Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Holders of Class 4 Driving Licences, by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law

Question

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether holders of Class 4 driving licences can be exempted from the proficiency driving test when they reach the age of 65 years.

Answer:

1. An individual’s ability to operate a vehicle safely may be affected with age. Hence, Traffic Police (“TP”) requires all motorists above the age of 65 to have their fitness to drive certified.

2. Motorists licensed to operate motorcycles or light vehicles such as passenger cars are required to undergo a prescribed medical examination once every three years when they turn 65.

3. However, those who are licensed to operate heavy vehicles are required to undergo a prescribed medical examination and a proficiency driving test annually when they turn 65. Past the age of 70, they are required to undergo enhanced versions of the medical examination and proficiency driving test, still on an annual basis.

4. Heavy vehicles tend to cause more harm than light vehicles and motorcycles, when accidents occur. They also require more skill and mental alertness to operate. The additional requirements for heavy vehicle drivers, including the annual proficiency test, are necessary to ensure that they remain able to operate the vehicles safely despite their age.