Class 5 experience at SSDC

Hey guys. I just passed my Class 5 TP at SSDC earlier today. I would like to share me experience of my journey to obtain the licence.

Initially, i signed up for Class 5 lessons back in mid 2018. I paid a whooping $1000 for the enrolment, 4 practical lessons, vehicle rental for the test, the test itself and finally 1 theory lesson. 

The breakdown of the total course fee. 

For those who are wondering, you do not have to wait one year to enrol for class 5 after you have passed your class 4.

Coming to the practical lessons, most of driving is very similar to class 4. More specifically the turninig points etc. However, one major difference is the shifting of gears. For heavy vehicles like class 5, you would need to use a technique called double clutching. That involves changing the gear to neutral first, before down or up shifting.

Another major part in class 5 lessons is the checking of the "boom", or the protruding crane that extends over the front of the vehicle. The tester will pay extremely close attention to the checking.

Class 5 does not involve parallel parking. Only the V course, S course, crank course, slope, directional change and finally the vertical parking are involved.

I initially took my TP last year, 2018, and failed with 20 points. After 3 lessons, i took my TP today, 13/03/2019. I was only nervous about the crank course and slope.

After being called out by the tester and verifying my PDL, license and IC, i was led to the test vehicle. The tester started with the height checking with the pole. Once that was done, i was told to enter the vehicle for the start of the test.

From the starting point, i went to the slope first. After which, i did the V course, S course, vertical parking, crank course and ended with the directional change before heading out to the road.

I got the easy test route, which was to turn left after the exit, and making another left turn again. After going pass the junction, i made a u turn before heading back to the test centre.

Brief outline of my test route

After heading back to the starting point, i was led to the test room for my theory test. He tested me on the vehicle breakdown sign, expressway signs and tunnel. After which, he requested for me to hand over my license and IC. After roughly 5 minutes of waiting anxiously, he emerged from the room, with the test slip along with my 2 cards. He told to proceed to room 4 to watch the mandatory video.

I was filled with joy. My 5 year journey has ended, which started back in December 2014 at BBDC.

Some tips i can share. If possible, try to take your class 4 and 5 licenses consecutively. Unless you have a job that allows you to drive a class 4 vehicle, you might forget certain points taking your class 5 license after a long time. Some examples are the turning points. During your test, do pay close attention to your turning points, constant checking of blindspots and the rear during reversing, and also the checking of the "boom". And finally, do not get nervous during your test. Becoming nervous may cause you to make mistakes which can cost you demerit points.

I wish the best of luck to those who are taking their Class 5 license.

My result slip

 Do read my other experiences.

Class 2 tp

Class 2a tp

Class 2a lessons

Class 2b lessons

Class 2b tp

Class 4 

Class 3/3A lessons

I shared TP experience for both class 3A and 3 in the post below.

class 3