Proposal for disaggregated framework where driving schools provide foundational circuit and simulator training while accredited instructors provide on-road practical training

Question:

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry will consider establishing a disaggregated modular framework where driving schools provide foundational circuit and simulator training while accred ited PDIs focus on on-road practical instruction, to alleviate chronic bottlenecks and reduce lesson wait times for learners; and (b) in light of such a framework, whether the Ministry will consider resuming the issuance of PDI licences.

Answer:

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

1. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Traffic Police (TP) have been reviewing the driving school ecosystem and policies, to increase the capacity of the schools to meet the sharp rise in demand for lessons in driving schools over the last few years.

2. TP has no plans to re-issue private driving instructor licences. We stopped doing so in 1987 to create a more professional and standardised approach to driver education, where driving schools operate within a structured curriculum and training framework approved by TP.