Driving: All about basic theory test and final theory test.

Hazel
Jan 31
3 min read

Learning to drive is a milestone that many of us look forward to with excitement and a bit of nervousness. For me, the journey began with the basic theory test, a challenge that felt both daunting and thrilling.

If you’re preparing for the driving test Singapore, this is my honest, first-hand experience — including a mistake I made that caused me to fail the driving theory test Singapore (FTT) on my first attempt.

I’m sharing this because it’s a very common trap, especially for beginners.

My Driving Journey (Real & Honest)

I didn’t have any driving background when I started. Like many people, I assumed the SG driving test was mostly about memorising rules and signs.

That assumption was half right — and it cost me one failed attempt.

How I Passed the Basic Theory Test (BTT) on My First Try

Buying the Theory Book from Popular

My first step was going to Popular Bookstore to buy the official Basic Theory Test (BTT) book.

Basic Theory Test Book, Question and Answers

Why this worked:

Questions in the actual test are very similar
Concepts are explained clearly
You understand the reason behind each rule

I didn’t just skim — I read it properly.

Free Online MCQ Practice (Super Important)

After reading the book, I practised free online MCQs daily.

A few examples:

This helped me:

Recognise repeated question patterns
Improve speed
Build confidence

By the time I booked the BTT, I was consistently scoring 47–50.

Tips for Preparing for the Basic Theory Test

Use official study guides and apps: These resources closely mimic the real test format and questions.
Break study sessions into small chunks: Studying for 20-30 minutes daily helped me retain information better than long, infrequent sessions.
Practice hazard perception regularly: Watching different scenarios and learning to spot hazards early improved my reaction time.
Join study groups or forums: Discussing tricky questions with others helped clarify confusing topics.

Why I Failed the Driving Theory Test Singapore (FTT) the First Time

After passing the basic theory test, I felt a surge of confidence. The final theory test was more comprehensive, including more detailed questions and a stronger focus on practical knowledge.

However, one thing that caught me off guard was the need for clutch knowledge. Having chosen the Class 3A license, aka the license for automatic cars, meant that I wasn't learning how to drive manual cars. This led me to think that I did not know how the clutch, which could only be found in manual cars, works. This ultimately led me to fail the first time I took the final theory test, gettin 44 marks, which was just 1 mark away from passing.

What I Did Differently Before Retaking FTT

Failing once was frustrating, but it forced me to slow down and rethink my approach.

Step 1: Re-read the FTT Book (Properly This Time)

I went back to the FTT book and focused specifically on:

What the clutch does
Why you engage clutch in certain situations
How gears affect engine control

Instead of memorising, I asked myself: "What is happening inside the car?"

Step 2: Understand Clutch Logic (Not Just Words)

Once I understood:

Why clutch disengages engine power
Why wrong gear causes stalling
How engine braking works

The MCQ questions suddenly made sense.

This is a huge tip for anyone taking the driving theory test Singapore: You don’t need to drive yet, but you MUST understand how a manual car behaves.

Second Attempt at FTT

I went into my second FTT attempt calmer and more confident.

✅ Result: Passed FTT on second try

Failing once didn’t mean I was bad at theory — it meant I was missing understanding.

Free Online MCQ Practice

Once again, I used online resources to help me get a better grasp of my answers.