Passing Rate for Private Hire Driver Vocational Licence Test

11 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Transport (a) since the implementation of the private hire driver's vocational licence, what has been the passing rate for applicants; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider allowing the tests to be conducted in vernacular languages, especially for older drivers.

The Senior Minister of State for Transport (Dr Janil Puthucheary) (for the Minister for Transport): Mr Speaker, the passing rate for the Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL) test is about 80%.

Private hire car (PHC) drivers must be able to read and speak simple English. This is so that they can navigate roads and buildings, the names of which are primarily in English. This also ensures that the drivers can communicate effectively with all commuters, both Singaporeans and tourists. This is why the PDVL course and test are conducted in English. There are no plans to conduct the tests in other languages.

Mr Speaker: Mr Desmond Choo.

Mr Desmond Choo (Tampines): I thank the Senior Minister of State for his reply. Two supplementary questions: the first is, because at base, ride-hailing is fairly straightforward with locations clearly marked out. Is there then scope for us to have a simplified version of tests, especially for those with language difficulties? And second, for those who have engaged in longer-term contracts with the ride-hire companies to rent the vehicles, can there be an extension for them in order to pass the test in time?

Dr Janil Puthucheary: Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for the questions. To the first point, ride-hailing, when it goes as intended, is a simple process. But the regulation of this space has to take into account what happens when things go wrong, when accidents occur, when other things occur on the roads, pedestrians and so forth.

So, when things go wrong, there is a need to interface with members of the public, members of the emergency services, rescue services and security services. I take the point that ride-hailing, when it works well and works as designed, it is a simple process, but it operates in a fairly complicated environment, and how we regulate all the users of that environment will have to take all of that into account.

As for longer-term contracts, the Land Transport Authority and the agencies do work with the drivers who are applying, to help try to see what is the remediation that can be applied to help them obtain the PDVL. If there are specific cases that the Member is interested in, he can perhaps write to me and I could follow up on how we might assist these drivers.

Mr Speaker: Mr Seah Kian Peng.

Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade): Can I just ask the Senior Minister of State would the Ministry consider allowing tests to be conducted for persons with hearing disabilities? I ask this because I actually have some residents who are in those situations.

Dr Janil Puthucheary: I thank the Member for the question. I need to study the matter and I will do so. If the Member has specific instances of drivers who would like to apply, maybe he can write to me and I could follow up on that.