FTT Safe Driving Practices — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the safe following distance recommendation for driving in Singapore?
- One car length
- At least a 2-second gap between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, increasing in wet conditions (Correct answer)
- Following as close as possible to prevent lane cutting
- 5 metres at all speeds
Correct answer: At least a 2-second gap between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, increasing in wet conditions
The 2-second rule provides a safe following distance that gives enough reaction and braking time. In wet weather or poor visibility, this should be increased to at least 4 seconds.
Question 2: When driving in heavy rain in Singapore, what should you do?
- Maintain normal speed with hazard lights on
- Reduce speed, increase following distance, turn on headlights, and avoid sudden braking or steering (Correct answer)
- Pull over immediately and wait for the rain to stop
- Drive faster to get out of the rain quickly
Correct answer: Reduce speed, increase following distance, turn on headlights, and avoid sudden braking or steering
Heavy tropical rain in Singapore significantly reduces visibility and tyre grip. Slow down, increase following distance, use dipped headlights (not hazard lights while moving), and avoid sudden manoeuvres.
Question 3: What is 'aquaplaning' and how should a Singapore driver respond?
- A type of boat race
- When tyres lose contact with the road due to water, causing loss of control; ease off the accelerator and steer straight without braking hard (Correct answer)
- A swimming technique
- A type of road surface
Correct answer: When tyres lose contact with the road due to water, causing loss of control; ease off the accelerator and steer straight without braking hard
Aquaplaning occurs when water builds up between the tyres and road surface, causing the vehicle to slide uncontrollably. In Singapore's heavy rains, this is common. Ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking.
Question 4: What should a driver check before changing lanes on a Singapore road?
- Only the rearview mirror
- Side mirrors, rearview mirror, AND blind spot by turning the head; signal before changing lanes (Correct answer)
- Only the blind spot
- Nothing — just signal and move
Correct answer: Side mirrors, rearview mirror, AND blind spot by turning the head; signal before changing lanes
Safe lane changing requires checking all mirrors (rearview and side) AND the blind spot by turning your head. Signal your intention before moving, and ensure the gap is safe.
Question 5: What is the proper procedure for entering a Singapore expressway from a slip road?
- Stop at the end of the slip road and wait
- Use the slip road to match expressway speed, check for a safe gap, signal, and merge smoothly into traffic (Correct answer)
- Enter at any speed and force your way in
- Sound the horn to warn other drivers
Correct answer: Use the slip road to match expressway speed, check for a safe gap, signal, and merge smoothly into traffic
The slip road is designed for accelerating to match traffic speed. Check mirrors and blind spot, signal, and merge into a safe gap. Stopping at the end of a slip road is dangerous.
Question 6: When should you use your vehicle's hazard lights in Singapore?
- When driving in rain
- When your vehicle is stationary and causing an obstruction, or in an emergency breakdown situation (Correct answer)
- When looking for parking
- When driving slowly
Correct answer: When your vehicle is stationary and causing an obstruction, or in an emergency breakdown situation
Hazard lights should only be used when your vehicle is stationary and posing a hazard to other road users, such as during a breakdown. Using them while driving in rain is illegal in Singapore.
FTT Safe Driving Practices
What is the safe following distance recommendation for driving in Singapore?