Singapore’s rules on motorcycle licenses could be considered unfriendly. Regardless, young and old here know the rules and work within them. The basic outline is that there is a 2A license that is valid up to 200 cc, a 2B license that is valid up to 400 cc, and then a full class 2 allowing you to ride any bike of any size. In order to get a certification, one must take written as well as undergo on the road tests. Before you can take the next level one needs to have at least two years of citation free riding. In short, it is complicated.
I forgot to mention that in order to pass the road test at each stage, it is helpful to have taken a riding class for the size of the bike license that you are attempting to pass.
Hours, money, and dedication are required if one is going to ride in Singapore. Lucky for me, my California endorsement was a substitute! I was able to go straight to a full class 2 without any additional testing!
In this setting, the confidence many individuals have on small bikes is out on full display. We know they are a first time rider because of the special triangle showing on the plate! Their maneuvers in the lanes, at the lights, and in general are displays of confidence that far exceed their riding abilities. It is as if they have just been taught to use a bow and arrow; “He shows me how to fight; I can bend a bronze bow!” (Psalm 18.34) “I can ride. I can do anything!”
I watch and find myself slowing down. The reaction is not related to my abilities. I am always in the mode of learning to ride smarter. It reflects an awareness of how fragile life is. Even the best riders end up in accidents due to errors in judgment by others. Cars and trucks end up in accidents, sometimes fatal. We live in an unsafe world. Thinking you are on your own only makes it more dangerous.
