The Difference in the Process of Getting a Driver's License in Singapore and in Utah

Both places require the candidate to pass the theory test then a practical skills test.

Theory tests
In Singapore, 2 theory tests are mandatory. The Basic Theory Test, then the Advanced Theory Test. Every candidate has to sit for the Basic Theory Test, pass it, register for the Advanced Test, pass it, then book a date for the skills test. Both theory tests are closed book, with 140 multiple choice questions in total. There is a fixed time limit for both, and only 5 mistakes are allowed, to pass. That means a 92.8% correct answer rate to pass.

Utah has 1 theory test. It is an open book test, where the Driver's Handbook with all the answers is provided. There are 25 questions in total, with no time limit. To pass, you must have a score of 75% and above.

In both instances, results are known instantly, after which the candidate can make plans for the next theory test or book a skills test date.

Driving practical/ skills test
In Singapore, the candidate must learn driving with a certified instructor who has a car that is properly equipped with a brake on the instructor's side of the car, amongst other requirements. Therefore, many people take driving lessons from driving schools. The candidate has to be 18 years of age or older. The car used at the time of the test has to be a car that is certified too, and equipped with the brake afore-mentioned, amongst other requirements.

In Utah, many take their tests in high school, and they can take it once they turn 16. The driving instructor can be anyone who has enough driving experience, which can include a parent or an older sibling. The car used at the time of the test can be your own car and it doesn't need to have special safety features.

In Singapore, the driving test takes place at a driving school or test center with a circuit. The test consists of driving within the circuit, testing on various aspects like a S-course, a crank-course, stopping byt he side of the road, 3-point turn, parking, stopping and moving off on a slope, parallel and vertical parking, amongst others. After this, the candidate, who has been assigned a route outside the center, will cruise on normal roads, doing U turns, changing lanes and whatever else the tester (who is a Traffic Police Officer) tells him to do. Usually the circuit and the roads are full of cars.

In Utah, at least at many centers I know of, the test takes place within the test center only. When I took the test, there was only one car, mine. The same happened for my husband. Not sure if it is commonly so. The test consists of a U-turn, parallel parking, parking on a slope, 3-point turn, stopping at lights, amongst others.

Both places use a 20 demerit point system. Exceed 20 points and the candidate fails.

Other points of interest
Although we had to get used to driving on a different side of the road, we fortunately managed to pass both theory and skills tests on the first attempt, so after that, it was time for car-hunting.

Initially, an amusing thing that always happened to me would be setting off the windshield wipers when I wanted to signal left or right! The gear shift lever is also on a different side, and I was so used to changing gears with my left hand that my left hand would keep hitting the car door when I wanted to change gears.

When we bought our cars, we realised that the licence plates belong to us, instead of the car. That's refreshing, because in Singapore, when you sell your car, the licence plate follows the car to the next owner. The new owner can choose to change it, but usually people don't.

Finally, American cars are generally much larger. A 1.8 L car in Singapore is classified under the "big car" category, but over here, it is under the "compact car" category.