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Current driving competency tests are sufficient to equip drivers with the necessary skills to drive high-performance cars if they are driven within the speed limits.
Therefore there is no need for an additional licensing requirement now, wrote Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean in a written answer on Monday.
He said that this is a similar practice in other jurisdictions such as New Zealand, Japan, British Columbia (Canada), London and San Francisco.
Member of Parliament Ang Hin Kee had asked Mr Teo if the Traffic Police will consider introducing a special licensing requirement for motorists who wish to drive high-performance cars, similar to that of the Class 2/2A/2B licence for motorcyclists who wish to ride motorcycles of different engine capacities.
Mr Teo explained that road accidents are usually caused by errant driving behaviour and that a driver of a normal car who drives in a dangerous manner or disregards traffic rules is more likely to cause an accident than a driver of a high-performance car who drives safely and complies with traffic regulations.
He also said that the Traffic Police will monitor the situation and take steps to enhance the driving licence framework if the need arises.
Mr Ang's question comes after a high-profile accident on May 12 involving a Ferrari, a taxi and a motorcycle that left two dead and three others injured.
On May 15, chairman of the Public Transport Council Gerard Ee had rejected calls for tougher restrictions on high-performance sports cars and blamed reckless drivers and not fast cars.
According to a report in my paper on Monday, the traffic police have not finished their review on licensing procedures but an update is expected in the middle of next year.
klim@sph.com.sg
Video clip shows Ferrari speeding, beating the red light
Click on thumbnail to view. Story continues after photos.
(Photos: Shin Min, ST, Wanbao) |
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| For more photos, click here. |
 
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