Singapore TDVL flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Expressway speed limit

Unless a lower limit is signposted, the speed limit on Singapore expressways is 90 km/h, while the general limit on normal roads is 50 km/h.

School zone speed limit

Where school zone signs are displayed the limit drops to 40 km/h during school hours, and it stays at 40 km/h until the end-of-zone sign.

Legal breath alcohol limit

A driver is over the limit if the breath contains more than 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml, or the blood contains more than 80 mg per 100 ml.

Beating a red light

Driving through a red light carries 12 demerit points in Singapore, and crossing the stop line after the light turns red is also an offence.

Demerit suspension threshold

A driver who accumulates 24 demerit points within 24 months has the driving licence suspended; a probationary driver is suspended on reaching 13 points.

Roundabout give-way rule

When entering a roundabout you must give way to traffic already in the roundabout that is approaching from your right, and signal before leaving it.

Red-bordered circular sign

A circle with a red border gives a prohibition or restriction, such as a speed limit, a no-entry sign or a ban on a particular manoeuvre.

Red-bordered triangular sign

A triangle with a red border is a warning sign alerting the driver to a hazard ahead, such as a bend, a junction, a school or a steep hill.

Blue circular sign

A blue circle gives a mandatory instruction, for example turn left only, keep left, a minimum speed, or a route reserved for a class of vehicle.

Double continuous white lines

Two unbroken white lines along the centre of the road mean you must not cross or straddle them, so overtaking and U-turns across them are prohibited.

Yellow box junction

You may enter a yellow box junction only if your exit is clear; a vehicle turning right may wait inside the box while oncoming traffic passes.

Two-second following rule

Stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front in dry conditions, and double that gap in rain, at night or when following a large vehicle.

Correcting a rear-wheel skid

If the rear of the car slides, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid until grip returns, avoiding any sudden hard braking.

Aquaplaning response

When the tyres lose contact with a wet road, ease off the accelerator, hold the steering steady and avoid sharp braking until grip returns as speed falls.

Emergency vehicle approaching

Signal left, slow down and pull over, stopping if needed, so that an ambulance, fire engine or police vehicle using sirens can pass safely.

Zebra crossing priority

Pedestrians on a zebra crossing have the right of way; drivers must slow down and stop before the crossing and must not overtake a vehicle stopped there.

Who issues the TDVL

The Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence is issued by Singapore's Land Transport Authority; a driver must hold a valid TDVL and produce it when required.

Taxi meter seal

The fare meter must be inspected and sealed by an authorised agent, and a driver who breaks the seal or tampers with the meter commits an offence.

Receipt on request

A taxi driver must give the passenger a printed receipt showing the fare, surcharges, date, time and vehicle registration number whenever one is asked for.

Maximum taxi passengers

A standard Singapore taxi may carry up to four passengers in addition to the driver, and every passenger counts, including children and infants.

Smoking inside a taxi

Smoking is prohibited in all taxis, and both the driver and any passenger commit an offence if someone smokes inside the vehicle during a journey.

Lost property in a taxi

Property left in a taxi must be handed to the taxi company's lost-and-found office, or to the police if valuable, and the driver should record the find.

Confirming the route

Before moving off, confirm the destination with the passenger and agree the route; if traffic is heavy, say so and offer an alternative before taking it.

Explaining surcharges

Tell the passenger which surcharges apply - peak hour, midnight, city area, location or booking fee - and show each one clearly on the receipt.

Passenger complaint channels

A passenger may complain to the taxi company or to the Land Transport Authority, so the driver should note the date, time, route and fare for verification.

Assisting passengers with mobility needs

Offer help with doors and luggage to elderly, pregnant and disabled passengers, and use only a wheelchair-accessible taxi for a passenger remaining in a wheelchair.

PIE

The Pan Island Expressway runs across Singapore from Tuas in the west to Changi in the east, linking the city fringe with the airport.

ECP

The East Coast Parkway runs along the south-eastern coast, connecting the city centre and Marina area with Changi Airport and the TPE.

CTE

The Central Expressway runs north-south through central Singapore, linking the city area with the SLE and the northern parts of the island.

ERP charges in a taxi

Electronic Road Pricing charges incurred during a taxi journey are paid by the passenger and are added to the metered fare shown on the receipt.

Flag-down fare

The flag-down fare is the fixed starting amount shown when the meter is switched on; distance, time and surcharges are added on top of it.

Waiting time charge

Waiting time is charged whenever the taxi is stationary or moving below the meter's threshold speed, for example while held up in a traffic jam.