MYTH #1
Guys are better drivers than gals
FACT: C'mon gals, say it all together now: "That is SO not true!" As any driving instructor will tell you, it's the skill and safety consideration of any driver that will make him or her a good motorist. Female drivers are often jeered at by male drivers because they tend to be more careful with their cars. Thus, they could take a longer time to make a judgement and possibly cause a hold-up in the traffic. But get this -- according to the Traffic Police, the number of accidents caused by male drivers last year outnumbered those caused by women. Could this statement still be true? You deicde!
MYTH #2
People with color blindness are not allowed to apply for a driving or riding license
FACT: This all depends on the degree of your color blindness. The main reason for discouraging color-blind people from taking up driving is because some color-blind individuals cannot tell the difference red and amber, or amber and green. This poses a very real danger to the driver and other motorists, since they not be able to discern traffic signs and lights.
An eyesight test will usually be conducted during the enrolment for practical driving lessons. If you have color blindness, bring along your medical certificates which prove the degree of severity. The eye specialists from the driving authority will then decide whether you are fit to be on the road.
MYTH #3
"I have an International driving license, so I can drive in Singapore."
FACT: Not necessarily! Your eligibility to drive here with an International license all depends on your nationality and residence status. Singaporeans who obtain their driving license abroad, Singapore permanent residents, foreigners on a minimum six-month work permit, and students on employment or dependent passes here are all required to convert their International driving license to a Singaporean license. The good news is, they will only need to pass the local Basic Theory exam.
MYTH #4
"Once I have a riding license, I can ride all kinds of motorbikes."
FACT: This is a tricky one, so listen up. There are actually three categories for bike license. Class 2b allows you to ride bikes of 200cc and below. When you've got your Class 2b license, you can proceed to take a Class 2a license, for bikes of 200cc - 400cc. The Class 2 license is your ultimate ticket to riding bikes of 400cc and above. The reason for such categories is to ensure that the motorcyclist is well-skilled and efficient enough to handle bikes or large ccs. Don't be caught with the wrong license!
MYTH #5
There is a minimum height limit for obtaining a motorcycle riding license
FACT: Although short people are generally considered to be at a disadvantage when it comes to handling a heavy bike, there is no such rule. As long as you're able to show that you're competent with your bike, you'll pass the test. But you must be able to place at least one of your feet on the ground while on the bike.
MYTH #6
Girls always have a higher chance of passing the driving test
FACT: While we'd love to take the credit for being safer drivers, this is just a myth perpetuated by many people (especially jealous guys, we believe!) who stubbornly think that short skirts and low-cut tops will win you your license. Totally false! The driving or riding license is awarded to anyone with safe driving skills.
MYTH #7
P-plate drivers who get into accidents are usually not guilty
FACT: Not true, of course! All drivers who've just obtained their driving license have to display a yellow triangle plate (commonly called the "Practice-" or "P"-plate) on the front and rear windshields of their cars for the period of one year This is to warn other motorists that you are a new driver, and that they should be more careful around you. It does not grant you automatic relief from any accidents, should you get involved in one.
