SINGAPORE: Singapore’s driving check demand continued to climb final yr, at the same time as move charges slipped additional. Practically 100,000 folks tried the 2 most important automobile licence checks in 2025, based on knowledge from the Visitors Police reported by Lianhe Zaobao on March 9, 2026.
The whole reached 98,702 makes an attempt for Class 3 (handbook) and Class 3A (automated) licences, mixed. That was about 13 per cent larger than in 2024 and barely above pre-pandemic ranges. The rising numbers recommend driving faculties are nonetheless coping with demand constructed up through the Covid-19 interval. Extra international employees are additionally believed to be taking the check for job wants.
But whereas curiosity in driving is rising, passing the check seems to be getting tougher. Cross charges for each licence classes have dropped steadily since 2021. In 2025, the move price for the Class 3 handbook licence stood at 37.4 per cent. That was solely barely larger than 36.1 per cent in 2024 however far under the 49.4 per cent recorded in 2021.
The Class 3A automated licence noticed an analogous development. The move price fell to 47 per cent final yr, down from 47.8 per cent in 2024 and effectively under the 56.1 per cent recorded in 2021.
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One noticeable change is the rising desire for automated automobiles. Over half of the candidates final yr, about 52 per cent, took the Class 3A check. That’s barely larger than the roughly 48 to 49 per cent seen within the two years earlier than.
Singapore has allowed candidates to take their checks in automated automobiles since 2005. Drivers who maintain a Class 3A licence can solely drive automated automobiles until they later move the handbook licence check. These with a Class 3 licence can drive each handbook and automated automobiles.
Over the previous 5 years, most learners have been between 18 and 29 years previous. Inside this group, automated licence checks dominate. In 2025 alone, 37,345 folks on this age group tried the Class 3A check, in contrast with 27,742 who took the handbook licence check.
Older candidates present a unique sample. Amongst these aged 30 to 49, handbook licence makes an attempt have been extra frequent. Final yr, 14,194 folks on this group took the Class 3 check, in contrast with 9,930 for the automated model. Learners say the selection typically comes right down to practicality.
A 20-year-old nationwide serviceman interviewed stated he opted for the automated licence as a result of the automobiles are simpler to deal with and he has no plans to drive handbook automobiles sooner or later. He added that reserving a check slot itself continues to be manageable, with out there dates often open.
Others say the problem will not be the check however getting sufficient follow. A 31-year-old health coach shared that he wanted three makes an attempt earlier than passing his handbook licence check. After failing the primary try, he waited two months earlier than revising his driving expertise. His second strive additionally fell brief as a result of examiners identified that he typically skipped blind-spot checks. Solely after extra follow periods did he move on the third try.
A 24-year-old scholar getting ready for the automated licence stated failing a few times is frequent. With many candidates taking the check, examiners could apply stricter requirements, making it tougher for learners to move the driving check.
A number of learners additionally shared that reserving driving lesson slots will be tougher than reserving the check itself as a result of they typically replenish quick, as one 27-year-old self-employed learner stated that in some months, he might solely guide two or three periods. He hopes the reserving methods will be improved, whereas he does perceive that driving centres could expertise employees shortages.
Some learners advised releasing lesson slots in levels moderately than opening them abruptly, so extra folks would have an opportunity to guide follow periods.
Even in a metropolis recognized for its robust public transport community, the rising demand for driving classes displays that many younger adults nonetheless see driving as a helpful ability for work and household wants.
However for now, the numbers present that extra Singaporeans are lining up for driving checks, however getting that licence could take a couple of extra makes an attempt than it was once previously.
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