Special Licences for Drivers of High-performance Cars

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs whether the Traffic Police will consider introducing a special licensing requirement for motorists who wish to drive high-performance cars similar to that of having separate licensing requirements for motorcyclists who must obtain a Class 2/2A/2B licence before they are allowed to ride motorcycles of different engine capacities.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: There are currently no additional licensing requirements for drivers of high-performance cars. This is similar to the practice in other jurisdictions, such as New Zealand, Japan, British Columbia (Canada), London and San Francisco.

The Traffic Police (TP) has assessed that the current driving competency tests are sufficient to equip drivers with the necessary skills to drive high-performance cars, if they are driven within the speed limits. The accident contribution rate of drivers of high-performance cars in Singapore is comparable to that of drivers of normal cars.

Road accidents are usually caused by errant driving behaviour. A driver of a normal car who drives in a dangerous manner or disregards traffic rules is more likely to cause an accident than a driver of a high-performance car who drives safely and complies with traffic regulations.

TP will continue to maintain a strict enforcement stance and clamp down heavily on serious safety-related traffic violations. These include speeding, failing to conform to traffic-light signals, and dangerous driving. TP will also be reviewing the Road Traffic Act penalties to send a stronger signal against irresponsible driving behaviour.

TP will also continue educating and engaging the public on road safety. Measures, such as the annual Road Courtesy Campaign, Road Safety Outreach and Anti-Drink-Driving Campaign, reinforce important road safety messages.

TP will monitor the situation and take steps to enhance the driving licence framework if the need arises.

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