So now that you are ready for practical lessons, I would suggest for you to read your practical book before starting your engine. (The light blue book) It will give you a guide as to what you will be learning from stage 1 to 5.
1. Deciding upon fixed group or non fixed group
I would actually recommend putting in a little bit more money in order to get a fixed group. It is entirely up to you. But before you fix a group, try out a few lessons in a non-fixed group setting. This will give you the opportunity to try out different instructors to determine which one suits you best, or which one clicks with you the most (Think of it like a date. Open yourself to multiple dates and pick the one you'd choose as your partner! haha!)
non-fixed group: If you are cool with meeting new instructors and learning from different perspectives every time, then you would probably be cool with not fixing a group. You don't have to waste extra dollars.
fixed-group: If you are easily confused and do not like the fact that one person says this while another says that, you should fix a group. This will enable you to fix an instructor. Kind of like private instructor but you have the option to pick someone else in the group at any moment of time you'd like.
I personally did a hybrid. Sometimes, I would fix an instructor who gave me a lot of freedom to make mistakes and be independent. Other times I would just leave it up to who is available during the time that i am available. Other times, I would fix with someone who would give me specific tips on certain techniques. I find that it works best for me, even though I spend more.
2. Getting your PDL
Getting your PDL is quite time consuming but easy. Head to level 2 of the centre, get to the machine next to the theory test classroom, and select PDL. They'll give you a queue number. Once your number is called, they will do an eye test at the counter itself. It's just a colour test and to see the direction of the Es in different sizes. Get ready your $25 bucks for this purchase via NETS (credit card is also accepted I think. No cash though).
Similar as how you booked your theory lessons, book your practical lessons under the practical training tab. Make sure you are able to have enough money to BLOCK BOOK your lessons (book at least 25 lessons at one time, if possible. If not, maybe 10-15 lessons) to ensure that you are able to secure the slots you want. It gets really difficult to book because there are so many people taking diving license nowadays!
Stage 1
- One stage is not one subject! (I was naive to think that it was okay. haha) It will be broken up into 11 mini subjects. Thus, for each lesson slot, the instructor will try to cover about 1 or 2 subjects with you. If you're super fast, he might even cover 3. (so about 5 lessons in total) Basically, you drive around the circuit in circles and get familiar with left and right turns. The positioning of your foot and the way your turn your steering wheel are important at this point.
*What to do on your first lesson:
-Make sure you arrive a few minutes before the actual lesson (rushing before your lesson might stress you out, making you unable to focus)
-Don't forget to bring your IC, once you reach the centre, you need to scan your IC at the red kiosk machine which is right next to the entrance. A slip of paper will be ejected. It will tell you your car number and the area that car would be. (Area A and B are on the left while C - F are on the right). There are seats available for your to wait. You can also just chill at the canteen till the bell rings I guess.
- Don't stand at the car like a doodoo before the bell rings because you will probably be the only person doing it. Yes, there will be a bell. once you hear it, walk towards your car and wait for your instructor to arrive.
Stage 2
- A total of 11 subjects + 1 Driving simulator (DS) lesson. (7-8 lessons in total)
Stage 2 means you finally get to go out on the road! They'll start you off with left turns first to build up your confidence. Then you'll get to try out right turns. If you drive at night, remember to turn on your headlights and not to put them to high beam! (twist the knob on the right side of the stick thingy to on the headlights and pull it towards you to ensure high beam is not on). During this stage, ask as many questions and you can and get the instructor to tell you what you should improve on. (Actually you should kind of know by judging for yourself. For me, lane changing was my weakness as I was really not confident of it). You can also ask your instructor to help you brush up on your weak points if there is time.
You will know by stage 2.10 (or somewhere there) that you will be able to book for the DS lesson. The DS lesson is actually really fun, kind of like a video game you play at the arcade. Make full use of that one lesson because that will be the only time you are able to speed up super fast and crash into things without killing yourself!
Stage 3
- Another 11 subjects (about 5 lessons in total). You will be back in the circuit, learning specific techniques for things like parking, 3 point turns, emergency brakes, and driving in S course/crank course. You may head out to the road at times if you have time but mostly, the lessons in stage 3 focuses mainly on circuit stuff that will get you prepared for the TP test.
Stage 4
- Stage 4 (4 lessons in total ) is basically revision lessons that combine all that you know from stages 1-3. You will be in the circuit and on the roads, practicing on everything. This is also when you will be introduced to all the 10 test routes of the TP test. The drill goes likes this: Do every circuit course at least once (parallel park, vertical park, s course, crank course, e brake, directional change, slope, ramp) and then do 2 test routes.
Stage 5
- This is the moment of truth. The moment when you'll know if you are okay enough to even go for the TP test. You'll do the same drill as stage 4 lessons, followed by 2 final test routes. Your instructor will assess and determine how many demerit points you get. Take this as a note to self for your TP test. You are ready!
Booking your TP test
Put in the effort to find the right time slot for the test. Off-peak hours are the best. Between 12-4 I suppose? Mine was at 2 on a Friday, the traffic was not that bad (although I thought it would be due to the fact that it was right before Chinese new year and that it was Friday prayers). Ask your instructor what time would be best.
During your test
BREATHE!!! Pray as much as you can!
Once you get to the centre, scan your IC at the red kiosk as usual. Then, chill outside this room next to the registration counters (that is where video screenings will be shown to those who have already passed the test). Some people will be there to ask if you are taking the TP test and assist you. They'll take your PDL and IC. You can then proceed to your car which was stated on the slip. This is where you'll start to do your warm up.
During your warm up, do as best as you can and learn from whatever last minute advice the instructor told you. I failed straight away during my warm up as I did not lane change before turning left. Stupid mistake, but you will totally fumble due to your nervousness. Thank goodness it was just a warm up. But make sure you remember those flaws!
After warm up, you will be brought to level 2, at a room on the left corner. This is the waiting area. You chill there for a few minutes until your fated tester calls your name! Thereafter, brace yourself and do your best.
I got test route 10. I was really lucky because the route was similar to my warm up route, if not it was exactly the same. Do your circuit courses (remember your stage 4-5 stuff!) and complete the route. When you drive back into the circuit, remember that the test is only over AFTER you off the engine. Make sure you check your blind spots and stay within lane when you park your car back at the test area.
Once done, head back to level 2, where you will be asked to sit at the front of the room which has tiny desks and chairs filled with test takers and their nervous faces. Sit at one of the tables to wait for your debrief session with your tester. He will point out all your mistakes and tell you to improve. If you fail or pass, do remember the things he pointed out as they are really helpful in terms of safety.
If you pass, hurrah! Head down to level 1, back to that room where you first started this morning and watch the scary gore videos.
Thereafter, take your passport sized photos and head back up to level 2 to apply for your ACTUAL DRIVER'S LICENSE!
*Don't forget the passport photos, or else you would be wasting time having to wait for your turn only to find out you don't have the complete materials.
Expenditure
My total expenditure was about $2,400 (I burned a number of lessons because I was sick or had other last minute issues). Nevertheless, considering the fact that I used my own money to fund for everything, I am pretty proud of myself!
breakdown (estimated):
enrolment fee: $97
Theory lesson:$17
Theory practice: $3
Driving simulator: $14
Theory test: $7
practical: each lesson ranges from $69 - $80, depending on time, and whether it is fixed grp/instructor or not.
TP test: $236
No comments:
Post a Comment