Assistance for Candidates More Proficient in Own Vernacular Languages for Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence Test
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Sitoh Yih Pin’s inquiry regarding language assistance for candidates more proficient in vernacular languages taking the Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL) test. Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan stated that basic English proficiency remains essential for drivers to communicate with commuters and navigate Singapore’s English-based road signs. Applicants facing language difficulties may seek job transition support through the Employment and Employability Institute or Workforce Singapore if they choose to pursue other careers. For those pursuing the PDVL, remedial classes are available via the Singapore Taxi Academy and ComfortDelGro Taxi to help applicants improve their test performance. Additionally, the Land Transport Authority will collaborate with these training providers to ensure that language assistance is made available to applicants who require such support.
Transcript
4 Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Transport whether language assistance can be arranged for candidates who are more proficient in their respective vernacular languages for the Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence (PDVL) test while retaining a minimum proficiency requirement in the English language.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The provision of chauffeured services puts drivers in contact with a wide range of commuters every day. Hence, private hire car (PHC) and taxi drivers must be able to speak simple English to communicate effectively with all commuters, both Singaporeans and tourists. Drivers must also be able to read basic English, so that they can navigate roads and buildings, the names of which are primarily in English.
Nonetheless, we understand that there are Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL) applicants who may have language difficulties. If they wish to look for other jobs or transit to other industries, they can approach the Employment and Employability Institute or Workforce Singapore for employment assistance. For those who would still like to drive PHCs, and who require assistance in preparing for their PDVL tests, they can sign up for remedial classes conducted by the training providers – the Singapore Taxi Academy and ComfortDelGro Taxi. Based on feedback, we understand that these have been useful in helping applicants pass their tests. The Land Transport Authority will also work with the training providers to ensure that language assistance is available to applicants who require them.