Big Changes to Class 4 Driving Lessons in Singapore!

Starting Monday, September 15, Singaporeans, permanent residents (PRs), and full-time drivers holding work passes will receive priority for Class 4 driving lessons. This initiative aims to tackle the long wait times that many aspiring drivers have faced in recent months.

Why This Change?

The traffic police have reported a staggering rise in waiting times for Class 4 lessons, which exceed 13 months, with nearly 3,900 people on the waitlist just last month. To alleviate this backlog, the authorities are prioritizing those who are directly involved in driving heavy vehicles.

What is Class 4?

Class 4 licenses allow drivers to operate vehicles that weigh more than 2,500 kg. This is essential for many industries relying on heavy transport.

Record High Demand!

Since May 2023, when restrictions were lifted allowing more drivers to sign up, enrollment skyrocketed. In September 2024 alone, over 1,000 new learners registered for Class 4 driving lessons, far surpassing previous figures of under 200 monthly.

A Call for Better Standards!

Unfortunately, the passing rate for the Class 4 driving test has plummeted to 30%, down from more than 40% in previous years. Many failures are attributed to Work Permit and S Pass holders who struggle with the transition from their foreign licenses. Hence, there's a pressing need for proper training and assessments.

Priority Access Details!

From now on, learners will be prioritized based on their status. Singaporeans and PRs will have first dibs, followed by work pass holders with an employer declaration confirming they will be driving Class 4 vehicles at work. Additionally, companies that have installed mandatory speed limiters on their vehicles will also get priority.

Tackling the Retesting Issue!

To make room for new learners, changes have been introduced regarding those retaking the Class 4 driving test. After three failed attempts, learners will have to wait at least six months before they can retest. This is intended to minimize bottlenecks in the system caused by repeated test failures.

Introducing a New Road Assessment!

Effective immediately, Class 3C holders wishing to transition to Class 4 must now pass a new road assessment. This evaluation checks drivers' overall competency and road safety skills in real traffic situations. Candidates who do not pass will find their Class 3C licenses revoked.

What’s Next?

These measures aim to streamline the process, improve passing rates, and ultimately enhance road safety in Singapore. With the new focus on prioritization and assessments, aspiring Class 4 drivers will hopefully find a smoother path ahead!