Singapore Driving Theory
Study Guide
Master the key facts and rules for your BTT and FTT – your complete cheat sheet
Print-friendly – Ctrl+P to print for offline study
Speed Limits in Singapore
| Road Type | Speed Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Built-up areas (towns/residential) | 50 km/h | Default limit |
| Outside built-up areas | 70 km/h | Unless posted otherwise |
| Expressways (PIE, AYE, CTE, etc.) | 90 km/h | Unless posted otherwise |
| School zones (during operating hours) | 40 km/h | As posted |
| P-plate holders | 70 km/h | All road types |
| Heavy vehicles (>3,500 kg) | 60 km/h | All roads |
| Near schools (school zones) | As posted | Signage varies |
Demerit Points System
Points accumulate with offences. When the threshold is reached, your licence will be suspended.
Suspension Duration
Key Offences & Penalties
| Offence | Demerit Points | Fine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not wearing seatbelt | 4 pts | $150 | |
| Speeding 1–20 km/h over limit | 4 pts | $150 | |
| Speeding 21–30 km/h over limit | 6 pts | $250 | |
| Speeding 31–40 km/h over limit | 8 pts | $400 | |
| Speeding 41–50 km/h over limit | 10 pts | $700 | |
| Speeding 51–60 km/h over limit | 12 pts | $800 | |
| Speeding >60 km/h over limit | 24 pts | Court | Immediate disqualification |
| Running red light | 12 pts | $400 | |
| Using mobile phone while driving | 12 pts | $300 | Hands-free devices allowed |
| Careless driving | 6 pts | Variable | |
| Failing to give way at junction | 8 pts | $200 | |
| Not giving way to pedestrian at crossing | 8 pts | $200 | |
| Dangerous driving | 24 pts | Court | Immediate disqualification |
| Failing to use turn signal | 4 pts | $70 | |
| Illegal parking | 0–2 pts | $35–$100 |
Alcohol & Drug Limits
Legal BAC Limit
Zero Tolerance – These Drivers
- Commercial vehicle drivers
- Bus drivers
- Taxi / PHV (ride-hail) drivers
BAC Levels at a Glance
| BAC Level | Fine | Imprisonment | Disqualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–70 µg (over legal limit) | $1,000–$5,000 | Up to 6 months | 2-year minimum |
| >70 µg (seriously over limit) | $3,000–$10,000 | Up to 12 months | 3-year minimum |
| Repeat offence | Double penalties | Increased | Longer disqualification |
| Drug driving | Same as drunk driving | Same as drunk driving | + Criminal record |
Right-of-Way Rules
At Junctions (No Signs)
The vehicle on the major road has priority. Vehicles entering from a minor road must give way. When two equal roads meet, give way to the vehicle on your right.
Give Way Signs
When you see a Give Way (inverted triangle) sign, you must stop or slow down and give way to all traffic on the road you are entering, regardless of speed or direction.
Roundabouts
Give way to vehicles already in the roundabout. Traffic moves clockwise in Singapore. Do not enter unless there is a safe gap. Signal when exiting.
Emergency Vehicles
When an emergency vehicle (ambulance, fire engine, police) approaches with sirens, move to the left and stop if necessary. Do not block their path or follow them closely.
Zebra Crossings
You must stop for pedestrians who are already on the crossing or clearly about to cross. Give way even if there are no traffic signals. Do not park within the zigzag lines.
School Crossings
When a school crossing patrol officer signals you to stop, you must comply immediately. Wait until the officer signals that it is safe to proceed and all children have crossed.
Safe Following Distance
The 2-Second Rule
Choose a fixed point ahead (e.g. a road sign or lamppost). When the vehicle in front passes it, start counting:
If you pass the same point before finishing counting, you are too close. Ease off the accelerator and increase your gap.
2+ seconds
Recommended Gap by Conditions
| Conditions | Following Distance |
|---|---|
| Normal conditions | 2 seconds |
| Rain / wet road | 4 seconds min |
| Heavy vehicles | 4+ seconds |
| Night / poor visibility | 3–4 seconds |
Total Stopping Distances
| Speed | Thinking Distance | Braking Distance | Total Stopping Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 km/h | 15 m | 13 m | 28 m (approx. 7 car lengths) |
| 70 km/h | 21 m | 33 m | 54 m (approx. 13 car lengths) |
| 90 km/h | 27 m | 63 m | 90 m (approx. 22 car lengths) |
Based on a typical car under optimal dry road conditions. Wet or poor conditions significantly increase braking distance.
Road Markings
| Marking | Colour | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Double yellow lines |
Yellow
|
No stopping at any time |
| Single yellow line |
Yellow
|
No stopping during restricted hours (see roadside sign for hours) |
| White broken lines |
White
|
Lane boundary – may cross when safe to do so |
| White solid lines |
White
|
Do not cross – lane separation where crossing is prohibited |
| Yellow box junction |
Yellow
|
Do not enter unless your exit is clear. Blocking box junction is an offence |
| Zigzag lines |
White
|
Near pedestrian crossings – no parking or overtaking in this area |
| Bus stop markings |
Yellow
|
Bus bay – no stopping or parking for other vehicles |
| Red lines |
Red
|
Bus lane during operating hours – private vehicles may not use |
Key Numbers to Remember
Your essential cheat sheet of numbers and figures for the BTT and FTT.
Parking Rules
Season Parking
Monthly permits for HDB car parks. Purchase via LTA's One.Motoring portal or AXS machines. Covers parking for the entire month without needing to display coupons.
Coupon Parking
Display a valid parking coupon showing the correct date, start time, and duration. Tear along the perforated lines for each 30-minute period. Available from 7-Eleven, post offices, and other retailers.
Electronic Parking System (EPS)
Available at most HDB car parks. Charges are automatically deducted from your CashCard or EZ-Link card upon entry and exit through the gantry. No manual coupon needed.
Parking Offences
Common offences include: double parking, parking on yellow lines, blocking driveways or emergency vehicle access, parking in reserved lots (e.g. disabled bays), and obstructing traffic flow.
Enforcement
LTA parking wardens patrol all areas. Fines start from $35 for minor offences (e.g. expired coupon) and increase for more serious violations. Vehicles may be clamped or towed in severe cases.
Parking Tips
Always check posted signs for restrictions. Yellow lines mean restricted or no stopping – look for the accompanying sign. When in doubt, park in a designated car park to avoid fines.
Night Driving & Lights
When Headlights Are Required
Headlights must be switched on from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am, or whenever visibility is reduced due to rain, fog, or other adverse conditions – regardless of the time of day.
High Beam Rules
You must dip your high beams when within 150 m of an oncoming vehicle, or when following another vehicle within 150 m. Failure to dip is an offence and may dazzle other drivers.
Hazard Lights
Use hazard lights only when stationary (e.g. broken down) or in a genuine emergency situation. Do NOT use hazard lights while driving in rain – this makes your brake lights invisible to following drivers.
Fog Lights
Use fog lights only when visibility is severely reduced due to fog, mist, or heavy rain. Do not use them in normal conditions as they can dazzle other drivers. Switch off when conditions improve.
Expressway Rules
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum speed | 60 km/h (unless congestion prevents it) |
| Maximum speed | 90 km/h, or as posted by variable speed signs |
| Emergency lane | For breakdowns and emergencies only – never for overtaking |
| Keep left rule | Stay in the left lane unless overtaking. Return to left after overtaking |
| Lane changing | Check mirrors → signal → blind spot check → change lane gradually |
| ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) | Automatic deduction from CashCard in In-Vehicle Unit (IU). Ensure card has sufficient value before travelling |
Hard Shoulder Breakdown Procedure
If your vehicle breaks down on the expressway:
- Signal and pull over safely to the left emergency lane or hard shoulder as soon as possible.
- Switch on your hazard lights immediately to warn other drivers.
- Place your warning triangle at least 50–100 m behind your vehicle on the same side of the road.
- Exit the vehicle from the left side. Do not stand in the road. Wait behind the safety barrier if available.
- Call for roadside assistance (LTA hotline, your insurer, or AA Singapore). Do not attempt repairs on an active lane.