PDVL Vehicle Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the significance of the PHC (Private Hire Car) decal on Singapore private hire vehicles?
- It is optional decoration
- It identifies the vehicle as a registered private hire car, must be displayed prominently, and helps LTA and passengers verify the vehicle's legitimacy (Correct answer)
- It is an advertising space
- It shows the vehicle's engine size
Correct answer: It identifies the vehicle as a registered private hire car, must be displayed prominently, and helps LTA and passengers verify the vehicle's legitimacy
The PHC decal is a mandatory identifier showing the vehicle is properly registered and authorised for private hire use. It helps passengers verify they are getting into a legitimate vehicle.
Question 2: What are the vehicle specifications that LTA requires for private hire cars?
- Any vehicle is acceptable
- Vehicles must meet LTA's specifications including engine capacity, emission standards, passenger capacity, and safety features (Correct answer)
- Only Japanese cars are accepted
- Only vehicles less than 1 year old
Correct answer: Vehicles must meet LTA's specifications including engine capacity, emission standards, passenger capacity, and safety features
LTA specifies requirements including minimum and maximum engine capacity, compliance with emission standards, adequate passenger capacity and comfort, and mandatory safety features.
Question 3: What should a PDVL driver do if they notice a vehicle defect during their shift?
- Continue driving until the shift ends
- If the defect affects safety, stop operating immediately, inform the vehicle owner/rental company, and arrange repairs before resuming service (Correct answer)
- Only report it at the next inspection
- Ask passengers to ignore it
Correct answer: If the defect affects safety, stop operating immediately, inform the vehicle owner/rental company, and arrange repairs before resuming service
Safety defects (brakes, tyres, lights, steering) must be addressed immediately. The driver is responsible for ensuring the vehicle is safe for passengers. Never knowingly drive an unsafe vehicle.
Question 4: What are the rules regarding in-vehicle cameras (dashcams) in private hire cars in Singapore?
- Cameras are banned in private hire cars
- In-vehicle cameras are allowed and increasingly required by ride-hailing platforms for safety, evidence in disputes, and insurance purposes (Correct answer)
- Only rear-facing cameras are allowed
- Cameras require passenger consent each trip
Correct answer: In-vehicle cameras are allowed and increasingly required by ride-hailing platforms for safety, evidence in disputes, and insurance purposes
Dashcams are permitted and many platforms require them. They protect both drivers and passengers by providing evidence in case of accidents, disputes, or security incidents.
Question 5: How does the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system affect PDVL drivers in Singapore?
- PDVL drivers are exempt from ERP charges
- PDVL drivers must pay ERP charges like all other vehicles; these costs are typically factored into the fare or absorbed by the driver (Correct answer)
- ERP charges are paid by passengers separately
- ERP does not apply to private hire cars
Correct answer: PDVL drivers must pay ERP charges like all other vehicles; these costs are typically factored into the fare or absorbed by the driver
PDVL drivers must pay ERP charges when passing through gantries. Ride-hailing platforms typically include ERP costs in the fare calculation, but drivers should be aware of gantry locations and peak charges.
Question 6: What fuel efficiency considerations should PDVL drivers in Singapore be aware of?
- Fuel costs do not matter
- Fuel is a major operating cost; drivers should maintain proper tyre pressure, avoid excessive idling, drive smoothly, and plan efficient routes to minimise fuel consumption (Correct answer)
- Only premium fuel should be used
- The ride-hailing company pays for fuel
Correct answer: Fuel is a major operating cost; drivers should maintain proper tyre pressure, avoid excessive idling, drive smoothly, and plan efficient routes to minimise fuel consumption
Fuel is one of the largest costs for PDVL drivers. Maintaining the vehicle properly, avoiding aggressive driving, reducing idle time, and planning efficient routes can significantly reduce fuel expenses.
PDVL Vehicle Regulations 2
What is the significance of the PHC (Private Hire Car) decal on Singapore private hire vehicles?