SINGAPORE — Starting this month, learner motorists can expect scenarios such as driving under the influence of alcohol and navigating poor weather conditions among others, when they undergo a simulation training trial programme.

The Traffic Police said at the sidelines of the release of its annual road traffic statistics on Wednesday (Feb 7) that simulation training will allow learner motorists to practice defensive driving and riding.

“Unlike traditional methods, simulation training will enable learner motorists to undergo experiential learning and experience real-life traffic situations in a safe and controlled environment,” it added.

Simulation training has kicked off at the ComfortDelGro Driving Centre on Feb 1. Two months later, the trial simulation training programme will then make its way to the Republic’s two other driving centres — Singapore Safety Driving Centre in Woodlands, and Bukit Batok Driving Centre, each for a period of two months.

Around 500 participants — including Traffic Police staff, driving instructors, and learner motorists — will be taking part in the trial at each of the three driving schools.

At the end of the trial period, the Traffic Police will gather feedback on how best to tweak the programme, before rolling it out as a compulsory component next year, said Superintendent Hisham Mohd Saad, head of the Traffic Police’s testing and licensing branch.

As part of the programme, learner motorists — both drivers and motorcyclists — will go through three modules, each lasting around 20 minutes.

Each module comprises different scenarios, set on Singapore’s roads. The scenarios are based on the top causes of accidents in the city state.

Scenarios shown to the media on Wednesday included driving during heavy rain, accidents arising from failing to check blindspots, as well as drink-driving.

When a student motorist meets with an accident on the simulator, a virtual instructor will dispense advice on how to avoid those situations. The virtual instructor will also encourage learners when they practice good road habits, such as slowing down when traffic lights flash amber.

The amount learners need to foot next year for the training has not been decided yet, as are the total number of simulators that will be rolled out.

Supt Hisham told TODAY that the key was for driving centres to “meet the demand” for the number of students.

The Traffic Police declined to comment on the total investment costs for the simulation training.

From next year, learners — regardless of whether they are enrolled in a driving school or taught by a private driving instructor — must attend the training before they can book a date for the practical test.

The pre-requisite for going through the three modules is to complete at least three practical driving lessons, said Supt Hisham.

While the programme is compulsory for learner motorists, Commander of the Traffic Police Sam Tee told reporters that existing drivers are “encouraged to try” if they want to.

Last year, the Traffic Police announced the initiative, together with the extension of the provisional driver’s licence from six months to two years.

Learner motorists TODAY spoke to mostly welcomed the simulation training.

Ms Swathi Ramnarayan, 22, who is currently about a month into learning how to drive, said the training “will allow beginners like myself to understand how to react to real-life traffic situations to prevent accidents”.

The public relations associate added that the training would help her “be more prepared”, given that “the roads can be a little scary... for (those) who are starting to learn to drive”.

20-year-old Joshua Teoh, meanwhile, said the modules should be “adequately priced”, given that it would incur extra costs for learners.