Basic Theory Test (BTT)

Planning to get your driving license but don’t have a clue on how to start preparing for the theory tests to come? Here’s a summary list of information on the Basic Theory Test (BTT) to help you prepare and plan.

BTT Details

Contents covered in BTT: traffice rules & regulations, traffic signals, traffic signs, code of conducts on the road.

Passing mark: 90 out of 100 (Total 50 MCQs, 2 marks per question)

Duration of test: 50 minutes

Test Venue: ComfortDelgro Driving Center (CDC), Singapore Safety Driving Center (SSDC) or Bukit Batok Driving Center (BBDC), depending on which driving center you signed up at.

Test Format: Touchscreen computer

Languages available: English, Malay, Chinese, Tamil

Cost of test: $6.50

How to register for the test? Via the respective center’s online portals (depending on the center you signed up at). You will have to open an account with the driving center by physically going down to the driving center regardless of whether you wish to be a school or private candidate. Once you’ve done so, you can access their portal to register for the test.

How long do I have to wait to take my BTT? The waiting time varies from time to time. During peak periods, it can go up to about 2 months. Non-peak periods is about a month and a half. With your account lasting for only 6 months (from the date you opened it), it is ideal for you to plan and schedule your tests ahead of time. If not, you will have to pay an additional fee to renew your membership.

Test Result Expiration: NIL, your BTT result is valid for life.

Do Class 3A's (auto) and Class 3A's (auto) FTT differ? No, both auto and manual car licenses takes the same test. This might come as a shock to those who are planning to take Class 3A (auto car license), but fret not, as the questions on gears (manual car knowledge) do not come out in the test.

Few methods of studying for the test:

1. Reading the Highway Code Book(s)
• Cost: $9.80 (contains 2 books, one for BTT and the other for FTT)
• This is the most common method used by many. Read through & absorb everything and you’ll do fine.
2. Reading the Questions & Answers Book
• This is not as common as the 1st method as book only contains questions and answers. This should be an additional material to read-up on instead of fully relying on this only.
3. Accessing the E-learning content from Home (for school candidates)

• Note: This method requires you to sign up as a school candidate (for theory tests at least) to be able to access the e-learning resources.
• This e-learning resource contains structured lessons with voice-over, images, animation, and self-assessments. It also has a forum for you to seek help from the instructors.
4. Attend the e-Trials session(s)
• Cost: $5.35 per session
• These e-Trials are for you to try out the practice questions at the driving centers, in the real test environment, with the actual computer system used for the tests. There are a total of 10 mock tests for you to try. Just like the actual test, each session lasts for 50 minutes. If you’ve applied as a school candidate, as part of your e-learning package, you are entitled up to 4 e-Trial sessions. You will have to book the sessions via the online portal. Once fully utilized, each additional session costs $5.35. Private candidates are allowed to book as well, at the same price of $5.35 per session. If you’re not confident in taking the actual test, I suggest you book 1 or 2 e-Trials before your actual test and try out the sample questions.
5. Classroom Theory Lessons (for school candidates)

• If you're a school candidate, you have this choice of attending their classroom theory lesson. Note that it is optional and if you have a lot of time on your hands and wish to go for it, go ahead. Just like the test, you'll have to book the lesson online.
1. Other online resources
• There are many resources available online (other than the driving centers’) to help you with your learning, from online mock tests, to summarized learning notes and even mobile apps. Some are free, while others costs a small amount.