Forum: Concerned over synchronised fee hikes at driving centres

The decision by the three driving centres in Singapore – ComfortDelGro Driving Centre, Bukit Batok Driving Centre and Singapore Safety Driving Centre – to raise fees from Jan 1 for practical lessons, theory classes and simulator training bears the hallmarks of cartel-like behaviour that penalises consumers (

Driving centres in Singapore hike learner fees in 2026

, Jan 4).

The fee hikes, ranging from 6.8 per cent to over 25.2 per cent for specific modules, are being implemented at a time when learners are already struggling with a bottlenecked system.

The demand for learning slots now far outstrips supply. This chronic imbalance has created a market where driving centres have zero incentive to improve productivity or streamline operations. Instead, they operate in a “seller’s market” where learners have no choice but to pay whatever is demanded just to secure a slot.

When all players in a limited market raise prices at the same time, it suggests a lack of genuine competition. In a healthy, competitive landscape, at least one provider would maintain or lower prices to capture the massive overflow of demand.

Instead, we see a coordinated upward trend that suggests the centres are comfortable increasing fees with impunity, knowing that their customer base is captive and desperate.

The justifications provided – such as rising operational costs and instructor wages – must be scrutinised. If productivity is not being enhanced to offset these costs, the burden is simply shifted to the young Singaporeans and workers for whom a driving licence is a vital asset for employment.

I urge the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore to investigate the fee structures. We need to ensure that the price adjustments are a result of market forces and not a lack of competitive spirit among the only three providers in the country.

Phoon Kok Hwa