Mixed Deck — All PDVL Topics Flashcards

What is the significance of the PHC (Private Hire Car) decal on Singapore private hire vehicles?

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.

What is the recommended procedure when a PHC driver encounters a breakdown on an expressway?

Answer: Move the vehicle to the emergency lane, turn on hazard lights, place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the vehicle, and call for assistance

If a breakdown occurs on an expressway, the driver should move the vehicle to the emergency lane (left hard shoulder) immediately, activate hazard lights, place warning triangles at least 45 metres behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic, and call for roadside assistance. Never remain in a live traffic lane.

Under LTA regulations, what happens if a PDVL driver operates without a valid PDVL?

Answer: The driver commits an offence and may be fined, and the platform operator must not allow unlicensed drivers to operate on their platform

Operating a private hire car for hire and reward without a valid PDVL is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act. The individual driver is personally liable, and licensed platform operators are required by LTA to ensure that all drivers on their platform hold valid PDVLs before they can accept bookings.

Which expressway connects the city centre of Singapore to the Changi Airport area?

Answer: East Coast Parkway (ECP)

The East Coast Parkway (ECP) runs along Singapore's eastern coastline and is the primary expressway connecting the city centre to the Changi Airport area, as well as to the eastern residential towns and the East Coast Park.

A licensed PHC operator must maintain records of all bookings for at least how long?

Answer: 2 years, as required by LTA for audit and enforcement purposes

Licensed PHC operators in Singapore are required by LTA to retain records of all bookings, including driver details, trip details, and fare information, for a minimum period to facilitate audits, investigations, and enforcement actions if disputes or incidents arise.

What should a PDVL driver do at the end of each shift?

Answer: Check the vehicle for lost items, clean the interior, review earnings and trips, and report any vehicle issues to the owner or rental company

End-of-shift routines should include checking for lost items, cleaning the interior, reviewing the day's performance, refuelling, and reporting any vehicle maintenance issues.

What is the proper procedure for a PHC driver to handle a fare dispute with a passenger?

Answer: Direct the passenger to resolve the dispute through the platform operator's official dispute resolution process and remain calm throughout

Fare disputes should be resolved through the platform operator's official process — the platform has the booking and fare calculation records. The driver should remain calm, not escalate the situation physically, and direct the passenger to raise their concern through the platform. Physical altercations over fares can result in criminal charges.

What is the legal position on surge pricing for private hire car services in Singapore?

Answer: Surge pricing is permitted but must be transparently displayed to passengers before they confirm the booking

Dynamic or surge pricing is permitted for private hire services but must be transparently communicated. Passengers must see and agree to the fare before confirming the booking.

A PHC vehicle has a small windscreen crack that does NOT obstruct the driver's line of sight. What is the recommended course of action?

Answer: Monitor the crack and arrange repair promptly before it spreads

Even a crack outside the driver's line of sight should be repaired promptly, as windscreen cracks spread over time and can ultimately compromise structural integrity.

What is the Next-Generation ERP (ERP 2.0) system and how will it affect PDVL drivers?

Answer: ERP 2.0 uses satellite-based (GNSS) technology for distance-based pricing, replacing physical gantries and potentially changing how road charges are calculated

ERP 2.0 will use Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology in on-board units to charge based on distance, time, and location. This could change route planning strategies for PDVL drivers.

What should a PHC driver do if they witness a road accident while on duty?

Answer: Ensure their own passenger is safe, call 999 if emergency assistance is needed, and cooperate with any investigation if asked to be a witness

If a PHC driver witnesses an accident, they should first ensure their own passenger is safe, then call 999 if emergency services are needed. If they can safely stop without obstructing traffic, they may assist or serve as a witness. Leaving the scene of a serious accident without assisting where possible is contrary to professional and legal obligations.

Can a PDVL driver refuse a booking in Singapore?

Answer: Drivers should generally accept bookings; unjustified refusals may lead to penalties from the platform; legitimate reasons include safety concerns or vehicle issues

While drivers can cancel for legitimate reasons (safety concerns, vehicle issues, medical emergencies), frequent unjustified cancellations can result in penalties from the ride-hailing platform.

What tax obligations do PDVL drivers have in Singapore?

Answer: PDVL drivers must declare their driving income to IRAS and may deduct eligible expenses such as fuel, vehicle rental, and platform commissions

PDVL drivers are typically self-employed and must declare all driving income to IRAS. They can claim deductions for business expenses including fuel, vehicle rental, insurance, and platform commissions.

What should a PHC driver do if a passenger appears to be intoxicated and behaves aggressively?

Answer: Stay calm, pull over safely if necessary, politely but firmly request the passenger to behave appropriately, and call for assistance if the situation escalates

PHC drivers must prioritise safety. With an aggressive or intoxicated passenger, the driver should remain calm, speak firmly but politely, and pull over safely if needed. If the situation escalates and poses a safety risk, the driver should contact their platform operator or police for assistance.

What digital payment methods must PDVL drivers be prepared to accept in Singapore?

Answer: Multiple payment methods including in-app payment (credit/debit cards), GrabPay, digital wallets, and cash as supported by the platform

PDVL drivers should be prepared for various payment methods offered through the platform. Most rides are paid via the app (card or e-wallet), but some platforms still allow cash options.

What is the correct procedure for a PDVL driver involved in a traffic accident?

Answer: Stop, ensure safety, render assistance, exchange details, report to police within 24 hours, and inform the platform operator and vehicle owner

Accident procedures for PDVL drivers are the same as all drivers: stop, assist injured, exchange details, report to police. Additionally, inform the ride-hailing platform and the vehicle owner/rental company.

How should a PDVL driver assist passengers with disabilities?

Answer: Offer assistance with boarding and alighting, secure wheelchairs or mobility aids safely, be patient, and treat all passengers with dignity and respect

PDVL drivers should assist passengers with disabilities: help with doors, offer assistance with mobility aids, be patient, and ensure they travel safely and comfortably. Discrimination is illegal.

A driver involved in an accident causing injury must:

Answer: Stop, render assistance, provide particulars, and report to the police within 24 hours

Under the Road Traffic Act, a driver involved in an accident causing injury must stop immediately, render assistance to injured persons, provide their name, address, and vehicle details, and report the accident to the police within 24 hours.

When conducting a pre-trip vehicle check, which safety item should a PHC driver prioritise above all others?

Answer: Ensuring lights, brakes, and tyres are in good working order

Safety-critical systems — lights, brakes, and tyres — must always be verified before commencing a shift to protect passengers and other road users.

What is the LTA enforcement process for PDVL violations?

Answer: LTA conducts regular enforcement checks, issues fines, may suspend or revoke PDVLs, and works with platforms to ensure compliance

LTA actively enforces PDVL regulations through roadside checks, mystery shopping, complaint investigations, and platform data analysis. Violations can result in fines, PDVL suspension, or revocation.