First of all, I would like to say that my appointment was nearly 3 weeks ago from the date of posting this entry. I've thought of posting days after the appointment but I really don't know should I post it. Read it for yourself and all I stated here are true, nothing but the truth.
Few months before the actual day, I've received a letter from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) stating that I need to book a medical check-up appointment. I went too quick that I clicked on the portal, filled in all the necessary fields such as family particulars, uniform sizes, shoe sizes and personal information etc. and book for the appointment. A step before my poly mates did. As a result, I went there alone. I tried to change the appointment but all slots were taken up. I didn't want to call the person-in-charge so I decided to go there alone.
I've been to the hospital for a yearly check-up with professor and also for a hearing test every year. All of the medical professionals that I've seen all these years have said to my parents, "Your son may not need to serve the National Service." I've heard that many times but for that stubborn me, I told myself it's totally impossible for me to not serve the nation. At most, they would let me to be a clerk. That kind of thinking continued to be in my head until the day of appointment.
Date: 18 September 2014
Venue: Central Manpower Base (CMPB) @ Depot Road
My appointment was 8.30am. To prevent me getting lost all the time whenever I reach a strange place, I've done homework days before the actual appointment. I reached the Redhill MRT at nearly 8am. Not a surprise to me, there were a lot of people at the bus stop and many people were waiting to board on bus service 145, the place that would lead near the destination after a few minutes walk.
When I reached CMPB, I had to go through a security check. After security check, I had to queue up to exchange my EZ-Link card for a visitor pass to enter CMPB. After the exchange, it's another security check. Well, it's a must to go through strict security checks before entering any facilities there.
I've reached the destination after a few minutes walk. As I entered, there were many people queuing up to get number slip. That's where the medical check-up began. I waited for my number to be called up to register for medical screening. As I was waiting, I looked at the 2 TV Screens located to my left and right. On the left, it was showing news and on the right, it was showing the "Every Singaporean Son" documentary. The recruits were digging the soil hours and hours, they received letters from their loved ones and cried and they wrote back with a kiss being stamped on the paper BUT! no red lipstick, obviously. It's green, you know what that green colour is. That scenario was what I saw while waiting. After that, it was time to register. By the way, the males wearing army uniforms, were they working as a clerk? I don't know as I continued to think the scope of a clerk if I was really posted there.
I've sent in all the necessary documents for them to look. All the documents were past year medical reports that I've received from the hospital. After the registration, it was time for check-up. The first station...Station 5. I went towards Station 5 and was surprised to see the letters "ENT"! What?! Are you seriously kidding me?! Sending me to ENT first was like giving me an immediate failure in academic tests. So, you already know the content of the medical reports, right? I've high-frequency hearing loss at a young age and that was due to an operation. I thought I would be sent to a special school but no, I'm receiving normal education and here I am, right now in Polytechnic.
I had to go there to accept the fate. As I entered the ENT room, there were two cubicles for two pre-enlistees to take the hearing test. My name was called after 10 minutes of waiting. Wearing my hearing aids along, I've told the person-in-charge of the station that I'm wearing hearing aids. That 1 sentence caused a traffic congestion in the room. I hogged up the cubicle for 10 minutes, on average a person only takes 2 to 3 minutes. I'm not acting in not raising up my hands even though I heard a sound. The sound was too soft that it appeared countless times in my ear. Sometimes I would raise up my hand when I heard a sound but through the earphones, I've heard, "There was no sound.". That sentence that I always hear in the hospital, it's also in CMPB. The person-in-charge also asked to stay a while more as what the medical report that I've given him was totally different from the results that I had. That's the reason why I hogged up the cubicle for a long time. Instead of asking me to go home which I initially thought, I went to the next station.
The next station was Station 4, the eyesight test. Not much of a problem, except for the fact that for the colourblind test, I've failed to name all correct numbers especially for the 2nd last number. It was totally hard that I almost wanted to ask, "Isn't that no number?". I moved on for the eyesight test. I covered my left eye with spectacles to read the last row and my right eye to read the last row backwards. That's where I received a comment, "Your eyesight is good.". I'm totally speechless.
Next up was Station 3, the X-ray station where I had to remove my top for radioactive x-ray. Nothing much to talk about. You only hear countless "Boom" in that station where the x-ray is being filmed. That's all.
Station 2 was next. I noticed that I was going backwards. The dentist checked my teeth and said a lot of things to another person. I don't know what were they talking about. I thought I could break the code but sigh.
The laboratory was the last station before entering Station 6. I took a cup with a litmus paper and went to the toilet to pee. Based on the previous incident happened 2 years ago, the volume largely decreased. A blunder happened here where I almost showed him the content instead of taking out the litmus paper.
After the test, it was the blood test. I had a blood donation a month ago and now they were going to take my blood?! Thankfully, nothing happened.
Station 6 was the next station. That's where a lot of people were waiting inside the room to get height and weight, electrocardiography (ECG), blood pressure and consultation. Again, in ECG, I had to remove my top to facilitate the procedure. Everything's fine except that I had to listen to "Boom Clap" from their radio while doing ECG. I almost wanted to move my body as the song went "Boom Clap".
It was time for consultation. One person in front of me printed the ticket by himself, only then he was asked by the counter staff about something and he gave up that paper. Then, the paper was taken by me with a waiting number "0030" and sat at the last row on the right. After sitting for a while, the counter staff asked me did I have a waiting number and I showed it to her. She told to move in front and asked the remaining pre-enlistees to sit at the last row on the right. The seats were filled up on the left. That's when the lady told everyone that the seats on the left are for the pre-enlistees who do not have any medical history and for the right, yes, medical history was involved. No waiting number is needed for the people on the left and that's the reason why the person in front gave up the number to me.
0030 was up at room 1. I went in there and received consultation from the doctor. I was told to remove the top and pants. There was one part of the consultation where I was about to remove the pants and showed him the "balls", I mistakenly heard that he was asking "Did you receive any operation?" instead of missing out the last 3 words "on your "balls"?" I initially answered I received operation at upper body. After that, I changed my answer after I heard him asking the same question. Still, I showed him everything where I had operations on.
Initially, I saw on his computer screen, it was a PES D for hearing. PES D was considered as a question mark as it requires you to have consultations at the hospital before receiving the actual PES status based on the results that they have gotten. BUT! After looking at my medical reports and typed a lot of things, I got my PES status and that result was totally out of my expectation. I thought I would have to serve as a clerk.
I received a notice from the counter and went home. What's missing from other pre-enlistees? Station 7 where a vocation assessment is done and photograph taking. I didn't get a chance to do the test but based on what I've heard and read, it made people went bonkers. Well, maybe not, some people said it's too easy for them.
That's where I realised why I was given that result. If MINDEF enlisted me, it would disrupt the whole procedure in the army for the 2 years even as a clerk. That reason I would accept, it's very logical. That's also where I don't know should I post this entry to share. It may sound like I'm faking myself to not go into National Service but with the documents I have given to them, I've admitted defeat. The professors and doctors were right. Why didn't I believe in them?
Sadly, I can't serve the nation but still I have to move on with my own life. Instead of serving the nation, I would serve the bond for 2 years, similar to National Service. It's the same after all.
I went for lunch after 90 minutes of check-up. Hopefully, it's not a record.
Epilogue:
I took the bus back for lunch but didn't notice that there is a loop for that bus service. As a result, the bus went one big round and passed by CMPB again. I was fooled by the loop again.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Random Review: Infinity Challenge Radio DJ Special
I've been putting up random segments here and there. It's too random and I'm too lazy to think of a creative name to name this segment.
My random review is about Infinity Challenge, again. 3 weeks ago, Infinity Challenge had set up a new challenge that was never done before. Being a radio deejay for a day. Each member will have 2 hours of live radio segment to entertain the listeners for that day. 11 September was the day marked "Radio Day" for them. I was interested to listen out what they have in store for us so before the actual day came, I went to imbc.com and clicked on the FM4U radio tab to make sure that I know I can listen to it on my laptop. Alternatively, I also went into Play Store to download the MBC Mini app which also has FM4U radio station and other radio stations to listen as well. I cannot stay on watching my laptop all the time especially my lunch time so there's another way to listen to it.
I've attended Korean lessons and knew a little bit about what the deejays were saying, though not in full sentences, but the kind of how they presented made me laughed while both listening to the radio and looking at the actual broadcast.
Every member will have 2 hours to present. Starting off was the so-called "고유명수" (Pronounce as "go-yoo-myeong-su" or "Unique Myung Soo" Park Myung Soo in the morning from 7am to 9am KST (6am to 8am Local Time), Jung Jun Ha from 12am to 2pm KST, Noh Hong Chul from 2pm to 4pm, Jung Hyung Don from 6pm to 8pm, "메뚜기" ("mae-ddu-gi") or "Grasshopper" Yoo Jae Suk from 10pm to 12am and ended the "Radio Day" was "하로로" ("ha-lo-lo") or "Haroro" Haha from 12am to 2am.
Personally, I didn't listen to Park Myung Soo and Haha because the former was too early and the latter was too late. The others...manageable! However, I didn't listen to the full radio segment because I feel that I'm not the one that I can listen to the full 2 hours of radio even there's music but it's always a good experience to listen to radio from other countries.
In my opinion, I like Jung Hyung Don's performance because first of all, he has no experience of being a radio deejay, neither he had been a guest on radio shows. His experience...totally zero, nothing! However, he managed to perform well although he made several mistakes during a live program. During the broadcast where they were showing the preparations of becoming a radio deejay, he didn't do well but by listening to the radio and learning the way of how to speak, he made it. His hard work really paid off. I initially also liked Noh Hung Chul because of his crazy acts during the live performance but in the actual broadcast, he didn't manage to end his segment before the next show took over. Instead, he was singing! I was totally awed by that and never had I heard people not signing off on radio before they passed on the show to the next presenter. That was a totally no-no!
In the actual broadcast of Park Myung Soo's performance, I laughed until my stomach really hurt. He sent Noh Hong Chul to wake up the radio deejay which he is the real presenter for the morning show, which really made me laughed. He also had some funny conversations between Yoo Jae Suk who was presenting the traffic reports and himself. Lastly, he also invited some listeners for some "Lip dancing" which was quite unique for a radio show. Although I didn't listen to his broadcast, it was so exciting by watching at it.
After the "Radio Day", I still listened to FM4U at 5pm Local Time. Why? The program is called "배철수의 음악캠프" or "Bae Chul Soo's Music Camp" which was Jung Hyung Don's radio deejay for a day program. The format of the show is that only English songs are played during that 2 hours, along with some talking from the deejay Bae Chul Soo himself. The opening music "Satisfaction" by Vienna Symphonic Orchestra really attracted me to listen to his program especially I was brainwashed by the "핫 둘 셋 Satisfaction" during the opening. I don't know Vienna Symphonic Orchestra can put in Korean words into their music which was to me, WOW!
I'm looking forward for the next broadcast of the "Radio Day" special but due to a sporting event, the show has to be postponed. I respect that but just really can't wait to see the last 3 deejays performing.
My random review is about Infinity Challenge, again. 3 weeks ago, Infinity Challenge had set up a new challenge that was never done before. Being a radio deejay for a day. Each member will have 2 hours of live radio segment to entertain the listeners for that day. 11 September was the day marked "Radio Day" for them. I was interested to listen out what they have in store for us so before the actual day came, I went to imbc.com and clicked on the FM4U radio tab to make sure that I know I can listen to it on my laptop. Alternatively, I also went into Play Store to download the MBC Mini app which also has FM4U radio station and other radio stations to listen as well. I cannot stay on watching my laptop all the time especially my lunch time so there's another way to listen to it.
I've attended Korean lessons and knew a little bit about what the deejays were saying, though not in full sentences, but the kind of how they presented made me laughed while both listening to the radio and looking at the actual broadcast.
Every member will have 2 hours to present. Starting off was the so-called "고유명수" (Pronounce as "go-yoo-myeong-su" or "Unique Myung Soo" Park Myung Soo in the morning from 7am to 9am KST (6am to 8am Local Time), Jung Jun Ha from 12am to 2pm KST, Noh Hong Chul from 2pm to 4pm, Jung Hyung Don from 6pm to 8pm, "메뚜기" ("mae-ddu-gi") or "Grasshopper" Yoo Jae Suk from 10pm to 12am and ended the "Radio Day" was "하로로" ("ha-lo-lo") or "Haroro" Haha from 12am to 2am.
Personally, I didn't listen to Park Myung Soo and Haha because the former was too early and the latter was too late. The others...manageable! However, I didn't listen to the full radio segment because I feel that I'm not the one that I can listen to the full 2 hours of radio even there's music but it's always a good experience to listen to radio from other countries.
In my opinion, I like Jung Hyung Don's performance because first of all, he has no experience of being a radio deejay, neither he had been a guest on radio shows. His experience...totally zero, nothing! However, he managed to perform well although he made several mistakes during a live program. During the broadcast where they were showing the preparations of becoming a radio deejay, he didn't do well but by listening to the radio and learning the way of how to speak, he made it. His hard work really paid off. I initially also liked Noh Hung Chul because of his crazy acts during the live performance but in the actual broadcast, he didn't manage to end his segment before the next show took over. Instead, he was singing! I was totally awed by that and never had I heard people not signing off on radio before they passed on the show to the next presenter. That was a totally no-no!
In the actual broadcast of Park Myung Soo's performance, I laughed until my stomach really hurt. He sent Noh Hong Chul to wake up the radio deejay which he is the real presenter for the morning show, which really made me laughed. He also had some funny conversations between Yoo Jae Suk who was presenting the traffic reports and himself. Lastly, he also invited some listeners for some "Lip dancing" which was quite unique for a radio show. Although I didn't listen to his broadcast, it was so exciting by watching at it.
After the "Radio Day", I still listened to FM4U at 5pm Local Time. Why? The program is called "배철수의 음악캠프" or "Bae Chul Soo's Music Camp" which was Jung Hyung Don's radio deejay for a day program. The format of the show is that only English songs are played during that 2 hours, along with some talking from the deejay Bae Chul Soo himself. The opening music "Satisfaction" by Vienna Symphonic Orchestra really attracted me to listen to his program especially I was brainwashed by the "핫 둘 셋 Satisfaction" during the opening. I don't know Vienna Symphonic Orchestra can put in Korean words into their music which was to me, WOW!
I'm looking forward for the next broadcast of the "Radio Day" special but due to a sporting event, the show has to be postponed. I respect that but just really can't wait to see the last 3 deejays performing.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Blood Donation at Bloodbank @ HSA
Date: 22nd August 2014
Venue: Bloodbank @ HSA
This was not my first time doing a blood donation. It's my third time doing this, including this visit. Although my polytechnic did hold a blood donation drive a week before my actual appointment, the timing was not right due to busy schedule dealing with academic. Presentation, project submissions and tests made me forget about doing blood donation. My last donation was January 2013 and I have planned to do it once every year. However, maybe because of my busy life, I kept postponing that plan until I want to give this year's donation a miss. Fortunately, I didn't!
That particular week was considered as term test week for my polytechnic. Due to the fact that there's no exam due to "compressed modules", I chose my blood donation day on a Friday as one, no more tests on that day and two, like to do such plan at the end of the week just like my driving lessons.
Before the blood donation, I had my lunch because I don't want to faint in the middle of the blood donation process. I've tried doing blood donation without eating and that's a wrong way to do if you do not have the mentality to do it. One bowl of Japanese ramen was my lunch for that day.
I've reached the Bloodbank @ HSA at 2pm after lunch and strolling around. 2pm was my appointment time as I've indicated during my online booking. As I reached there, I was startled by the new look of the Bloodbank @ HSA. Wait a minute! That was just my second visit there and it changed a lot after I just picked up a free diary on my first visit. I remembered it was a dull environment and it changed into a colourful place.
The newly renovated Bloodbank@ HSA with vibrant colours and new furnitures. (Source: www.hsa.gov.sg)
I entered the place and didn't know what to do next so I approached the customer service officer for help since it was my first official visit to do blood donation. As I have done an online questionnaire before my appointment, I skipped the completion of filling up the questionnaire. I updated my particulars and done a health assessment by a health screener. The door will slide open when the number is called. After it was done, the health screener will click the button and let the door to slide open again. It's a big advancement after a renovation! I was surprised by that.
Blood haemoglobin level was done before entering another room for blood donation. The process...was not painful since I've already done it umpteenth times from blood test to blood donation. It's just a mosquito bite! The whole process took around 45 minutes from registration to the full blood donation. During the blood donation, I've received a card which stated that the next time that I can donate again (3 months is the next time that I can donate), iron tablets (Vanilla flavour keeps me wondering whether are there any other flavours? Chocolate?) and free refreshments voucher.
 |
| Completion of the blood donation |
 |
| A blood donation card and vanilla-flavoured iron tablets |
After the blood donation process, it's time for refreshments! Just when I thought it would be simple snacks like biscuits and Milo, I was wrong! When I asked where's the refreshment counter, it was actually a Cafe selling sandwiches, spaghetti and beverages. I can't remember what the counter told me the choices of food that I can get as I handed the voucher but I just said spaghetti and hoping that it would be a small serving since I've already eaten a big bowl of Japanese ramen. Nope! Normal serving! On top of that, orange juice in hoping that I would not waste any food and red bean soup which I initially rejected but took it because it's a source of iron. It was a big serving I would say after having a lunch. I took it as I was having a tea break so I finished it all within 30 minutes. It was a nightmare to me after that.
I'm planning to do blood donation next time but hopefully would not lead to the same situation I've done previously when I visit there again. My polytechnic is a good place to do blood donation but I can only visit there when there is and only before I graduate unless I'm still receiving e-mail from them stating there's blood donation event at my polytechnic. If not, Bloodbank @ HSA will my regular place for blood donation.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Crazy TV Show Fan #2: Muhan Dojeon (Infinity Challenge)
Previously, I've mentioned my first favourite TV Show in my blog. Here comes the second favourite TV Show being mentioned here in my blog. Don't get it wrong! This show is not ranked 2nd even though it is mentioned second as those shows that I've written are the ones that I like and feel that it should not be ranked, those shows are of different kinds. It can't be compared.
Here we go. The second favourite show that I'm going to talk about is a South Korean variety program, Muhan Dojeon or Infinity Challenge or Infinite Challenge (Don't mix up with a boy band of a same name!).
(Credit: www.dramarecap.com, Main Source: Munhwa Broadcasting Channel (MBC))
To avoid confusion, the English name that I always use is Infinity Challenge or in short, IC. I've watched various South Korean variety programs since late 2000s. Back then, drama was the only thing that I knew. After that, when I had cable TV in 2008, I started to watch variety programs from South Korea.
IC was not the first variety show I've watched and I only started watching it after I've watched Running Man, another variety show from South Korea. When you watch both shows, you will find similar hosts.
Yoo Jae-Suk, the legendary MC, and HaHa or Ha Dong-Hoon are in both shows. Apart from them, there are 4 other members, Noh Hong-Chul, Park Myeong-Su, Jung Jun-Ha and Jung Hyeong-Don. Unfortunately, not many people know what's IC is all about even there are familiar faces. IC is not broadcasted in my country whereas Running Man is, internationally, I would say. So, what one of the IC's FB Fan Page stated, if you like Running Man, you would definitely like IC. That's why I started to like it.
IC started in May 6, 2006 as an independent program, 5 years before the debut of Running Man. Previously, it was only a small segment and featured crazy challenges. Now, instead of crazy challenges, they did a lot of specials like concerts, singing competitions, urban variety, sport projects and many more. Before Running Man played hide-and-seek, chasing people and tearing off each others' name tags, there was IC! ''Run away with the Money Bags'' (Episodes 110 - 112) was a classic example of Running Man, followed by Pimple Break (Episodes 158 - 159) and TV War (Episodes 275 - 276) and many more.
The ratings didn't go well at first but as the show got more interesting, funny and emotional, the ratings increased to a maximum to 30%. Although it's hard to hit the record again, IC still stands strong and ranked #1 most of the time in Saturday timeslot.
Unfortunately, for this show being on air for 9 years, it has suffered a lot. Since 2010, the show was put on hold due to labour strike in MBC. The show paused for 7 weeks. After that, in 2012, it was again put on hold due to labour strike. That time was a record, 24 weeks or 6 months before it was back on air again. When there was no airing of IC during the 6 months, I switched to Running Man instead. In 2014, the show paused for 2 weeks due to ferry sinking incident. During that time, one member was caught drink driving and left the show. It was an emotional period as I could not smile and laugh when it was back on air again. Same goes to a Korean drama that I was chasing during my internship period, I stopped watching for a week as a respect to the victims even though I was falling way too behind the TV schedule.
Overall, this show is great and all the episodes that I've watched were mostly interesting and funny. Recent episodes (Episodes 389 and 390) were the ones that I think I need to review and post it on my blog. Suddenly, this becomes a so-called an Individual Crazy Fan Blog which many posts consists of IC. Hopefully, it can be a long running show like what my first favourite show has done.
That's all for my 2nd Crazy TV Show Fan post. Till next time, bye!
Saturday, July 26, 2014
The Road in Getting a Driving License Final: Practical Driving Test
Previously, I've posted the first 2 parts of learning my driving at Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC) - Theory and Practical parts. Now, to the final part where this will determine whether will I get a driving license in that 30-minute Practical Driving Test. As I previously mentioned in the second part of my entry, I've managed to pass my driving with 16 demerit points. Here's the proof.
Before I explain more about my Practical Test experience and on the mistakes that I've made, I went for my final two practical lessons before the actual test. One was on 7 July and the other one was on 9 July, at 5.20pm. I wanted to pass the Test on my first try as I have already succeeded in passing both Basic Theory and Final Theory Tests on the first try. It would be great if I could also pass the Practical in just one try.
Now, to the actual day of the Practical Test.
Date: 11 July 2014
Time: 3.20pm
Description: Warm Up Session
Before the actual test started, I had a warm up session. I went to a counter which was located at the far end to print out a slip. However, that slip was not the small piece of paper (it can be seen in part 2 of the blog) which stated the car number and the area. It was a bigger piece of paper which there's only a car number on the top left hand corner. Others...not deserved to be mentioned because I find that's irrelevant to me.
I've gotten car number 29. I was shocked to see that number! It was such a strange number that I've ever seen. I've never taken 29 before. Well, I was thinking too much at that time. I thought I would get car number 18 because most of the time I would get that (but additional charges apply due to getting a fixed instructor) during my Practical lesson and hopefully could also drive that same car in my Practical Test. I was WRONG! A different car number meant a different instructor, which also meant I would get to witness his attitude as it was a new face to me.
By the way, the slip that I've printed out must be given to the instructor before the warm up session begins. That means I would have to memorise the car number. The tester...would not even care where's your car if you can't even memorise a 2 or 3 digit car number! I don't know what's the consequence of not memorising your car number but it's better if you have a memory space to put in that simple 2 or 3 digit car number. Fortunately, I knew because 2 multiplied by 9 is 18, a special method which I can remember my car number. Honestly speaking, it doesn't take much memory space to remember that!
In the warm up session, I went to the circuit first before going to one of the 10 test routes. In the circuit, everything looked fine to me except when I accidentally 'rubbed' the kerb at the directional change segment. On the road, I've gotten test route 2, which was in the Bukit Batok area.
A little note, out of the 10, 6 areas are in the Bukit Batok area while the remaining are in the Choa Chu Kang (CCK)/Teck Whye area. 1, 3, 6 and 8 are the CCK/Teck Whye Area. 6 and 8 are the killers because of the slopes and I believe many learners are afraid to get those two during the actual test.
6 - A slope with a pedestrian crossing and a yellow box junction plus another slope with a stop-line
8 - A slope with a pedestrian crossing and a yellow box junction
Though it's look scary as an immediate failure will be given for not giving way to the pedestrian and also not stopping on the stop-line if you're not aware enough, it's consider test routes which I wanted to try out during the actual test because in the actual road condition, you may face this kind of road facilities in other areas of Singapore and even other countries. If you don't dare to face it, there may be a problem if you face this kind of situation once you're a qualified driver. Hence, I even hoped that I can get 6 or 8 during the test.
Just as I thought I did fairly OK during the warm up, my warm up driving instructor told me...
1. I didn't check blind spot on the circuit and on the road most of the time.
2. I didn't use appropriate gear on the road where I should use gear 4 on the road which was 50km/h, I used gear 3 all the way instead.
By saying those 2 plus the 'rubbing' of kerb, I would have failed the Test but...why did he say I didn't check blind spot most of the time? I can strongly suspect that whenever I was checking blind spot, he was doing other things (I bet he's dozing off). I felt very angry and also disheartened but I didn't want to waste my time talking to him and just waited for the actual test.
Time: 4.30pm
Description: Actual Driving Test
There were 10 candidates inside the room waiting for the test. I was around the 6th or 7th person to be called by the tester, who's a Malay. When I was told that I've gotten test route 1, which is a CCK/Teck Whye area, I felt that I can do it even though I didn't get 6 or 8. Furthermore, it's better if I got the CCK/Teck Whye area instead of the Bukit Batok area because in my opinion, there were far more pedestrians in the Bukit Batok area based on my experiences during the practical lessons. It would therefore affect my results if I'm not aware to the pedestrians' actions and some unexpected behaviours from the drivers.
Similar to the warm up, I went to the circuit first before I went to test route 2.
Here's the rundown of my Practical Test.
1. Emergency Brake
2. S-Course @ Number 4
3. Vertical Parking @ Number 37
4. Slope @ Number 51
5. Directional Change @ Number 9
6. Crank Course @ Number 13
7. Parallel Parking
8. Test Route 1
During the Crank Course and getting out to do the Parallel Parking, there were 2 other test cars doing the Parallel Parking hence I would have to wait by turning halfway to the left after the exit of the Crank Course. While I was waiting, the test suddenly opened the door and went out to check something. I turned my head and saw the kerb. Immediately, I thought there would be a big demerit point as he's checking out whether did I strike the kerb (Striking the kerb = 10 points!!) but I didn't feel anything while I was turning halfway to the left. Did I really got the demerit points? The results would be revealed after I finished the test, the last person to finish to be exact.
Time: 5.00pm
Description: Waiting for the Results at the Waiting Room
Inside the waiting room, I was all alone and shook my head. I thought that I've failed and was already prepared to fork out more money for additional revision lessons and another round of Practical Test.
My tester went in and told me that I've passed. 16 points.
I was in disbelief! How could that be? I passed?! On my first try?!
Below is the fully revealed report of my mistakes made during the test.
It was supposed to be a failure as I counted I got a raw score of 22 points. However, there were some mistakes which do not constitute any demerit points if it was done the first time or even two times maximum. I did check on my blind spot for most of the time inside the circuit and on the road except for once after hearing the disheartening comment made by the warm up instructor. Although blind spots were checked, I didn't know that I had to confirm safety while doing Directional Change and Vertical Parking because most of the time during my practical lesson, I did and my instructor said I could move on without saying anything. To my surprise, I did better on the road as compared to the circuit. Also, did I forget to mention I didn't get 10 demerit points for striking the kerb. Yes, I didn't!
No matter what, I've passed my Practical on my first try and I am now a qualified driver since 11 July 2014.
I would like to thank my fixed instructor who had been teaching me since January 2014. He has a good teaching attitude which gave me a good impression. I've met other driving instructors throughout the practical lessons and I can finally prove to one of the driving instructors that you were wrong to told me I'm not qualified to drive. I could not drive well at the time when I was busy doing my internship, I still can learn and try again but it's totally wrong to dishearten a learner and further saying that I could not make it and I was not qualified to drive a car. Thankfully, he was not my fixed instructor or else I could have the worst driving experience at BBDC. To me, he was not qualified to be the patient and friendly instructor which was pasted almost on every car.
I feel that a good instructor must encourage learners and point out mistakes that he/she has done throughout the whole lesson instead of jumping into conclusion and therefore dishearten the learners. I thought of giving up after the disheartened comments made by him went into my ears but it was never a right choice. I chose to continue and avoid using him as my instructor.
I have paid lots of money in getting my fixed instructor but it was definitely a 'good investment' in choosing him, instructor number 2616. Thank you!
There you go, my official driving license after 2 weeks, which featured my so-called the '16-pointer face'.
-The End-
Before I explain more about my Practical Test experience and on the mistakes that I've made, I went for my final two practical lessons before the actual test. One was on 7 July and the other one was on 9 July, at 5.20pm. I wanted to pass the Test on my first try as I have already succeeded in passing both Basic Theory and Final Theory Tests on the first try. It would be great if I could also pass the Practical in just one try.
Now, to the actual day of the Practical Test.
Date: 11 July 2014
Time: 3.20pm
Description: Warm Up Session
Before the actual test started, I had a warm up session. I went to a counter which was located at the far end to print out a slip. However, that slip was not the small piece of paper (it can be seen in part 2 of the blog) which stated the car number and the area. It was a bigger piece of paper which there's only a car number on the top left hand corner. Others...not deserved to be mentioned because I find that's irrelevant to me.
I've gotten car number 29. I was shocked to see that number! It was such a strange number that I've ever seen. I've never taken 29 before. Well, I was thinking too much at that time. I thought I would get car number 18 because most of the time I would get that (but additional charges apply due to getting a fixed instructor) during my Practical lesson and hopefully could also drive that same car in my Practical Test. I was WRONG! A different car number meant a different instructor, which also meant I would get to witness his attitude as it was a new face to me.
By the way, the slip that I've printed out must be given to the instructor before the warm up session begins. That means I would have to memorise the car number. The tester...would not even care where's your car if you can't even memorise a 2 or 3 digit car number! I don't know what's the consequence of not memorising your car number but it's better if you have a memory space to put in that simple 2 or 3 digit car number. Fortunately, I knew because 2 multiplied by 9 is 18, a special method which I can remember my car number. Honestly speaking, it doesn't take much memory space to remember that!
In the warm up session, I went to the circuit first before going to one of the 10 test routes. In the circuit, everything looked fine to me except when I accidentally 'rubbed' the kerb at the directional change segment. On the road, I've gotten test route 2, which was in the Bukit Batok area.
A little note, out of the 10, 6 areas are in the Bukit Batok area while the remaining are in the Choa Chu Kang (CCK)/Teck Whye area. 1, 3, 6 and 8 are the CCK/Teck Whye Area. 6 and 8 are the killers because of the slopes and I believe many learners are afraid to get those two during the actual test.
6 - A slope with a pedestrian crossing and a yellow box junction plus another slope with a stop-line
8 - A slope with a pedestrian crossing and a yellow box junction
Though it's look scary as an immediate failure will be given for not giving way to the pedestrian and also not stopping on the stop-line if you're not aware enough, it's consider test routes which I wanted to try out during the actual test because in the actual road condition, you may face this kind of road facilities in other areas of Singapore and even other countries. If you don't dare to face it, there may be a problem if you face this kind of situation once you're a qualified driver. Hence, I even hoped that I can get 6 or 8 during the test.
Just as I thought I did fairly OK during the warm up, my warm up driving instructor told me...
1. I didn't check blind spot on the circuit and on the road most of the time.
2. I didn't use appropriate gear on the road where I should use gear 4 on the road which was 50km/h, I used gear 3 all the way instead.
By saying those 2 plus the 'rubbing' of kerb, I would have failed the Test but...why did he say I didn't check blind spot most of the time? I can strongly suspect that whenever I was checking blind spot, he was doing other things (I bet he's dozing off). I felt very angry and also disheartened but I didn't want to waste my time talking to him and just waited for the actual test.
Time: 4.30pm
Description: Actual Driving Test
There were 10 candidates inside the room waiting for the test. I was around the 6th or 7th person to be called by the tester, who's a Malay. When I was told that I've gotten test route 1, which is a CCK/Teck Whye area, I felt that I can do it even though I didn't get 6 or 8. Furthermore, it's better if I got the CCK/Teck Whye area instead of the Bukit Batok area because in my opinion, there were far more pedestrians in the Bukit Batok area based on my experiences during the practical lessons. It would therefore affect my results if I'm not aware to the pedestrians' actions and some unexpected behaviours from the drivers.
Similar to the warm up, I went to the circuit first before I went to test route 2.
Here's the rundown of my Practical Test.
1. Emergency Brake
2. S-Course @ Number 4
3. Vertical Parking @ Number 37
4. Slope @ Number 51
5. Directional Change @ Number 9
6. Crank Course @ Number 13
7. Parallel Parking
8. Test Route 1
During the Crank Course and getting out to do the Parallel Parking, there were 2 other test cars doing the Parallel Parking hence I would have to wait by turning halfway to the left after the exit of the Crank Course. While I was waiting, the test suddenly opened the door and went out to check something. I turned my head and saw the kerb. Immediately, I thought there would be a big demerit point as he's checking out whether did I strike the kerb (Striking the kerb = 10 points!!) but I didn't feel anything while I was turning halfway to the left. Did I really got the demerit points? The results would be revealed after I finished the test, the last person to finish to be exact.
Time: 5.00pm
Description: Waiting for the Results at the Waiting Room
Inside the waiting room, I was all alone and shook my head. I thought that I've failed and was already prepared to fork out more money for additional revision lessons and another round of Practical Test.
My tester went in and told me that I've passed. 16 points.
I was in disbelief! How could that be? I passed?! On my first try?!
Below is the fully revealed report of my mistakes made during the test.
No matter what, I've passed my Practical on my first try and I am now a qualified driver since 11 July 2014.
I would like to thank my fixed instructor who had been teaching me since January 2014. He has a good teaching attitude which gave me a good impression. I've met other driving instructors throughout the practical lessons and I can finally prove to one of the driving instructors that you were wrong to told me I'm not qualified to drive. I could not drive well at the time when I was busy doing my internship, I still can learn and try again but it's totally wrong to dishearten a learner and further saying that I could not make it and I was not qualified to drive a car. Thankfully, he was not my fixed instructor or else I could have the worst driving experience at BBDC. To me, he was not qualified to be the patient and friendly instructor which was pasted almost on every car.
I feel that a good instructor must encourage learners and point out mistakes that he/she has done throughout the whole lesson instead of jumping into conclusion and therefore dishearten the learners. I thought of giving up after the disheartened comments made by him went into my ears but it was never a right choice. I chose to continue and avoid using him as my instructor.
I have paid lots of money in getting my fixed instructor but it was definitely a 'good investment' in choosing him, instructor number 2616. Thank you!
There you go, my official driving license after 2 weeks, which featured my so-called the '16-pointer face'.
-The End-
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)