Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Whether Current Number of Driving Instructors Can Meet Demand for Class 3 Practical Driving Lessons

Question:

Dr Lim Wee Kiak: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether the current number of driving schools and driving instructors are able to meet the demands for practical driving lessons to obtain a Class 3 driving licence.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1.   As of September 2022, there are three driving schools with a total of 845 school instructors, and an additional 345 private driving instructors.

2.   From January to September 2022, the combined enrolment rate was 7,100 learner motorists per month for Class 3 and Class 3A licences. This is higher than pre-COVID-19 levels, where the enrolment rate was around 6,600 learner motorists per month. There is likely some pent-up demand from the pandemic period.

3.   Given the relatively higher enrolment rates now, learner motorists may have to wait longer before they can begin their driving lessons, or may find it more difficult to book their desired lesson slots. The driving schools have been monitoring the situation and are actively hiring more driving instructors to meet the demand.