From Left to Right: A Chinese Driver’s Guide to Crushing the Singapore Basic Theory Test (BTT)

If you are an experienced driver in China, you might think getting a license in Singapore is just a formality. You already know how to handle a car, right?

Stop right there. That mindset is the number one reason experienced foreign drivers fail the Singapore Basic Theory Test (BTT).

While the physics of driving are the same, the rules of the road in Singapore operate on a different frequency. It isn’t just about driving on the left; it is about a strict, specific set of regulations that differ significantly from the Chinese Traffic Code.

Based on the official China Subject 1 Question Bank and the Singapore Official Handbook of Driving, here is the ultimate comparison guide to help you shift gears and pass your BTT on the first try.

1. The Fundamental Shift: Left vs. Right

The most obvious difference is the side of the road, but you must understand how this changes everything else in the theory test.

• China (RHT): You drive on the right. You overtake on the left. You go around roundabouts counter-clockwise.
• Singapore (LHT): You keep left. You overtake on the right. You go around roundabouts clockwise.

The BTT Trap: In Singapore, the rule is “Keep Left Unless Overtaking”. If you stay in the right lane without overtaking, you are “Road Hogging,” which is an offence. In the BTT, if a question asks which lane you should be in for normal driving, the answer is always the left-hand lane.

2. The “Red Light” Turning Rule (Critical Difference)

This is where many Chinese drivers get fined in Singapore.

• China: Generally, you are allowed to turn right on a red light (after stopping), unless a sign prohibits it.
• Singapore: You CANNOT turn left on red unless there is a specific sign saying “Left Turn on Red”.

The BTT Trap: If you see a red light in a test question, the answer is “Stop.” Do not assume you can turn just because the path is clear. You must wait for the Green signal or the specific “Left Turn on Red” sign.

3. The “Give Way” Hierarchy

Singapore operates strictly on the “Give Way to the Right” rule at uncontrolled junctions and roundabouts.

• China: Priority often goes to the vehicle on the right (in a Right-Hand Traffic system), but usually, right-turning traffic yields to straight-going traffic.
• Singapore:
  • Roundabouts: You must give way to traffic coming from your right.
  • Uncontrolled Junctions: You give way to traffic from the right.

The BTT Trap: You will see diagrams of roundabouts in the test. Always identify the car coming from the right as the one with the “Right of Way.”

4. U-Turns: The “Permission” Reversal

• China: Generally, U-turns are permitted where there are no signs prohibiting them (and where safe).
• Singapore: U-turns are prohibited everywhere unless a sign explicitly says you CAN U-turn.

The BTT Trap: If a question asks “Can you make a U-turn here?” and there is no U-turn sign visible, the answer is NO.

5. Unique Singaporean Markings You Won’t See in China

Singapore has specific road markings that appear frequently in the BTT which are rare or non-existent in the Chinese code.

The Yellow Box Junction

• The Rule: You cannot enter this box unless your exit path is clear.
• The Exception: You can wait inside the box if you are turning right and waiting for oncoming traffic to clear.
• Why it matters: In China, you avoid blocking intersections, but Singapore marks them with bright yellow paint and enforces them with cameras.

Zig-Zag Lines

• What they mean: These are found near pedestrian crossings.
• The Rule: No stopping at all (not even to pick up passengers) and no overtaking.
• The Penalty: 3 Demerit Points.

Bus Lanes

Singapore is very strict about bus lanes.

• Continuous Yellow Line: Normal Bus Lane. No entry Mon-Fri, 7.30am-9.30am & 5.00pm-8.00pm.
• Yellow & Red Line: Full Day Bus Lane. No entry Mon-Sat, 7.30am-11.00pm.

6. The Demerit Points System (DIPS) vs. China’s 12 Points

China uses a 12-point cycle. Singapore uses the Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS), which has a 24-point threshold for suspension, but with a twist for new drivers.

• New Drivers (Probation): For the first year, you are on probation. If you accumulate 13 points, your license is revoked (cancelled). You have to start all over again.
• P-Plate: You must display a triangular “Probation Plate” (P-Plate) on your car for one year. Failure to do so is an offence.

Comparison Table:

7. Hand Signals: Police Officers

The police hand signals in Singapore are distinct and will appear in the test.

• Stop (Front & Behind): The officer raises both hands.
• Stop (Front only): The officer raises one hand (palm forward).
• Proceed: The officer beckons with the arm.

Note: In the Singapore BTT, police signals always take precedence over traffic lights and signs.

Summary Checklist for the Singapore BTT

To pass your test, focus your study on these three areas where your Chinese driving instinct might be wrong:

1. Re-wire your brain for Left-Hand Traffic: Overtake on the right, roundabout clockwise, give way to the right.
2. Memorize the specific timings: Bus lanes (Normal vs Full day) and Parking restrictions (Single vs Double yellow lines).
3. Respect the “No”: No U-turn without a sign, no Left-turn on red without a sign, no stopping on Zig-Zag lines.

Good luck! The Singapore BTT is not just about knowing how to drive; it is about knowing how to drive in Singapore.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. Please refer to the official Singapore Traffic Police handbook for the most current regulations.