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!