From "Priorité à Droite" to "Keep Left": A French Driver’s Guide to Acing the Singapore Basic Theory Test

If you are a French or Luxembourgish driver preparing for the Singapore Basic Theory Test (BTT), you might be tempted to skim the book. After all, a red light is a red light, right?

Warning: While the physics of driving are the same, the rules have critical differences. Relying on your “Continental” driving instincts without studying the specific Singaporean rules is the fastest way to fail the BTT.

Based on a comparison of the Luxembourg “Code de la route” (which follows standard European/French conventions) and the Singapore “Basic Theory of Driving”, here are the key differences you must master to pass your exam.

1. The Fundamental Shift: Left vs. Right

The most obvious difference is the side of the road, but you need to understand how this changes the right-of-way logic in test questions.

• Singapore (Keep Left): You drive on the left. You overtake on the right.
• Europe (Keep Right): You drive on the right. You overtake on the left.

The Trap: In Singapore, at a roundabout, traffic moves in a clockwise direction. You must give way to traffic coming from your right. In Luxembourg/France, you move anti-clockwise and give way to the left (those already in the ring).

• BTT Tip: If a question asks about positioning for a turn, remember: Left turns are “tight” (stay close to the kerb), and Right turns are “wide” (cross the center).

2. The “U-Turn” Philosophy

This is a major cultural difference in traffic rules.

• The European Mindset: Generally, you can do things unless a sign forbids it.
• The Singapore Rule: You cannot make a U-turn at any road intersection or opening in a road divider unless a U-Turn sign is explicitly present.
• BTT Tip: If there is no sign, the answer is “No U-Turn.”

3. The “Yellow Box” (The Gridlock Killer)

In Europe, you are taught not to block intersections, but Singapore enforces this with a specific road marking: the Yellow Box Junction.

• The Rule: It is an offence to drive into a yellow box if you cannot exit it, even if the light is green.
• The Exception: You are allowed to enter a yellow box if you are turning right and waiting for oncoming traffic to clear.
• BTT Tip: Memorize the exception. You can wait in the box only if you are turning right. Never for going straight.

4. Road Markings: The Zig-Zag Lines

Singapore uses zig-zag lines near pedestrian crossings, which might look decorative to a new expat, but they carry heavy penalties.

• White Zig-Zag Lines: Found near pedestrian crossings. No stopping, no overtaking, and pedestrians are prohibited from crossing at the zig-zag area.
• Single Yellow Zig-Zag Line: No parking at all times (immediate pick-up/drop-off is okay).
• Double Yellow Zig-Zag Lines: No stopping at all times. This is stricter than the standard double yellow lines.

5. Bus Lanes: Watch the Colours

In Luxembourg/France, bus lanes are often reserved 24/7 or simply marked “BUS”. In Singapore, the colour of the line dictates the time you are banned from it.

• Normal Bus Lane (Yellow Line): You cannot enter Mon-Fri, 7.30am–9.30am and 5.00pm–8.00pm.
• Full-Day Bus Lane (Yellow + Red Line): You cannot enter Mon-Sat, 7.30am–11.00pm.
• BTT Tip: Memorize these timings. They are a favourite topic for test questions.

6. Special Zones: Silver & School

Singapore has specific zones with enhanced penalties that you might not find in the standard European code.

• Silver Zones: Areas with high senior populations. Speed limits are lower (often 40km/h or 30km/h), and they feature specific road markings to narrow lanes.
• School Zones: The rule is strict. If the amber lights are flashing, the speed limit is 40 km/h.
• Penalty: Fines and demerit points are enhanced (higher) if you commit offences in these zones.

7. Lights and “The Flash”

• The “Flickering” Green: In Singapore, a flickering green arrow means the signal is about to be cancelled. You should not proceed if you haven’t crossed the stop line.
• Headlights: You must switch on headlights between 7.00pm and 7.00am.
• Flashing Lights: In some European contexts, flashing your high beams can mean “I am letting you pass.” In Singapore, the code explicitly warns against using high beams to demand right-of-way or harass others.

8. The “Give Way” Hierarchy

While the “Priorité à Droite” (Priority to the Right) is the golden rule in Europe for uncontrolled junctions, Singapore breaks it down slightly differently:

• At an uncontrolled junction, you must give way to traffic going straight from the right.
• However, Singapore relies heavily on the Major vs. Minor road concept. Parallel broken white lines indicate you are on a minor road and must give way to the major road.

Summary Checklist for the Exam

To pass the Singapore BTT, stop thinking like a driver in Paris or Luxembourg and start looking for these keywords:

1. Yellow Box: Can I enter? (Only if turning right).
2. Zig-Zag: Can I stop? (No, never on double yellow zig-zags).
3. U-Turn: Is there a sign? (No sign = No turn).
4. Bus Lane: Is the line Red? (If yes, it’s a full-day ban).

Bonne chance!

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