From Seoul to Singapore: A Korean Driver’s Guide to Acing the Basic Theory Test (BTT)

So, you’ve navigated the bustling streets of Seoul, handled the busy Gyeongbu Expressway, and maybe even mastered the art of parking in Gangnam. You are a confident driver. But now you are in Singapore, and you need to convert your license.

To do that, you must pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT).

While driving is a universal skill, the rules are not. If you go into the Singapore BTT assuming it’s just like Korea, you might fail. Singapore’s traffic code has specific quirks—mostly inherited from the British system—that differ significantly from the Korean system.

Here is a breakdown of the critical differences you need to focus on to pass your BTT on the first try.

1. The Big Switch: Left vs. Right

The most obvious difference is the side of the road, but the BTT will test you on the implications of this.

• Singapore (Keep Left): You drive on the left. The steering wheel is on the right. You overtake on the right.
• Korea (Keep Right): You drive on the right. The steering wheel is on the left. You overtake on the left.

BTT Trap: In Singapore, roundabout traffic flows clockwise. You must give way to traffic coming from your right. In Korea, you are used to looking left for entering traffic; in Singapore, you must look right.

2. The “Left Turn on Red” Rule

In Korea, you are generally allowed to turn right on a red light after stopping, provided you don’t obstruct traffic.

Do NOT do this in Singapore. In Singapore, the equivalent move (turning left on red) is illegal unless there is a specific sign explicitly authorizing it.

• The Rule: You may only turn left on red if you see a “Left Turn on Red” sign. If there is no sign, you must wait for the green light.

3. U-Turns: The Default is “No”

In Korea, U-turns are often permitted at intersections unless a sign specifically prohibits them, or if specific lane markings allow it.

In Singapore, the logic is flipped.

• The Rule: You cannot make a U-turn at a road opening or intersection unless a U-Turn sign is present. If you don’t see the blue “U-Turn” sign, assume you cannot do it.

4. The Yellow Box Junction

You will see large yellow crisscross boxes painted on the road at intersections.

• Singapore: It is an offence to enter this box if your exit is not clear. Even if the light is green, if traffic is stuck on the other side, you must not enter the yellow box. You will be fined for blocking it.
• Korea: While blocking intersections (“tailgating”) is discouraged, the specific “Yellow Box” enforcement is a very prominent part of Singapore driving culture and the BTT.

5. Zig-Zag Lines (The “Active” Zone)

This is a road marking you might not be familiar with. In Singapore, you will often see white zig-zag lines painted on the side of the road near pedestrian crossings.

• The Meaning: These lines warn you of a crossing ahead. But strictly, they mean NO stopping and NO overtaking. You cannot stop to let a passenger out, and you cannot pass another car within these lines.
• Korea: Similar pedestrian protections exist, but the specific “zig-zag” visual cue is a distinct BTT question favorite.

6. Giving Way to Buses

In Korea, you are used to bus-only lanes (often blue lines). Singapore also has bus lanes (Yellow and Red lines) with strict operating hours.

However, the BTT loves to test on the “Give Way to Buses” rule.

• The Rule: In Singapore, if you see a triangular “Give Way” marking on the road near a bus stop, you are mandated by law to slow down and let the bus exit the bay. It is not just courtesy; it is a rule.

7. Speed Limits

• Singapore Default: Unless signs say otherwise, the speed limit on all roads is 50 km/h.
• Korea Default: Typically 60 km/h on one-lane roads or 80 km/h on two-lane roads.
• BTT Tip: If a question asks for the speed limit of a road with no signs, the answer is 50 km/h.

8. Drink Driving Limits

Interestingly, Korea has recently become stricter than Singapore regarding the technical blood alcohol limit.

• Korea: 0.03% BAC.
• Singapore: 80mg/100ml (equivalent to 0.08%).
• Warning: While the Singapore limit is technically higher, the BTT emphasizes that even small amounts of alcohol make you unsafe. Do not let the higher limit fool you into thinking the penalties are lenient—they are severe.

Summary Checklist for the Exam

1. Keep Left (Overtake on the Right).
2. No U-Turn unless you see a sign.
3. No Left Turn on Red unless you see a sign.
4. Zig-Zag Lines = No stopping, No overtaking.
5. Yellow Box = Do not enter unless the exit is clear.

Good luck with your Basic Theory Test! Master these differences, and you’ll be driving on the PIE (Pan Island Expressway) in no time.

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