With the exception of this blog , i could not find much information about obtaining a class 4 license. When i googled to find more information, there were some forums talking about it, which dates back to around 2003 ! One of the main driving centre for class 4, Pan Country Driving Centre ( previously known as Jurong Driving Centre ), have even shifted location.
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| The old PCDC near Jurong Stadium |
Anyway back to the main topic. The only way to obtain your class 4 license is through SSDC. After heading over to SSDC, located at Woodlands Industrial Park, i went over to the 2nd floor for registration. SSDC is quite big compared to BBDC. It is a big 4 story building. Even the canteen is bigger than BBDC, but more expensive !
At the registration counter, the staff will guide you through the process. You have a choice of taking your license either through SSDC, or PCDC, as they now conduct lessons at SSDC. I was advised to book through PCDC as SSDC slots were fully taken up. Upon registration, i had to pay the full class fees of almost $900 ! Which included the practical lessons and TP.
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| The booklet |
After which, i was given a booklet. This booklet contains information about the circuit and the various points and mistakes you can get during TP. Also, this has to be brought for all your lessons as it a way for your instructors to keep track of your lessons.
Unlike BBDC, the staff at SSDC will actually book for you the 5 lessons and TP date depending on availability. You can choose another TP date and also the time of your lessons. Moreover, you will not be able to book extra "revision" lessons before your TP.
To be honest, most of the instructors from PCDC are very old, in the late 50s to 60s. Most of the chinese instructors instructions were not that clear as they could not speak english very well. I guess if you are chinese or malay, it would be easier.
During my first lesson, i had to learn to tie the rope at the side of the lorry. This is a requirement for TP. It took me almost 10 tries to get it right. Another requirement i had to learn was the height measurement. The instructor would place a marked pole from the base of the lorry. I had to measure the total height of the "load". After which, i started to drive around the circuit. The only thing i had to get used to was the turning point. The turning point for lorries is very different compared to car and motorcycle. It took me about 3 lessons to get used to it.
For my circuit, the parallel, vertical parking, directional change and 3 point turns were easy. You just have to take note of the various turning points for the individual course.
Driving on the road around the Woodlands and Admilarty area was quite easy. None of the roads were "tricky". The only issue i had was changing the gear. At times, i found that the gear shifted got stuck !
Finally after 5 lessons, i went for my TP on 27th February 2018. I had to report at SSDC by 4 PM. After which, i was guided into a waiting room, where those were taking their class 3 and class 4 TP were held. After about 10 minutes, the tester came and called my name. After verifying my IC, i was led to the vehicle.
The first two things i had to do were the rope tie and measurement. From which, i was led into the vehicle. I was told to do my parallel parking first after driving off. I accidentally missed the course turning and started to panicked. I managed to reverse and head into the course. Another time i started to panic was during the crank course. At a turning point, i was too close to the kerb. I reversed in the course and manged to complete it. I started to feel down as i then realised that you are not allowed to reverse in the crank course for your class 3 and class 4 !
Another screw up moment was during the road drive. I stopped too close to the vehicle in front and the tester immediately told me that i stopped too close.
After completing the test, i was brought into the testers room to be debriefed. To my horror, i failed my test, scoring 38 points !
Feeling frustrated, i headed back to the 3rd floor to re book my test. After spending another $300, i booked my TP on March. I managed to book one lesson right before my TP.
That TP test went smoothly and i managed to pass with 8 points. An advice i can to those who are taking your TP, is to always check your mirrors and blindspots whenever you do a turn or reverse. The testers pay very very very close to those !
Another point i forgot to mention above was the oral test after your main TP test. After you are brought back into the testers office, you have to identify a couple of road signs and explain them. During your theory lesson, you would be given a paper with the various signs. It is a must to just memories the signs and their meaning.
Overall, my experience at SSDC was a good one. I enjoyed the training area as well. SSDC was convenient for me to access as i had a motorcycle. It took me about 15 minutes to reach the place. Next license for me to obtain is the class 5 license. I will be heading back to SSDC in the future ! Do read about my class 5 journey below.
Do check out my other experiences :
Class 3/3A lessons
Class 2a tp
Class 2a lessons
Class 2b lessons
Class 2b tp
I shared my TP experience for both class 3A and 3 in the post below.
class 3
