Refresher Road Safety Training for Drivers of Heavy Vehicles and Buses

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport what training, continuous training and refresher courses or programmes are in place to ensure that drivers of heavy vehicles and buses stay updated on road safety and take extra precautions to prevent accidents.

Mr Deputy Speaker, road safety is a core part of learner driver training and has been integrated into both practical and theory lessons and tests conducted at the driving schools. This applies for all motorists, including drivers of heavy vehicles and buses, as part of the process of obtaining their Class 4/4A or 5 driving licence.

In addition, the driving schools and the Automobile Association of Singapore offer courses that drivers can sign up for, such as courses on defensive driving and crash prevention. Drivers who have accumulated a certain number of demerit points are also encouraged to undertake corrective education through the Safe Driving Course or Driver Improvement Points System retraining courses.

Safety is also a key part of the vocational licence curriculum for bus drivers. The mandatory Bus Driver’s Vocational Licence course for private bus drivers will reinforce key road safety aspects covered under the driving licence syllabus. Public bus captains are required to pass a module on Safe Driving Techniques in order to obtain their Omnibus Driver’s Vocational Licence. Bus captains continue their training even after they are deployed, through avenues such as operator-run refresher courses or regular safety briefings. Bus operators, such as SBST, are trialling new technologies to help monitor and improve driving behaviours. Bus captains who exhibit high-risk driving behaviour are identified and promptly sent for corrective training.

Sir, I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary. I have a supplementary question. I am concerned about the mental well-being of our drivers of heavy vehicles and buses. I am wondering whether there are processes and checks in place to ensure that these drivers are provided with counselling support if they require it, because this affects their ability to drive well and safe.

Mr Deputy Speaker, drivers can access public mental health resources, such as Mindline.sg and other community-based hotlines for support and assistance. For public transport workers, they will also be referred to medical professionals for psychological support and counselling as necessary, particularly those who may have experienced trauma, such as serious accidents, during the course of their work.