PDVL Safe Driving Techniques — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended following distance when driving at 90 km/h on a Singapore expressway?
- At least 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front (the 3-second rule) (Correct answer)
- 1 car length per 10 km/h of speed
- Fixed 10 metres regardless of speed
- 2 seconds only in dry conditions
Correct answer: At least 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front (the 3-second rule)
The 3-second rule is the recommended minimum following distance in dry conditions: as the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, your vehicle should not reach that point for at least 3 seconds. In wet or poor visibility conditions, the gap should be doubled to 6 seconds.
Question 2: When should a driver use hazard warning lights in Singapore?
- When the vehicle is stationary and causing an obstruction, or in an emergency (Correct answer)
- Whenever travelling in heavy rain
- When driving slowly on a highway above 50 km/h
- When making a U-turn at a junction
Correct answer: When the vehicle is stationary and causing an obstruction, or in an emergency
Hazard warning lights should be used when the vehicle is stationary and creating an obstruction for other road users, or in an emergency situation. They should NOT be used routinely in heavy rain or as a signal when driving, as this can confuse other drivers.
Question 3: What is the correct procedure for merging onto an expressway from an on-ramp in Singapore?
- Adjust speed to match the expressway traffic flow and merge smoothly using the acceleration lane, giving way to vehicles already on the expressway (Correct answer)
- Come to a complete stop at the end of the ramp and wait for a gap
- Flash headlights to signal vehicles on the expressway to slow down
- Merge immediately onto the expressway regardless of traffic speed
Correct answer: Adjust speed to match the expressway traffic flow and merge smoothly using the acceleration lane, giving way to vehicles already on the expressway
When merging onto an expressway, drivers should use the acceleration lane to build up speed to match the expressway traffic, check mirrors and blind spots for gaps, use the indicator, and merge smoothly when safe. Drivers already on the expressway have right of way.
Question 4: What should a PHC driver do when a passenger requests a route that the driver believes is unsafe or illegal?
- Politely explain why the route cannot be taken and suggest a safe, legal alternative (Correct answer)
- Take the route as the customer is always right
- Terminate the trip immediately without explanation
- Report the passenger to the police before proceeding
Correct answer: Politely explain why the route cannot be taken and suggest a safe, legal alternative
PHC drivers have a professional duty to drive safely and legally. If a passenger requests an unsafe or illegal route, the driver should politely decline, explain the reason, and offer a safe, legal alternative. Drivers should never compromise safety to satisfy a passenger's preference.
Question 5: What is 'defensive driving' in the context of professional PHC operation?
- Anticipating potential hazards and the actions of other road users, maintaining safe distances, and having escape routes planned (Correct answer)
- Driving at the minimum speed limit at all times
- Avoiding all expressways and using only local roads
- Installing dashcams and recording all journeys
Correct answer: Anticipating potential hazards and the actions of other road users, maintaining safe distances, and having escape routes planned
Defensive driving is a proactive approach to driving that involves anticipating hazards and the unpredictable behaviour of other road users, maintaining adequate following distances, scanning the road ahead, and always having a plan B if something unexpected happens.
Question 6: When approaching a pedestrian crossing with a pedestrian waiting to cross in Singapore, what must a driver do?
- Stop and give way to the pedestrian (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn to alert the pedestrian and proceed
- Slow down only if the pedestrian steps onto the road
- Flash headlights to signal the pedestrian to wait
Correct answer: Stop and give way to the pedestrian
Under Singapore's Road Traffic Act, drivers must stop and give way to pedestrians who are at or near a pedestrian crossing and waiting to cross. Failure to give way to pedestrians at crossings is an offence and carries demerit points.
PDVL Safe Driving Techniques
What is the recommended following distance when driving at 90 km/h on a Singapore expressway?