Class 2B Journey + Tips on HOW to pass
[Update] View the youtube video to learn more about Bikes in General: https://youtu.be/M-31fo-O5P4
Click on the Youtube link to find out more about my Class 2B Journey: https://youtu.be/E85DV81U_9U
I got my class 2B license on 14 Jan 2020. It took me 2 TPs before I manage to snatch that motorcycle license and be introduced to the world of riding.
Before I go on to talk about my experience, I have to say that this journey of getting the license wasn’t an easy one. In fact, it was a long and arduous journey for me. I enrolled at SSDC (Woodlands) initially to take the Class 2B license.
Overview of Class 2B
Prior to that, here is an overview of the entire 2B journey.
Only school lessons are available, there is no such thing as private candidates for bikes.
Two theory tests (BTT & RTT), after clearing BTT, you would be able to apply for your PDL and start your practical lessons. You have to clear RTT before you are allowed to take your TP.
Theory lessons: 2x Basic Theory Lesson, 2x Riding Theory Lesson and 3x Defensive Riding Theory Lesson. Don’t complain, just attend.
Now, they have also included 3 compulsory simulation trainings so just attend those and you will be fine. Just don’t be late!
Practical lessons:
1. General riding basics
2 & 3: Plank, Pylon, Figure 8, Crank course, E-brake, Slope
4: Familiarization of circuit route + more practice
5: Circuit evaluation
6: Road lesson, general road riding
7: U-Turn
8: Circuit + Road evaluation
Next, TP and then you get your 2B license.
My SSDC Journey
At that point in time, it was still the Honda CB125F. Most of the machines there have issues. The clutch and brakes are often faulty. So, the usual, I went there to enroll, started my theory lessons and moved on to practical lesson. From what I recall, there were 7–8 practical lessons in total. Sounds easy? No way. I retook my 1st lesson 3 times before I finally passed. Well, to me, I was totally fine to retake if I myself also felt that I didn’t meet the requirements. However, when I asked for feedbacks at the end of the lesson, the instructors would either ignore me and walk away or they would just say “You not good la, take another lesson then try pass.” Wow so much for asking for feedbacks.
Subsequently, I managed to reach the stage of circuit evaluation, which was the lesson that requires us to complete the circuit components under test circumstances with less than 18 demerit points. I took that lesson 4 times. Why? I clearly recall the first time I took the lesson, I had 20 demerit points (so close but they decided to fail me because it was my first time taking). My second was 24 points and third was 36 points (The instructor deducted points wherever and whenever he could, and blamed me for not checking my blind spots when he didn’t do his part to check). Subsequently, after I pass on my fourth try, I decided that I had enough of SSDC. The instructors were purposely trying to fail students and did not provide feedbacks on how they can improve. Another thing is they require us to wear elbow guard and knee guard for all the lessons (We will revisit this topic again later).
Something more interesting about SSDC would be, it operates in a multi-storey carpark, so even if it is raining, the training will still proceed as per normal. Downside? The lighting is bad, so you really gotta stay focused amidst the darkness.
Up to this point, I have spent roughly $600+ dollars at SSDC.
My BBDC Journey
After about a year, I decided that I really wanted to have a bike and therefore I decided to give it a shot again. But this time, I decided to take it at BBDC after hearing quite a few good reviews about the instructors.
Overall, I have to say that it is an AWESOME place to learn at. The instructors are highly knowledgeable and patient with their explanation (not all, but most).
At BBDC, they split up their lessons into subsections, so in lesson 1, it is split into 1.01,1.02 & 1.03. Yes, it means that you are taking up more lessons and spending more money. However, it means that you can fully focus on what you have to achieve for that lesson. It was a smooth process for me as I had some prior experience at SSDC, so I was able to clear the lessons at BBDC quite smoothly.
The instructors at BBDC will give you hints and the things that you need to take note of during the lesson itself, so if you are able to meet their requirements, they would most likely pass you afterwards.
I took the TP test twice. I got an immediate failure on my first because of plank…. It was a really nerve-wrecking experience. I wasn’t even able to get a good night rest because of the test. But I am glad that I was able to make it through on my 2nd attempt!
Ultimately, don’t give up and continuing pushing forward and get your 2B license, it will be worth it!
