Solving the driving school bottleneck

I raised a question in Parliament about the chronic bottlenecks and long lesson wait times for driving learners. My proposal suggested a modular framework where driving schools focus on providing foundational circuit and simulator training, and accredited private driving instructors (PDIs) would handle some of the on-road practical instruction to increase overall capacity. I also asked if the Ministry would consider resuming the issuance of PDI licences to support this shift.

The Minister replied that the authorities have been reviewing policies to meet the sharp rise in demand for lessons over the last few years. However he stated there are no plans to re-issue private licences. The government maintains that the current model which started in 1987 ensures a professional and standardised approach through a structured curriculum within driving schools.

I believe we must be more open to flexible training models to clear the current backlog. While standardisation is important the current wait times are frustrating for many young people and workers who need a licence. Using private instructors for road modules while keeping schools for circuit work could strike a better balance.

What are your thoughts on involving more private instructors to reduce the wait for driving tests?

This is the full question and answer from 6 May 2026:

Proposal For Disaggregated Framework Where Driving Schools Provide Foundational Circuit And Simulator Training While Accredited Instructors Provide On-Road Practical Training

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry will consider establishing a disaggregated modular framework where driving schools provide foundational circuit and simulator training while accredited PDIs focus on on-road practical instruction, to alleviate chronic bottlenecks and reduce lesson wait times for learners; and (b) in light of such a framework, whether the Ministry will consider resuming the issuance of PDI licences.

Mr K Shanmugam: The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Traffic Police (TP) have been reviewing the driving school ecosystem and policies, to increase the capacity of the schools to meet the sharp rise in demand for lessons in driving schools over the last few years.

TP has no plans to re-issue private driving instructor licences. We stopped doing so in 1987 to create a more professional and standardised approach to driver education, where driving schools operate within a structured curriculum and training framework approved by TP.

Source: Singapore Parliament Reports (Hansard)