Merlion BTTShort-Answer Questions
Common questions and their official answers based on the handbook.
1. What are the consequences for a new, probationary driver who accumulates 13 or more demerit points within their first year of driving?
If a new driver accumulates 13 or more demerit points during their one-year probation period, their driving licence will be revoked and become invalid. The licence holder must then wait one year from the date of revocation before they can retake all the necessary theory and practical driving tests to obtain a new licence.
2. Explain the 'two-second' rule and describe its primary purpose for drivers.
The 'two-second' rule is a method to ensure a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. To use it, a driver starts counting "one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two" as the vehicle ahead passes a stationary object; if the driver's own vehicle reaches the object before they finish counting, they are following too closely.
3. Under what specific circumstances is a driver permitted to wait inside a yellow-box junction?
A driver is permitted to wait in a yellow box when they intend to turn right but are obstructed by oncoming traffic. They can also wait if their exit is blocked by pedestrians using a designated crossing. In these situations, they are expected to clear the junction once a safe opportunity arises, even if the light turns red.
4. While overtaking on the right is the standard rule, list two specific exceptions where a driver is permitted to overtake on the left.
A driver may overtake on the left when the driver in front has signalled their intention to turn right. Overtaking on the left is also permitted when traffic is moving slowly in queues and vehicles in the right-hand lanes are moving more slowly than your vehicle.
5. What are the two primary requirements that a Provisional Driving Licence (PDL) holder must adhere to while learning to drive on public roads?
A Provisional Driving Licence (PDL) holder must display two 18 cm square ‘L’ plates in a conspicuous position on both the front and back of their motor vehicle. Additionally, they can only drive while under the supervision of a licensed driving instructor from a driving school.
6. What are the prescribed legal limits for blood alcohol content (BAC) and breath alcohol content for drivers in Singapore?
The prescribed legal limit for blood alcohol content is 80 milligrammes (mg) of alcohol per 100 millilitres (ml) of blood. The limit for breath alcohol content is 35 microgrammes (ug) of alcohol per 100 millilitres (ml) of breath.
7. Describe the correct procedure a driver should follow when an emergency vehicle approaches with its siren and/or flashing lights activated.
When an emergency vehicle approaches, a driver should give way by pulling in to the nearest edge of the roadway, whether left or right depending on the circumstances. They should come to a complete stop if necessary and remain there until all emergency vehicles have passed.
8. How can a driver visually distinguish between a Normal Bus Lane and a Full-Day Bus Lane, and what are their respective operational hours?
A Normal Bus Lane is marked by a continuous yellow line and operates on Mondays to Fridays from 7.30am to 9.30am and 5.00pm to 8.00pm. A Full-Day Bus Lane is marked with an additional parallel red line and operates on Mondays to Saturdays from 7.30am to 11.00pm.
9. Besides general traffic violations like speeding, name three specific actions that are explicitly prohibited when driving within a tunnel.
When driving in a tunnel, it is prohibited to make a U-turn or reverse, alight from the vehicle unless in an emergency, and change a tyre or refuel. Overtaking and tailgating are also explicitly forbidden.
10. According to the Motor Claims Framework (MCF), what are two key actions a driver must take at the scene of an accident, besides contacting their insurer?
At an accident scene, a driver must exchange particulars with all involved parties, including their name, NRIC/FIN, phone number, address, and insurer. They should also take photographs of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles involved and their licence plates.