Automatic transmission vehicles (ATV) have become increasingly popular in Singapore . The desire for greater convenience and hassle-free motoring coupled with improving technologies has been the main drivers behind the increase in demand for ATVs.

In 1988, ATVs made up about 30% of all new passenger vehicles sold in Singapore . By 2000, the figure was 45.3%. By 2003, it has ballooned to about 60%. It is inevitable that this percentage will increase steadily as older manual transmission vehicles (MTV) are progressively de-registered and replaced by modern ATVs.

In Japan , close to 95% of all passenger vehicles on the road are ATVs. Like Japan , this is a trend that will not escape Singapore . In fact, most of the car dealers are bringing in more ATVs than MTVs in anticipation of such a demand. Some official dealers do not even offer the option of MTVs. The Traffic Police has also received substantial feedback from the public, questioning the rationale of going through all the hassle of learning how to operate a MTV, only to buy an ATV upon obtaining their licence. In view of this, Traffic Police introduced the testing of ATV which allows the driver to own a Class 3A licence that binds him/her to drive ATVs only.

Yes. Countries like the US , UK , Switzerland , Sweden , France , Korea , and Australia have implemented similar schemes.

The testing of ATV has been available at all driving schools since 1 Jan 2005 .

One can convert his or her foreign ATV licence to a Class 3A licence from 1 Sept 04 onwards. However, he will first need to pass the basic theory test and then present the necessary documents to facilitate the conversion. No practical driving test is needed.

Currently, all Class 3 learner drivers undergo training and testing with MTVs, either under a Driving School Instructor or a Private Driving Instructor. Upon passing all the required Theory and Practical tests, they are issued with a Class 3 Qualified Driving Licence (QDL) which will allow them to drive both MTVs and ATVs.

With the introduction of ATV testing and licensing, Class 3A learner drivers will undergo the same Basic and Advanced Theory Tests as Class 3 drivers. The only difference is the training and practical testing with ATVs which will lead to a Class 3A licence that binds the driver to driving ATVs only.

An ATV is defined as a motorcar without any clutch pedal. The skill required to operate a vehicle with a clutch pedal is the key difference between a Manual Transmission Vehicle (MTV) and an ATV.

No. You will need to take and pass the practical test for Class 3 (MTV) before you are able to handle an MTV and drive on the road in an MTV. The fee for the practical test is $20.

Yes. As long as there is no need to physically operate a clutch pedal, the vehicle is deemed to be an Automatic Transmission Vehicle for the purpose of the Class 3A.

You can train for Class 3A at any of the driving centres, namely Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC), Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC) and Comfort Driving Centre (CDC) or from Private Driving Instructors (PDIs).

It is for those who are certain that they would only be driving ATVs after acquiring a driving licence, as more time would be spent on training you on the features pertaining only to ATVs.

You can apply for a Class 3A test in the same way you would for a Class 3. Simply approach any of the 3 driving schools to book your theory and practical tests. The basic and final theory tests are the same for both Class 3 (MTV) and Class 3A (ATV) learners.

At the point of booking for the practical test, candidates will have to indicate whether they will be using an ATV or an MTV for their test. This is because the practical test for Class 3 and Class 3A are different.

You will have to produce your identity card or passport, test fee receipt, Provisional Driving Licence and the car insurance certificate [for student of Private Driving Instructors (PDIs)].

For private candidates, you would first need to cancel the MTV test that you have earlier booked before reapplying for a new test date. A test fee for the new application will be required. Otherwise, driver learners should approach the driving centres that they have registered with. The first test will start only from 3 Jan 05 onwards.

No. This will push up the waiting time for other candidates. You will deny other candidates the chance to have earlier tests.

Please check with the driving centres on the booking details.

You can go to any of the driving schools to apply for the Class 3 practical test, which is essentially a driving test using an MTV. You need not take any theory test again as the theory tests for Class 3 and Class 3A are the same.

You can apply for a Class 3 practical test as soon as you have obtained your Class 3A licence.

No. Cars used for instructional and testing purposes have to be insured for training and testing and must be approved by LTA. The three privately owned driving centres only allow cars belonging to private driving instructors who are their members to enter their driving centres for training and testing.

To get a Class 3 licence, you will have to apply for a Class 3 practical test. The test fee will be $20/-. You may also wish to go through the Class 3 course training provided by the driving schools and the PDIs. The fees for each lesson vary from school to school and from PDI to PDI.

Yes. A Class 3 licence will legally allow you to drive both MTVs and ATVs.

Yes. He can opt to attend an ATV familiarisation course at the driving centres. Driving centres have their own ATV familiarisation course packages, which may be tailored to the learner's individual needs and requests.

You are encouraged to continue with your current training lessons. Please check with your driving instructor if it's appropriate for you to switch to ATV training as the change may disrupt your learning schedule.

Yes, you are under probation. This means your Class 3 licence may be revoked if you obtain 13 or more demerit points during the year of probation.

Yes. You will need to display the probationary plate as long as you are still under Class 3A's probation period. When your Class 3A's probation period is over, you need not display the P-plate. However, you will still be subject to the 13-demerit point rule under your new Class 3's probation period.

It depends. Class 3 PDL covers both Class 3 and Class 3A vehicles under the law and is valid for 6 months at one go. You can continue to use the PDL if it has not expired at the time you are taking the Class 3 practical test. Otherwise, you will have to renew your PDL at $25/- at Singapore Post.

You are not legally required to take the Class 3 course lessons. You are only legally required to pass the practical test to prove your competence. However, the schools and private driving instructors may have their own policy of ensuring that you are adequately competent to use their vehicles for the test. They may require you to go through a lesson or two to ascertain your competency level.

There is no need to take the test. You may opt instead for an ATV familiarisation course available at the driving centres.

The offender will be charged for driving without a valid driving licence and may be fined up to $1,000 or jailed up to 3 months for the first conviction. He will also be charged for driving without valid insurance coverage and can be fined up to $1,000 or jailed up to 3 months, or both. He will also be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months.

Only the licence that is still under probation will be revoked. Therefore, if only your Class 3 licence is under probation while your Class 3A has passed its probation period, only your Class 3 licence will be revoked. If both your Class 3A and Class 3 licences are under probation, both will be revoked at the same time.

No. You have to follow the regulations as stipulated by LTA when applying for vocational licences. This will require a Class 3 licence.

No. You need to have a Class 3 licence before you can apply for a Class 4A driving licence.