Declining passing rates for Classes 3 and 3A driving tests and maintaining driving competency standards

Question:

Mr Ng Shi Xuan: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry is aware of the reasons for (i) the declining passing rates of Classes 3 and 3A Practical Driving Tests and (ii) such passing rates being less than 50% even at driving centres; and (b) whether there is any cause for concern.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The Traffic Police (TP) sets a high and objective standard in testing the competencies of learner drivers. This standard has not changed in recent years.

2. Driving schools and private driving instructors are responsible for developing the curriculum and delivering the quality of instruction that would enable learners to meet TP’s driving competency standard. To incentivise this, TP publishes the passing rates of all driving schools and private driving instructors.

3. Learners should make sure they are proficient before attempting their driving tests.