Too easy to convert foreign licences?

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20120709-357958.html

THIS FAMILY LOST THEIR
 BREADWINNER DUE
TO A RECKLESS DRIVER

Most of you will remember the Bugis crash back in May involving a Ferrari driven by a Chinese national that beat a red light.

It rammed into a taxi and three people died, including the driver.

A motorcyclist was also hurt.

In the aftermath of the accident, a big question on the lips of many was this: Are foreign- licence holders getting Singapore licences too easily?

Getting a driving licence from scratch in Singapore is not easy for many.

I hold a Singapore car licence and two motorcycle licences, and it took me seven long months of lessons and over $3,000 to qualify for them.

This included taking three practical tests and several theory tests.

But, on the other hand, anyone with a foreign licence can convert it into a Singapore licence very easily.

Take my friend, who studied in Australia, for example.

He converted his Australian licence into a Singapore one just by taking a basic theory test - a test so easy for him that he didn't even study for it.

People are screaming foul over this, not only because they think foreign-licence holders are having it too easy, but also because the reverse doesn't always apply.

The traffic police said in May that only 0.1 per cent of the 369,637 drivers with converted foreign licences contributed to accidents.

But that's still more than 300 accidents.

A more stringent criteria for foreign-licence conversion could mean less under-qualified drivers on their roads and maybe even one less accident.

Thankfully, our authorities are catching on.

Currently, holders of foreign heavy-vehicle licences cannot convert them here by just taking a basic theory test. They have to take a practical test.

In May, the traffic police reiterated that they are reviewing the licensing process for foreign drivers of vehicles that transport people and goods in the course of their work.

However, this does not apply to those who drive for personal or recreational purposes.

The traffic police haven't finished their review on licensing procedures but an update is expected in the middle of next year.

Whatever direction they might lean towards, I hope the parties can address motorists' concerns and look into the conversion process for all foreign vehicle licences, including those for cars and bikes.