Since December 2019, you will need to complete your simulator lessons as this is one of the requirements in order to book for your practical test. Therefore, it is important if you can plan ahead and start to book your simulator lessons early to prevent any delay in your practical test.
In this article, I will share my personal experience with my simulator lessons and also what can you do to book your simulator early.
Table of Contents
Why do You need To Plan and Book Simulator Lesson As Early As Possible?
In 2021, I am still able to recall I was only able to book the Simulator session after I completed Stage 1. So the next available slot when I try to book my first simulator session was about 6-7 weeks away. In addition, I am only able to book one session at a time, meaning I have to complete it first in order to book the next simulator lesson.
In SSDC, you require to complete 3 simulator lessons and this is one of the requirements in order for you to book for your practical test.
This is based on my personal experience during 2021, so I am not sure whether the waiting is shortened for this. In the next section, I will share how can I book my simulator early in the same week without affecting booking my practical test
How To Get Simulator Lesson Slots Without Affecting Your Practical Test Booking
Here are some of the tips based on my previous experience, by sharing all these can help you have a better understanding and helps you with your booking too.
Book The First Simulator Session First
Once you are eligible to book, like my case once I completed subject 14 in Stage 2. It is recommended to book your session as soon as possible as the next available slot can be 1-2 months away if your practical lesson is progressing fast can complete stage 2 within a month, you should not delay this.
Seek Customer Service For Help
In my case, I completed stage 3 yet my first simulator lesson has not yet started. I booked my first simulator lesson in early August and managed to get my first simulator lesson on 24 Sept 2022.
So I was unable to imagine how long do I need to complete it, and if I took to complete my first simulator lesson, the next available slot was Nov 2022. To complete all 3, it will take until 2022.
Therefore, I seek customer service for help as I told them I was already on Stage 4 ( 3 remaining subjects left) and checked with them can I pre-book my other 2 simulator lessons in advance for me. In the end, they are very understanding and know my difficulties as I believe many students also encountered this problem as well. The outcome was the customer service in SSDC helped me to book the other 2 simulator lessons (both on 27 Sept 2021) and also an auto transmission lesson too (where I only managed to get a slot on Nov 2021)
Too Risky To Use Try-Sell Method To Get Earlier Slot
I did monitor the try-sell where sometimes people will sell their simulator slots. But the slot will take very fast. The risky park the system only allowed one session only so I need to sell off my 24 Sep slot in order to get the try-sell slot. So the worst-case scenario can be happen is after I try-sell and I also unable to get the earlier slot (taken by other people) and end up losing my existing 24th Sept slot as well.
Avoid Missing Your Simulator Lesson
Unlike practical lessons, simulator lessons are even harder to get. Try not to miss your lesson.
How Is The Simulator Lessons Like?
Basically is like playing an arcade game, following the instructions given, a relaxing session with different scenario-based. For SSDC, each session is about 15 mins. If I am not wrong, different schools might be different. Do check out your school requirement too as the different schools may have different criteria.
Conclusion
Lastly, I hope you will find this article helpful and able to help you to plan well for your driving learning journey.