.

When you make mistakes during your lessons, your instructor is there to analyse, teach and work out a solution with you. I felt embarrassed when I made silly mistakes, but my instructors reassured me and said it is better to make mistakes here so that I won’t repeat them during my test.  

Road

Unlike the circuit, driving on the road can be an exciting yet scary experience, especially at the beginning when you are still figuring out how to control your speed, gauge the road traffic condition, and so on. You might wonder if your car is indeed staying within the lane, you might wonder if you need to turn the steering wheel more to complete a right turn, etc.

A tip from the instructors is to look ahead so that you can have a better sense of the traffic condition ahead and scan for any hazards. By doing so, you would be able to stay within your lane and complete any turns “naturally”, without having to overthink. This works best when you have more practice.   

It is inevitable that some drivers would overtake you – some do it because your speed is too slow. When this happens, just let them overtake and don’t take it personally. Then, practice more to travel at an appropriate speed to suit the road condition, while not exceeding the speed limit. 

Practice makes perfect!  

Driving simulator

Progressing through the practical lessons, you would be asked to book and attend the ‘Driving simulator’ session. For me, I attended it with two other students who booked the same session. Each of us took turns to go on the simulator – it is basically driving on an “animated road” in a wide monitor screen in front of you. It felt weird to be on the simulator - it was not realistic and was difficult to control the virtual car. So I went off course and such.

As you go along, the instructor would input various settings (e.g. rainy weather, dim lights). It is normal to make mistakes like what I did. The instructor analysed the mistakes with me and explained what I should have done instead.

After that, the instructor will input another simulation to see how fast and well you react. For mine, it was to fully accelerate and then apply emergency brake (a.k.a. E-brake) to avoid the oncoming lorry on the virtual road. I did not brake hard enough the first time, thus the instructor input the simulation again for me to try.

Although the simulation and stuff was not realistic, I still enjoyed the session as it enabled me to understand the importance of reacting fast and appropriately to avoid any accidents. 

My BBDC experience – (3.1) Practical lessons (cont'd)

Since the Basic and Final Theory segments are pretty much covered in my previous post, I will share more on the Practical lessons. 

Booking of Lessons

I am glad that I listened to the instructor/counter staff’s (can’t recall who was it) advice and booked 25 practical lessons in advance when I got my PDL and was ready. For me, I secured these lessons two months in advance because there were no more slots before that. This seems to be the trend so I definitely recommend you to book the slots ahead, in advance. A good thing is that you can plan ahead and work out how many lessons to attend per week.

Try to book more than 25 lessons if you can, as I ended up going for more than, which I had to book more slots eventually.

First Driving Lesson

I headed to the BBDC lobby to scan my IC using the machine next to the account top-up kiosk. A paper slip was then issued. This paper slip contains the information of the waiting area and car number.

Paper slip

Area A & B and BBDC shuttle bus waiting area

Then, I went to the waiting area and glanced through the sea of cars, trying to spot mine. When the lesson starts, the school bell would ring. This is when you would see many students walking over, trying to locate their cars. By this time, the instructors should be standing beside or sitting in the car to make some adjustments.

When I walked to my car and saw my instructor, he asked for my IC, PDL and the printed paper slip for verification purposes. Then, he introduced the basics of driving – from identifying and understanding how the different controls work (e.g. headlights, wiper switch, etc.), how to adjust the driver’s seat, to learning how to start the engine.      

I can’t exactly recall what was covered in my first lesson, but I think the entire lesson was conducted in the circuit. It was only until the second or third lesson that I went outside, to the road.

I do remember it was challenging to gauge the right amount of pressure (from my feet) to be exerted to the accelerator and brake pedal, for the first few lessons. For example, I want my car to go slightly faster, but I couldn’t figure out how hard I should step on the accelerator – stepping too hard and long will cause the vehicle to surge forward. This is not something that has a standard formula, thus the driving manual and instructor is unable to teach you on how much pressure you should exert. Instead, the instructor can only give you a clue by telling you to either exert more or less pressure, when you are at the driver’s seat. With more practice, I got the hang of it. 

Juggling work and school

I hold a full-time job. Thus, I chose to attend evening practical lessons after work - on an average of 3 lessons per week.

It is very important to have enough sleep during the night. Without sufficient rest, you might find it difficult to concentrate. This would affect your learning progress. And more importantly, it is dangerous to drive the car if you feel tired and is unable to maintain focus.

For me, it was a bit tough when I first started going for driving lessons after work – especially when I had to travel during the peak hour and rush to school. Also, I did not have the time to take proper dinner, thus I had to snack on-the-go instead. There were times I slept late (coz I have no discipline), so the next day I had to drag myself out of bed to work and then school.  

As time goes by, I got used to this routine of work --> school and learned focus more on the positive bits. I told myself that this is something I chose so I just have to stick to my plan and make some sacrifices which are inevitable. I have planted this seed so I should put in effort and grow it.

My BBDC experience – (2) Theory and Practical lessons

Class 3A course

At BBDC, a school setting, students are required to attend Theory and Practical lessons. I attended a total of 4 mandatory Theory lessons on two separate days:

1. Basic Theory Lessons (BTL) – BTL 1.01 & 1.02
2. Final Theory Lessons (FTL) -  FTL 1.01 & 1.02

Basic Theory

After attending the BTLs, I booked Theory Practice sessions in preparation for my Basic Theory Evaluation and Test. Basically, the evaluation is somewhat like a mock test. You are required to pass the evaluation before you can book the actual test. In preparation for my evaluation, I studied the “Highway code” and attended a few practice sessions on separate days before and on the actual day of my evaluation. I managed to pass my evaluation and proceeded to book the actual test (Traffic Police) which I passed as well after having several practices.

Upon passing my Basic Theory test, I applied for Provisional Driving License (PDL) at the Traffic Police counter which is just outside the Theory Test room. It is compulsory to possess the PDL before you can embark on the Practical segment of driving. PDL is valid for 6 months and you have to renew it if it expires before you take your actual Traffic Police Practical Test.

Practical Lessons

With my PDL, I started my Practical lessons. There are 2 rates: Peak (more expensive) and Non-Peak. As I am holding a full-time job, I could only go for the evening classes. The 7.20pm slot (peak) is more expensive, while the 9pm slot is less expensive (non-peak). I built up my momentum by attending at least 3 practical lessons per week, as I wanted to clear driving as soon as possible. An instructor/counter staff (can’t recall who was it) advised me to book at least 25 practical lessons in advance. This is good because you can plan ahead and secure the 25 practical lessons first.

If you have the means, please go ahead and book a few more lessons in advance. Reason being, it is tough to secure the current slots unless you try to camp at the BBDC website and wait for other students to release their slots. 

What if you are unable to attend a lesson which you have booked in advance? Fret not, you can release your booking and have it refunded to your BBDC account provided if it is done a few days before.

If you were to release it on the day of your lesson, the system would put your request under “Try-sell”. This means that you will get the refund only if someone buys your slot. I tried releasing it on the same day of my lesson (e.g. Booked 7.20pm slot but released my booking in the morning or afternoon) for a couple of times and I did get the refund. I think there are students constantly trying to snatch “last-minute” bookings, which is why I always get the refund.

However, don’t really wait till the very last minute (e.g. 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, etc.) in releasing a 7.20pm slot because you would face the risk of not being able to sell your slot.

Final Theory

I waited for some time before embarking on my Final Theory as I was too focused on my Practical lessons and other commitment. Do note that the passing of Final Theory test is one of the pre-requisites for booking your Traffic Police Practical test. Some students prefer to clear the Basic Theory and Final Theory first before starting Practical lessons. You can choose whichever way you are the most comfortable with.   

I failed my Final Theory evaluation as I did not have enough practice sessions. So, I brought out my Kiasu Singaporean spirit and booked 4 back to back practice sessions the day before and on my actual evaluation (second try). For me, this helped because the answers are somewhat embedded in my brain. I proceeded to book my test and I continued to attend practice sessions while waiting for my test, so as to ensure that the answers are still fresh in my mind. I managed to pass my test as well.   

[To be continued... Will be sharing more about the practical lessons in my next post]

My BBDC experience – (1) What to prepare for your very first visit

I have passed my driving test recently (Class 3A – Automatic) and thought it would be good to jot down my BBDC (Bukit Batok Driving Centre) experience here, in several posts. If you are keen to learn driving and would like to know more about how the school setting is like, feel free to read on! 

#1: Do your research & mental preparation

The very first step is to find out which driving course you are interested in. Click here for more information.

Next, you must be ready to commit to the course (i.e. dedicate time and put in effort). If you are not ready, you might face difficulty focusing and progressing through the entire course. This would hinder your progress and it could mean that you need to spend more money and time to clear the lessons.

You must also accumulate sufficient savings. For me, I spent around SGD $2,380 for the entire course including the traffic police tests. But I do hear from others that they spent lesser. Probably because I booked more revision lessons. Besides the course fees, you will need to save up for your transportation fee and meals as well.

Lastly, adopt a positive mindset and have an open mind – Understand that there bound to be times where you are in face of challenges. Don’t give up! You can always seek help when needed. Like for me, my loved ones thought I wouldn’t pass the driving test because I am a “blur sotong”. Guess what? I proved them wrong since I worked hard and persevered through, with a positive mindset! :D 

#2: Bring the necessary* for driving course enrolment

- For identification: NRIC or passport / FIN Card (for foreigners)

- For payment: Cash or ATM card (NETS)

*Click here for full information

#3: Decide the easiest way to get to BBDC

a) By Bus

There is a bus stop just outside BBDC and opposite BBDC. If you are coming, or going home, from the opposite bus stop, you need to be careful when crossing the road because the traffic can be quite heavy at times. And another reason is that you are likely to jaywalk instead of using the pedestrian crossing as it is a distance away.

b) By MRT & Shuttle bus

Alight at Bukit Gombak Station. Hop on the free BBDC shuttle bus (click here for bus interval). The ride usually takes about 5 minutes or so.

Once you alight at Bukit Gombak and tap out of the gantry, turn left. Walk straight to the drop-off point where the queue (if any) will be on the left side (beside POSB ATM). 

c) By walking 👣 {Not advisable} 

You can choose to walk to BBDC from Bukit Gombak Station if you have the luxury of time. The downside is that it is quite a distance. You might need to spare 20 minutes or so. Tap out of the gantry and turn left, then walk straight as well. Cross the road. You will see this:

#4: Get ready to enrol yourself

When you arrive, just approach the staff at the counter. He or she will guide you on what to do next. I can vaguely recall that I did an online "self-enrolment" using the specific computer area just in front of the counters.

Then, I went to take a queue number at the counter on the far left (can't really recall whether this is before or after the online self-enrolment). 

When it is your turn, you will visit your allocated "transparent" glass cubicle counter. The staff will check your details and brief you about your course (e.g. charges, lesson structure, etc.). Then, you will be asked to pay your course enrolment fee and whether you would like to top up your BBDC account on the spot.

The BBDC account works like a virtual ez-link card. You use this account to pay and book for your lessons. When the account amount is depleting, you would then top up so that you have sufficient funds to book your next lesson, practice or test.

The staff will issue you a “goodie bag” – the highlight is that is contains the Basic Theory book, Final Theory book, Driving manual. These three books are very useful (in my opinion). To pass the Basic and Final Theory test, you definitely have to study the theory books and attend practices.

#5: And, you are ready to work hard and earn your license! :D

Think of it as if you are trying to adopt a new hobby (driving)! From there, make full use of your time at BBDC and feel free to approach the instructors if you need any clarifications. 

From my experience, the instructors are very professional and caring. They are very patient and provide great advice which made my learning journey fulfilling and meaningful.

There could be one or two fierce instructors, but you don’t need to be bothered by it at all.. Yes, it might affect your mood but at the end of the day, your focus is on learning to drive, not learning how to deal with fierce people. It’s all in the mind.

All the best!

Sudden outburst - A personal reflection

My family has been teasing me about my "sudden outburst" from time to time.

The thing is, I didn't even notice this until they first told me about it.

They noticed that I tend to raise my voice and respond in a defensive (or even disrespectful) manner to certain comments they have made. After a few of such episodes, they started associating me with the term "sudden outburst". They would say something like "Let's not provoke her, otherwise she will have a sudden outburst again". I actually find this funny and thus would just laugh along with them.

Then, I asked myself.. Do I really have this issue of sudden outburst (in an angrily manner)? Is it because I am too sensitive? Too petty?

I started reflecting on this and realised something unhealthy going on. That is, there are certain things that I hold a strong stand about. Thus, in face of an opposing comment which is completely different from my point of view, my very first reaction would be to reject it. Sometimes, I reject it in a disrespectful manner.. which is very mean and unlike my natural happy-go-luck self.

Through a thorough reflection, I realise that:

1) Everyone is entitled to Freedom of speech

We all have our own worldview. It is something that guides us in our thinking and perception. Just because I hear something that goes against my worldview, it doesn't mean I should shut my ears and rudely interrupt by conveying my personal views. Instead, I should understand the fact that each of us are unique, and therefore, it is natural for us to have a different worldview.

In this modern society, most of us are able to express our own views freely. Nevertheless, we must not abuse this privilege by saying something irresponsibly and hurt others in the process. 

 2) The key is: Listen to understand 

 " Listen to understand, not for the sake of generating an immediate response "

If we don't listen well and communicate to understand what the other party is truly conveying, how do we expect to ourselves to give a fair response? Say, John and Anne are talking about something. John expresses his views and Anne responded by commenting how disgusting John is, based on what she heard. But the thing is.. - Does she fully comprehend what John really meant? - Did she gain a wrong impression because she doesn’t know the entire story? This brings us to the next point.. 

3) It is OK to disagree, but don't disrespect 

Continuing from the example of John and Anne – Say, Anne has listened and now understands John’s views better (e.g. why he thought this way, why he felt this way, etc). However, she still holds a different view from him. 

This is absolutely fine, and I am sure all of us have been in such a situation before. Anne can definitely disagree with John. However, she should still respect John’s views instead of condemning it. 

Being empathetic helps in this process – Put yourself in John’s shoes. How would you feel if someone (who disagrees with you) condemns your views? How would you feel if someone thinks that his or her views are far more superior compared to yours? 

Conclusion 

With the above reflection, I hope that I can be more open-minded. And that the next time I hear an opposing view, I will listen to understand. Afterall, there is no win or lose in communication (except for debate LOL). No point hurting others with a mean response. But if you have accidentally given such a response, it is never too late to apologise. Late is better than never.