Class 4 Driving License

[ScottyWittyKow]

On 3/21/2023 at 2:09 AM, Charles123456 said:

What happens to the Class 5 Thread I can't see to access the post.

@Charles123456 - The link for Class 5 is up. 
 

https://www.mycarforum.com/forums/topic/2721950-class-5-driving-course/#comment-7421795

[Charles123456]

@ScottyWittyKow Awesome thanks!

[Terence_Tay]

Thank you ScottWittyKow for your detailed post, I have been following a few months. I signed up for class 4 in April at PDCC. Traffic police test failed the first time in June. Rebooked a test 1.5 months later and just passed my class 4 today . Almost failed at 18 points.

My tips for potential class 4 test takers

1) Be careful when turning in the circuit at the corners. It is very tight. Almost hit my rear tires especially when there is an oncoming car.

2) Keep 1 to 2 metres when there are stationary vehicles on the road. There are  ALOT of vehicles parked along the roads on the test route. ( 8 demerits points) 

3) Lane change - Do not assume people will let you change lane. A lot of cars will overtake on the inner lane even though you are on TP test plates. 

Other than that all the best to future class 4 candidates. IT was a long but fun journey. Wanted to take class 5 but I doubt I have the stamina to keep going to SSDC.

Hope ScottWIttyKow Passed his class 5 because I do not see any update on his class 5 journey.

[ScottyWittyKow]

On 7/31/2023 at 11:55 AM, Terence_Tay said:

Thank you ScottWittyKow for your detailed post, I have been following a few months. I signed up for class 4 in April at PDCC. Traffic police test failed the first time in June. Rebooked a test 1.5 months later and just passed my class 4 today . Almost failed at 18 points.

My tips for potential class 4 test takers

1) Be careful when turning in the circuit at the corners. It is very tight. Almost hit my rear tires especially when there is an oncoming car.

2) Keep 1 to 2 metres when there are stationary vehicles on the road. There are  ALOT of vehicles parked along the roads on the test route. ( 8 demerits points) 

3) Lane change - Do not assume people will let you change lane. A lot of cars will overtake on the inner lane even though you are on TP test plates. 

Other than that all the best to future class 4 candidates. IT was a long but fun journey. Wanted to take class 5 but I doubt I have the stamina to keep going to SSDC.

Hope ScottWIttyKow Passed his class 5 because I do not see any update on his class 5 journey.

@Terence_Tay Hey congrats on your passing of the Class 4 Driving Test. Yes. I also got 18 points for my Class 4 the 2nd time. Nervous or not during your TP test?

That time I took the 2nd time, it was a Sat morning. V few vehicles on the road that time. 

[Terence_Tay]

@ScottyWittyKow Definately stress. I thought I failed. He keep tapping the Ipad and sound very irritated. My first TP test was on a saturday morning at 11.30. Yes it was better. Today at 9.30 there is alot of traffic and a lot of road works. Crazy. My test route today is super long. I dont know why. I keep asking myself how come never go back to center.  Anyone taking a test I suggest taking on a saturday if possible. The demand for class 4 is crazy . Retest dates are like close to 2 months now

[ScottyWittyKow]

On 7/31/2023 at 4:12 PM, Terence_Tay said:

@ScottyWittyKow Definately stress. I thought I failed. He keep tapping the Ipad and sound very irritated. My first TP test was on a saturday morning at 11.30. Yes it was better. Today at 9.30 there is alot of traffic and a lot of road works. Crazy. My test route today is super long. I dont know why. I keep asking myself how come never go back to center.  Anyone taking a test I suggest taking on a saturday if possible. The demand for class 4 is crazy . Retest dates are like close to 2 months now

@Terence_Tay ah ok. Your tester is using iPad. Mine was using manual writing. Keep writing one. But ends up he is just writing the station number for the obstacles and time taken for parkings. 🙄

Yes. I fully agreed. Class 4 is very high demand. Even before I register for Class 4, already many people registering for it.

Saturday TP? It depends. Not every Sat they have slots for TP.

Sometimes traffic conditions may not place a role on passing or failing. Depends on skills and also luck. 

That time I took my practical lessons for Class 5, there was only 1 vehicle reserve for me. Everytime I went for my lesson, I was the only person learning Class 5. But the stress is quite high. Because everything learn, must remember on the spot. I wanted to give up one actually, especially 2nd failure. Part of it is because is quite expensive. 1 retest cost almost $400 (incl. of truck rental, TP test, 1 revision lesson).😬

Go register Class 5 lah, who knows I need your kind advice how to pass my 3rd try.

[naveensdrivingschool]

@ScottyWittyKow

Hi everyone! It's been a week since I obtained my Class 4 driving license, and I wanted to share my Class 4 learning journey for those who are interested in pursuing this license. Initially, I had a hard time finding information about Class 4 as not many people seem to be interested in it. I had actually planned to take up Class 4 since 2016 but kept postponing it until now.

In January 2022, I finally decided to stop procrastinating and enrolled at the Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC), the only place in Singapore where you can learn Class 4/5. Another option is Pan Country Driving Centre (PCDC), but I ended up with PCDC because SSDC was fully booked. I was hesitant at first, having had a good experience with SSDC during my Class 3 lessons, but I decided to give PCDC a try.

For Class 4/5, you have to pay everything upfront. I paid SGD 1,115.52 for a package that included 1 theory lesson, 5 practical lessons, 1 Traffic Police test (TP), and 1 rental fee for the Class 4 vehicle. Looking back, I regret not taking Class 4 earlier when it was cheaper.

After booking my 5 practical lessons for February 2022, I began preparing for the TP test, which included memorizing road signs, rope tying, and height measurement techniques. The actual TP test day arrived, and despite a minor setback in the Crank Course station, I accumulated 12 demerit points and received 1 immediate failure for striking the curb while turning left. Unfortunately, this meant I had to retake the test.

I booked a re-test for March 26, 2022, and scheduled an additional practical lesson to improve my skills. On the re-test day, I was nervous but determined. This time, things went smoother, thanks to a professional TP tester who guided me through the process with care. I successfully completed the circuit, performed maneuvers, and answered highway code questions. I passed with 18 points, earning my Class 4 license and marking the end of a long journey.

I decided to pursue the Class 4 license to drive campervans in countries like New Zealand and Australia. While I'm not sure how heavy these campervans are, having the Class 4 license gives me peace of mind. It's been quite the adventure, and I'm excited to move forward with my driving goals.

 For more information:-https://naveensdrivingschool.com.au/driving-school-melbourne/

[oneuser1]

Thank you all for the great sharing, I'm considering taking class 4.

For those who are currently taking Class 4 from PCDC, may you share what's the truck model they're using? Like brand and model number. It looks like their truck is smaller (and lower) than the one used by SSDC.

Is there any place I can rent a truck (with class 3 license) and practice first? Haven't been driving manual for quite some time.

Thank you!

[BronsonWise]

I got my Class 4 license a while back, and I found the process pretty straightforward once I got the hang of it. Learning to drive a bigger vehicle isn't as intimidating as it seems. Just make sure you’re comfortable with all the controls and understand the rules for heavier vehicles. I found some helpful info on https://www.idanalyzer.com that helped me prepare. They had a lot of valuable tips that made the whole thing less stressful. It's a great skill to have and can open up more driving opportunities.

Edited September 16, 2024 by BronsonWise

[veerappan]

This is me sharing my experience with my newly minted Class 4 Qualified Driving Licence. I hope this positively affects your mindset going into Class 4.

I just passed the test yesterday on my first attempt and got my new endorsement (hurray!) stuck onto my physical licence immediately after the test. I booked the Class 4 licence around March 2024. There were no slots for TP test until September 2024 so I had no choice but to do this in September.

This is the experience for SC. I believe it should be the same for SPR. For permit and pass holders I believe the process might include requirement of a company letter.

First thing that you will need to do is visit SSDC at woodlands. It is the only driving center which does the Class 4 and Class 5 lessons and test. There are 2 companies that provide the lessons, SSDC and PCDC (Pan Country Driving Center). They are both the same, however, the difference is that SSDC is a mix of mostly Malay instructors, with few Chinese, and even fewer Indian instructors. PCDC instructors are mostly older Chinese uncles, no Malay or Indian instructors (as far as I noticed). SSDC slots will most likely not be available, as the permit holders will usually be given those slots - in my opinion I don't think that the Indian/Bangladeshi permit holders can understand the PCDC instructors very well so they are given the SSDC slots. But if you are local/Malaysian/Chinese, PCDC should be ok.

To register, you have to go directly to Level 4 and get a queue number from the information desk. Wait for your turn and do your registration. After registration, go home and you will need to apply for your Class 4 PDL, which for SC/SPR can be done online. Once done, come back the next day or any day after, once again to Level 4. They will do an eye examination - conducted by the driving center folks. Immediately after, they will advise you on the booking slots available for the theory, practical, and test dates. I booked my theory lesson immediately the next day, but my practical lessons were booked for September 2024, almost 6 months later. Once these are done, immediate payment for the lessons need to be done, which includes the vehicle rental as well - which came to over $1000 (see SSDC website and the fees are mentioned) - and costs the same for SSDC or PCDC. They will issue you a test booklet, light green booklet for SSDC and yellow booklet for PCDC (for Class 5, its only conducted by SSDC and its a white booklet). They will also require you to come back to the center to book a TP test date (they already have the slot but cannot book at that instant, so you have to come back). Your experience may vary.

I booked my dates as follows : (1) Theory lesson immediately the next day - March 2024 (2) TP test booking date - July 2024 (3a) First lesson - Thursday evening session (3b) Second lesson - Friday evening session (3c) Third and fourth lesson - Monday morning session (3d) Fifth lesson - Tuesday morning session (4) TP test - Tuesday afternoon session.

Yes, you can finish get your Class 4 within 4 days. I believe it should be the same with Class 5.

(1) The next day, I went in for my theory lesson. Go to level 3 to the designated room. The lesson is basically a few videos played by the instructor, and the same gory video that is played during your Class 2/2A/2B or Class 3 lessons. The instructor will give you a few tips and remind you, just like Class 3, how you should not cross your hands on the steering wheel, or rotate the wheel like making a thosai. More on this later when I describe the practical lessons. The classroom will be filled with mostly Chinese / Indian / Bangladeshi permit holders and maybe 2-3 others like me. The classroom is bloody cold so get a jacket. The booklet will be endorsed by the instructor.

(2) After this lesson, you go back to the center for a TP test date booking. Nothing eventful, just go to counter, confirm date and particulars, make booking, pay another ~$250. Just be reminded that there are no refunds.

(3a) The next time I went back to the center was for the 1st practical lesson. Wait at Level 1 near the information desk - there is a TV which will give you information about which vehicle number you are assigned for the day. If you name is not on the TV, check with the information counter. First lesson - you will be taught how to tie rope. There are many youtube videos on how to do this. Even without youtube, the lesson is fairly easy because it is a slight variation to the truckers hitch taught in NS for tent - haha it is the truckers hitch after all.

Next lesson is the height measurement. Class 4 vehicle height is 2.3m. You will then have to estimate the height using the pole. Again, no worries, the instructor will teach you how to estimate. Then you will go over the basics of engine starting, neutral position, gear position etc etc. Note that Class 4 without load, you always start the vehicle in gear 2. Also note, that gear 2 is in the same position as a gear 1 for Class 3 vehicle. Don't worry about this, the instructor will teach you. They will also go about the entire circuit and teach you what you need to do inside the circuit. Inside the circuit, if your session is 6pm+, you need to turn on the half light (don't know what it is called, but the setting just before the headlight comes on). The instructor I got on this day didn't comment on my speed (this is important for later). Class 4 is a long vehicle so you need to make wider turns. During the turns inside the circuit, you are allowed to cross the centre white line, but only during turns - that said, you will have to watch out for vehicles on both sides and not just the right side.

Most importantly, DO NOT strike kerb. In most cases this is an immediate failure. And definitely do not mount kerb, this is immediate failure in all cases.

(3b) The next day's lesson included all in item (i), and also going out to public road. As my session was 6pm+, inside circuit required half light and public road required headlights. Always stop at solid stop line. Zebra crossing though it is a solid line, no need to stop if there is no pedestrian / cyclists. On this day, the instructor informed me I was going too fast and do things more slowly. OK, I told myself. slowwwwww. Come back into the circuit, do some more test stations and done for the day.

(3c) You will basically repeat what you did in item(3b) - i.e circuit and public road, for the next 3 lessons. However, for the first session in the morning, and this is where things get interesting, the instructor informed me I was going too slow. You need to pick up the pace or you will get demerits for road hogging. Ok, I said to myself. Go faster!!! I had booked 2 sessions back to back for lesson 3 and 4, but the instructor was not the same for both sessions. I got the same instructor for session 4 that I had got for session 1. Even with my faster speed, he didn't say anything about my speed on public roads but told me I have to slow down a little for circuit because I may make a mistake in the circuit.

(3d) Final practical lesson. This time the instructor informed me I was too fast both inside the circuit and outside the circuit. Oh my gosh the confusion. Which instructor to listen to? So I should go slower. Ok great, no problem, roger that will do. I clarify my final doubts about what can and cannot be done. Oh and one more thing - my spoken chinese is not so great, I am better in English. But on all days, and because I can speak a little Chinese, the instructors mainly spoke to me in Chinese. And when I showed a little confusion, they would repeat to me in broken English. Anyway, during the lesson my instructor basically told me why I so ganchiong? Go slow, don't score unnecessary demerit points. Ok, go slowwwwwww....

(4) TP test time. Report to the information counter at Level 1, half an hour before the scheduled test time. After registration, you will be taken to the test waiting room. I waited about 15min, my tester came 10min earlier than the scheduled time. My tester was Malay, as are most of the Class 4 testers on that day. He checked my NRIC, Class 3 QDL, Class 4 PDL. After confirmation, he led me to the vehicle. First test, tie the rope. Second test, estimate the height. Then he instructed me to get into the vehicle, and start the engine. Make sure you're in neutral, brake on, start the engine. Then he got in as well, and started the oral test. He asked me about two signs, one is tunnel ahead and the other is emergency triangle sign.

After the oral test, he then told me "Aah looks like you know your stuff, lets proceed. But before we start off, let me tell you that we testers are not testing you like we test Class 3. By now, you are expected to be confident in your vehicle and we are looking for that confidence. Don't drive too slow, don't check blind spot too many times. Once safe, just go and don't stop unnecessarily. Ok? Also, inside the circuit, keep the speed lower than 20 then we will be all good". So this is what I meant, the instructors may give conflicting information compared to what the tester might expect of you. So hope this helps you.

The first instruction was he told me to turn at station 31, but I totally misheard him and skipped 31 by mistake, and he rebuked me - telling me I must listen properly. We went ahead to station 28 or 29 (can't remember) to do the direction change. Then came back to station 31 to do parallel parking. After exiting parallel parking, went on to station 25 to do V course. I scored 2 demerit points each for these for turning steering wheel while stationary at parallel parking and V course. After this, we went out to public road. He reminded me once again before we went out to public road - "You have to be confident and be quick. Don't drive too slow, don't stay on low gear if the road is open. Don't drive like the Class 3 learner in front of you. If you need to overtake, please overtake." 

This was quite uneventful until the point when I overtook some parked lorries and trucks. After overtaking, I signaled left and just as I was about to come back to lane 1, he instructed me to take the third right. I immediately cancelled the signal and came back to lane 2. Shucks, 6 demerit points for abrupt lane change. He then instantly told me "hey, what are you doing? You were driving so well until here."

And then once again, just the traffic light before the one in which I was to take the right turn, the traffic light was red, so I slowed down to stop but just before coming to a stop the light turned greenand the vehicle in front of me sped off and quite a big gap was created before I could change gear and catch up. He told me "again, what are you doing? Why you go so slow?". Shucks! Another 2 demerit points for slow speed.

After this, did a U turn, did some more turns and came back to the driving center. The instructor then told me "You see, I already told you you cannot be driving like Class 3 fellows. You have to be quick, and also you should be careful when I give instruction about turns. But its okay, just remember the things you did wrong today and try not to repeat them. Congratulations, you have passed. Turn off the engine, give me your QDL, and follow me" And that was it, my test was done!

I followed him to the TP debriefing room, the tester took my QDL, went away to the TP room. While waiting, I realised that most of the others (there were 4 others in that room at the time) who took the Class 4 test had failed. They were being told the mistakes they made, and to go to registration for re-test. My tester came back with a letter of passing the Class 4 and with the endorsement sticker already stuck onto my QDL. He said congratulations once again and to be safe. Exhilarating!

So now I have a shiny new Class 4 endorsement on my licence. Yay. Ok, that's it, that was my experience and I hope this wall of text helps you with your Class 4 test!