CDC versus SSDC

[coolscan]

i present the EFR attendance letter to TP office. they give me an earlier test date (in my case, 40 days earlier than the test date available online). there is an admin fee of choosing the earlier date, S$10.7

[virux]

Seems BBDC is the fastest.

Please advice how faster can get 2A? Withing 1 month / 2 month?

Afraid if its like for 2B ,, lol , damn hav to wait about 1 year

[di_andrei]

Considering the nearest test date is more than 2 months away, even if you are very free, talented and lucky it will still take 2 1/2 - 3 months at least.

[flyingcow]

ya don't go cdc man. the waiting time in between lessons are crazy long. along with trying to book anything else.

[di_andrei]

By the way, 2 month waiting period for test dates is standard across all schools now.

[sydarume]

Hey too bad i stumbled on this thread too late. I intend to change from CDC to SSDC also. The wait is too long for 2B practs. Unfortunately I already started in CDC But I haven't even gone for 1 single pract. Maybe I should cancel and switch to SSDC.

[rider2013]

just go with your heart do what you feel Bro...

[anipsxe]

Based on the posts above, avoid CDC at all costs issit? Haha!

Took my 2B at CDC, no choice...distance issue.

 

Now tt I am more mobile, which would you recommend: SSDC or BBDC? Currently thinking of where to take 2A once I can in a few weeks' time

 

In terms of cost, I guess it would be similar at the different centres?

 

TQ

[nsr1980]

I feel SSDC is the best...shorter waiting time for riding bikes lesson.

[chriszzz]

Took my 2b at CDC, and now taking 2A at SSDC. SSDC wins hands down. The only thing good about CDC is that it's nearer town, whereas SSDC is at Woodlands/Admiralty area which is more ulu. But in every other way, SSDC is better. SSDC has:

 

1. all aircon waiting areas.

2. sheltered circuit

3. level 5 circuit has very few cars (at least when I took my first lesson there. Next lesson is coming up). In CDC, bikes and cars jostle for space. Slow cars are a bane for 2 wheel newbies trying to retain balance behind a newbie learner driver. Traffic jams occur all the time in the CDC circuit.

4. online payment using credit card, vs stupid topup system of CDC.

5. in-building carpark if you drive your car there. CDC provides no parking and you have to park roadside or nearby building.

6. provides kneepads, elbow guards and helmet. Just bring a pair of gloves. CDC provides nothing.

7. the circuit layout is better. The distance before the slalom is much longer than in CDC, which makes it easier for you to pick up speed and get into 2nd gear. The plank has gentle slope and is painted eyecatching white, compared to the brown plank at CDC with the sudden bump. The crank course also seems longer, which is easier to navigate, and is further from the figure 8. in CDC you have to do a sharp turn after figure 8 and come to a stop very quickly, which risks getting points deducted for wobbling/sudden stop.

8. Don't have to print receipt. CDC requires you to print your receipt after you make an online booking, which is frigging retarded.

9. More self-service kiosks.

10. Generally, everything is in better condition, from the toilets to the customer service areas to the lifts and escalators. CDC has stairs only.

11. If you are taking 2A, SSDC uses 400cc Honda CB400. I think this is better as it is closer to an actual mid-size bike you'll ride outside. CDC uses a smaller 250cc bike. Not sure how this will translate into actual use when you ride a bigger 400cc bike outside. The bike I rode was very new, and had only 4000+km on it. New bikes are less problematic and behave more consistently, important when taking your test.

12. The bumpy course, slalom, plank, and ebrake are near each other and you can practice them repeatedly (note: level 5 only). In CDC, you have to ride one big round around the circuit to practice them again.

13. Not sure how the morning traffic is at SSDC, but the traffic at CDC is very heavy. Man, even riding out of the circuit onto Ubi Ave 4 is a pain in the butt. Hesitate too long and kenna penalize. This makes your 2B road test more challenging.

 

So, my vote goes for SSDC.

Edited March 10, 2015 by chriszzz
Pt 12 only applies to level 5 of SSDC

[chriszzz]

You should. CDC is just retarded in so many ways (see my prev post). If I had know this earlier, I would have gone SSDC or BBDC for my 2B. Any place but CDC.

 

Hey too bad i stumbled on this thread too late. I intend to change from CDC to SSDC also. The wait is too long for 2B practs. Unfortunately I already started in CDC But I haven't even gone for 1 single pract. Maybe I should cancel and switch to SSDC.

[nsr1980]

Yes agreed SSDC wins....in many ways.

[simeone82]

Sorry for bumping up an old thread.

I just enrolled in CDC.. and after that i was reading this forum. Boy and i just came across this post...

 

If i read this earlier will go to SSDC.. It is really wierd that CDC theory lessons are limited slots and then luckily i booked for next week

All the lessons for theory and Defensive lessons. And if i now go in, no more slots for MARCH???

Sigh..Just go first and see how and if pract lessons i keep failing and long queue waiting to practice circuit and long waiting period to book pract lesson then i may enroll to ssdc...

[chriszzz]

Here's a time saving tip: When you book practical lessons in CDC, always book 3 lessons at one shot, 2 days apart. Eg, let's say you are booking lesson 2. Book lesson 2 on Monday, Wed, Friday. Generally, you'll need to take each lesson 2-3 times. If you pass, you can cancel the rest. This way, you don't have to wait 1-2 weeks to try again.

 

The problem with CDC's circuit is that there are too many cars and bikes, which will cause a traffic jam within the circuit. But SSDC is not perfect either: In the SSDC circuit, there are several places where the bike will encounter cars doing reverse/parallel parking. If you fail to anticipate this and stop your bike behind one of these cars, you will get immediate failure. Also, SSDC has lorries doing the circuit too, which is quite annoying as they are slow and take up alot of space.

 

 

 

 

Sorry for bumping up an old thread.

I just enrolled in CDC.. and after that i was reading this forum. Boy and i just came across this post...

 

If i read this earlier will go to SSDC.. It is really wierd that CDC theory lessons are limited slots and then luckily i booked for next week

All the lessons for theory and Defensive lessons. And if i now go in, no more slots for MARCH???

Sigh..Just go first and see how and if pract lessons i keep failing and long queue waiting to practice circuit and long waiting period to book pract lesson then i may enroll to ssdc...

[simeone82]

Thanks for the advice. I never thought of booking 2 to 3 pract for 1 lesson.

Can't wait to start the theory lessons and orientation next week!

 

 

Here's a time saving tip: When you book practical lessons in CDC, always book 3 lessons at one shot, 2 days apart. Eg, let's say you are booking lesson 2. Book lesson 2 on Monday, Wed, Friday. Generally, you'll need to take each lesson 2-3 times. If you pass, you can cancel the rest. This way, you don't have to wait 1-2 weeks to try again.

 

The problem with CDC's circuit is that there are too many cars and bikes, which will cause a traffic jam within the circuit. But SSDC is not perfect either: In the SSDC circuit, there are several places where the bike will encounter cars doing reverse/parallel parking. If you fail to anticipate this and stop your bike behind one of these cars, you will get immediate failure. Also, SSDC has lorries doing the circuit too, which is quite annoying as they are slow and take up alot of space.

[nsr1980]

just go SSDC or BBDC...

[chriszzz]

Thanks for the advice. I never thought of booking 2 to 3 pract for 1 lesson.

Can't wait to start the theory lessons and orientation next week!

 

Make sure you book them far apart enough so that you can cancel them if needed. It was 48hours when I was there, but you should probably double-check with CDC customer service.

[nsr1980]

Yes no offend to CDC, but SSDC is the best!!!

Took my 2b at CDC, and now taking 2A at SSDC. SSDC wins hands down. The only thing good about CDC is that it's nearer town, whereas SSDC is at Woodlands/Admiralty area which is more ulu. But in every other way, SSDC is better. SSDC has:

 

1. all aircon waiting areas.

2. sheltered circuit

3. level 5 circuit has very few cars (at least when I took my first lesson there. Next lesson is coming up). In CDC, bikes and cars jostle for space. Slow cars are a bane for 2 wheel newbies trying to retain balance behind a newbie learner driver. Traffic jams occur all the time in the CDC circuit.

4. online payment using credit card, vs stupid topup system of CDC.

5. in-building carpark if you drive your car there. CDC provides no parking and you have to park roadside or nearby building.

6. provides kneepads, elbow guards and helmet. Just bring a pair of gloves. CDC provides nothing.

7. the circuit layout is better. The distance before the slalom is much longer than in CDC, which makes it easier for you to pick up speed and get into 2nd gear. The plank has gentle slope and is painted eyecatching white, compared to the brown plank at CDC with the sudden bump. The crank course also seems longer, which is easier to navigate, and is further from the figure 8. in CDC you have to do a sharp turn after figure 8 and come to a stop very quickly, which risks getting points deducted for wobbling/sudden stop.

8. Don't have to print receipt. CDC requires you to print your receipt after you make an online booking, which is frigging retarded.

9. More self-service kiosks.

10. Generally, everything is in better condition, from the toilets to the customer service areas to the lifts and escalators. CDC has stairs only.

11. If you are taking 2A, SSDC uses 400cc Honda CB400. I think this is better as it is closer to an actual mid-size bike you'll ride outside. CDC uses a smaller 250cc bike. Not sure how this will translate into actual use when you ride a bigger 400cc bike outside. The bike I rode was very new, and had only 4000+km on it. New bikes are less problematic and behave more consistently, important when taking your test.

12. The bumpy course, slalom, plank, and ebrake are near each other and you can practice them repeatedly (note: level 5 only). In CDC, you have to ride one big round around the circuit to practice them again.

13. Not sure how the morning traffic is at SSDC, but the traffic at CDC is very heavy. Man, even riding out of the circuit onto Ubi Ave 4 is a pain in the butt. Hesitate too long and kenna penalize. This makes your 2B road test more challenging.

 

So, my vote goes for SSDC.

[wait4me]

other center in terms of functionality and value for money ssdc or bbdc.

but to really have a feel of riding /driving on the road

 

no course beats CDC

[simeone82]

I am quite surprised to see even around early 10+ at night and a lot cars and bikes in the circuit.

hmmm and am still waiting till next week for theory lessons and orientation sigh..

[nsr1980]

SSDC the best!!

[simeone82]

I am now seriously regretting signing up with CDC...

After my theory and orientation (after waiting about 1 week for theory slots)

Now for Lesson 1 must wait for 2 weeks...not in a hurry but apply PDL and waste 2 weeks waiting and PDL only vaild 6 months...

And now if I wan to switch to SSDC must attend all theory again.... but the best thing is every week they got lessons slot...

[Siphon]

I am now seriously regretting signing up with CDC...

After my theory and orientation (after waiting about 1 week for theory slots)

Now for Lesson 1 must wait for 2 weeks...not in a hurry but apply PDL and waste 2 weeks waiting and PDL only vaild 6 months...

And now if I wan to switch to SSDC must attend all theory again.... but the best thing is every week they got lessons slot...

 

If you're not in a rush to get your licence... then its ok. Else the travelling time for you to woodlands... is quite long... even if you drive its about 30-45 mins one way? depending on traffic...

 

I would think get one that is nearer to your house is a better choice...

[chriszzz]

Well, I think that depends. Distance is not the only determinant. If you can get your lessons booked quicker, and attend fewer lessons (120 mins vs 100 mins, so in theory, you will attend 5 SSDC lessons for every 6 CDC lessons. This may not apply to practical lessons, but is probably true of revisions, for which you may attend many), the distance may be worth it.

 

Also, for some funny reason, CDC has 2 test routes, which means you waste 50% of your road revisions pactising for a route you will never use. SSDC, if I'm not mistaken, only has 1 test route (please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. I didn't take my 2B at SSDC so this is based on me looking at the diagrams of the test route at SSDC).

 

After attending 1 month+ of lessons at SSDC for class 2A, I wished I had also gone to SSDC for my 2B.

 

 

In my opinion, there are minor differences in the circuit too.

 

Slope: SSDC and CDC about the same for the first 2 bikes. But if you are bike 3 or 4, CDC is easier, because you wait your turn on the flat road at the bottom of the slope. SSDC requires you to wait on the slope behind the first 2 bikes, which means you effectively have to do the slope twice - once in the waiting position, and once on the actual slope position. This is based on 2A, but I assume 2B bikes do the same.

 

Fig 8. CDC's slightly easier than SSDC. SSDC has a little lane leading into fig 8, which requires you to make a 90 deg left turn into the lane followed by a 90 degree right turn upon entering the fig 8, before you are in the correct position to start the course. In CDC, I usually just enter the course at a diagonal so the bike is more or less already facing the correct direction as I enter fig 8.

 

Crank course: SSDC very slightly easier. Distance to the entrance is longer, and distance in the course itself is also slightly longer. But crank course was probably the easiest course anyway, so it's no big deal.

Plank - SSDC easier by quite a bit. Your bike is automatically aligned straight to the plank due to the single line queue, and the plank is painted eye-catching white and has a gentle slope up.

 

Slalom - SSDC easier. The distance to accelerate to gear 2 is longer.

 

E brake - about same.

 

Bumpy course - Not applicable for 2B.

 

None of these are show stoppers, and after some practice, you'll figure out how to deal with the quirks of each course, and from then on it's just a matter of practice. Of course these are just my opinions, and admittedly subjective. Another person may feel completely different.

 

 

 

If you're not in a rush to get your licence... then its ok. Else the travelling time for you to woodlands... is quite long... even if you drive its about 30-45 mins one way? depending on traffic...

 

I would think get one that is nearer to your house is a better choice...

[hushpuppy]

Damn...if only I chance upon this thread earlier

 

Anyway anyone knows usually how many lessons required to clear practical 1 at cdc?