Driving, Finally!

Lenson and I signed up for driving classes. Everything sounded so confusing when the admin was explaining the process. There's this test to take, that test to take. Omg. Little did I know, it wasn't that confusing. The whole process from signing up to obtaining the driving license is essentially broken down into this:

1. Signing up. [Done on 18 Oct 2019]
I paid a total of $203.43 (including $160 enrolment fee, $1.70 eyesight test, $6 digital photo fee).

2. Basic Theory Evaluation Test (have to book slot from online). [Done on 18 Nov 2019]
This is essentially the same as the actual test but the score is not recorded. Besides the Evaluation Test, I also went through some test questions online to help prepare myself

3. Basic Theory Test (have to book slot from online). [Done on 22 Nov 2019]
Basic Theory Test focused mainly on road signs and road markings

4. Final Theory Evaluation Test. [Done on 11 Dec 2019]
Same as Basic Theory Evaluation. The score is not recorded.

5. Final Theory test (same process as Basic Theory Test). [Done on 18 Dec 2019]
Final Theory Test focused mainly on situational questions.

6. Induction Lesson [Done on 30 Nov 2019]
In the Induction Lesson, the instructor taught us (I was with 3 other students) on the basic features of the car. This included how to start a car, adjust the seat, hazard lights, wipers, side mirrors. The cars stayed stationery on spot through out but I thought it was great in helping us get to know the car we were going to handle better. And it would definitely be helpful for people who has never driven before.

7. Applying for Provisional Driving License. [Done online, forgot which date LOL.]
This license allows me to drive on the road with a certified instructor. Just need to keep a copy for the receipt (printed) for the instructor to see. Can keep a soft copy too if preferred.

8. Starting on Practical lessons. [3 Jan 2020 - ONGOING]
Practical lessons are divided into module 1 and module 2. I'm from the Common Pool side so my instructor changes every lesson. These lessons allow me to actually handle the car and familiarise with actual road scenarios! Some instructors allowed me to drive on the actual road too!

9. Going for the actual Traffic Police Test
18 demerit points and less, and I'll get my license!

Now that I have broken down the process, here's my driving journal! Ahhh I am actually excited to be writing this entry. Especially because I haven't been updating my blog for so long.

3 Jan 2020 - Practical Lesson 01

Instructor: David Phua Kwee Tan

David didn't really talk much and was quite relaxed throughout the time I was on the car. We didn't do anything much besides driving around the circuit and trying out the different turns, and braking. The happy thing was, he even asked if I had driven before. And when I said no, he asked if I frequently played those arcade driving games HAHA. It was an encouraging start to the practical lessons ahead.

6 Jan 2020 - Practical Lesson 02

Instructor: Lee Tian Pheng Andy

Andy started the lesson explaining the car right from the start, including how to lock and unlock the car door. He treated it as though my first lesson and was so awesome! He gave many tips along the lesson, including how to check if the distance between the steering wheel and myself is correct. I liked how he explained why certain behaviours are safer than the others too. On top of that, he also corrected the way I steered the wheel using the 3 points method instead of the pass bit by but method. I enjoyed his lessons a lot. And can tell he's really good because while he scrolled through his phone, I saw quite a few students thanking him for his guidance.

7 Jan 2020 - Practical Lesson 03

Instructor: Shawn Ang

Shawn gives off a sunshine vibe. He started the lesson with a cheerful smile. We took a short drive within the circuit and he said I can try driving on the real road today. We drove all the way to Bedok Reservoir to where my maternal grandma used to stay. There on the road, he reminded me the things to look out for, and how to check for blind spots. When we were back at the school, he showed me why we should always check for blind spots by standing at areas where I will not be able to see him if I just looked into the 3 mirrors without turning my head to check.

8 Jan 2020 - Practical Lesson 04

Instructor: Nelson Pay Chun Hong

My favourite instructor. I ended up having a lot of lessons with him and he made all the experiences so much more fun. He chats with me a lot during our car rides and gently point out areas where I could have done better. He was the second last instructor for my practical lessons after going back to school from COVID-19 break. I am very very thankful to have met him.

30 April 2021 - I got my License!

It war nerve-wrecking. I am pretty sure I screwed up. But I only ended up with 6 demerit points! One of the best score I've ever gotten in generally any test in my life. I am excited to be able to drive overseas, drive my family, drive my friends. And now, I can drive Lenson around too!