SG-based Members; drop by here! (",)

btarroja213 · October 2014

Sino dito nag driving lessons sa SG? Gaano katagal hanggang makakuha ng license at magkano inabot na bayad?
Minimum 6 months bro. Minimum spending around din mga $2000+.

First 2 months - waiting for your BTT.

After BTT, you have to go through 20+ driving lessons. Lessons are hard to book specially weekends and after office hours.

Then you will need to wait for Traffic Police Test.

What is BTT? Totally newbie kasi ako so from the scratch talaga ako mag driving lessons. Then hanggang April 2015 nlang ako kasi lipad na ako sa Aussie. I am thinking now kung dito ako mag driving lessons at kumuha ng license or dun nlang sa Australia kaya. Balak ko sana sa Bukit BAtok driving center malapit sa place ko. Di pa ako nagtatanong. I am also curious how much yung difference ng magagastos dito sa SG as compared sa Au for driving lessons and license.

BTT = Basis Theory Test. Need mo pass ang BTT before ka maka start ng Driving Lessons.
If wala ka pa driving exprience, i suggest sa Au ka na mag start. April is too close. Remember na ang closest available BTT sched is always 2 months++ pa from the time mag register ka.

Tsaka mga driving instructors dito sasadyain na i-fail ka then ipa-retake ka ng lesson just to give them more business. Ang style kasi dito, di ka maka proceed sa next lesson if di mag sign off ang instructor mo. Although there are only 6 lessons, most students get to take 20+ (a lesson is about 1.5 hours of driving session) before the instructor will sign you off for Practical Test...

cholle · October 2014

@vhoythoy May DL ka na ba sa Pinas? Kung meron, pwedeng mag-BTT na lang provided yung PH DL was issued before you moved to Sg. Para paglipat mo rito sa Au convert na lang.

Just had my Sg licence converted today to an unrestricted NSW DL. Ambilis lang! To think na yung Sg licence ko is less than one year pa lang (got it last April), but I've had my PH DL since 2006. So taken as driving for more than 3 years ako and with licence from List 1 country = no exams required. Yaaay!

vhoythoy · October 2014

@vhoythoy May DL ka na ba sa Pinas? Kung meron, pwedeng mag-BTT na lang provided yung PH DL was issued before you moved to Sg. Para paglipat mo rito sa Au convert na lang.

Just had my Sg licence converted today to an unrestricted NSW DL. Ambilis lang! To think na yung Sg licence ko is less than one year pa lang (got it last April), but I've had my PH DL since 2006. So taken as driving for more than 3 years ako and with licence from List 1 country = no exams required. Yaaay!

None. Totally from scratch talaga ako. Im reading sa pinoysg forums parang sometimes takes upto 8 months pa and mahirap booking nga. aabot ng about 3k sgd. Parang sa Australia nalang talaga ako magdriving lessons. baka di na kakayanin dito ,mga 6 months nlang kasi ako sa SG

vhoythoy · October 2014

Alternatively, mag driving school ako sa pinas bago mag australia. Di ko lang alam gaano katagal aabutin and if makakuha ako ng license agad2. If ever man may license na ako sa pinas, kakaissue lang nun, and not sure paano ko magagmit sa Australia. basa2 pa talaga muna.

btarroja213 · October 2014

Alternatively, mag driving school ako sa pinas bago mag australia. Di ko lang alam gaano katagal aabutin and if makakuha ako ng license agad2. If ever man may license na ako sa pinas, kakaissue lang nun, and not sure paano ko magagmit sa Australia. basa2 pa talaga muna.

Suggest ko wag ka na mag aral mag drive sa Pinas. Magkakaroon ka lang ng ibang habits na mahirap tanggalin pagdating sa AU.

Anyway, sa AU naman basta may open license na for 1 year, pwede na samahan ang learner driver (QLD rule. Not sure for other states). Hanap ka na lang mag turo sayo dun... :-D

clickbuddy2009 · October 2014

Hi @vhoythoy, mas magandang kumuha ka na lang ng PH driver's licence para paglipat mo dito, di mo na kelangan dumaan sa P licence. Kapag magstart ka from scratch dito, dadaan ka muna sa L licence. Then kelangan mo maka 25 hours supervised driving before ka makatake ng practical driving assessment. Then I think another 25hours ulit bago ka mabigyan ng P licence. Then you have to wait for another 6 months ata to convert to full licence (i'm not so sure about this one). Pero super gastos kung start from scratch ka dito. Di ka rin kaagad makakabili ng sasakyan mo unless meron kang kamaganak or kaibigang nakafull licence na palaging kasama mo para magdrive. Hindi rin ideal na kumuha kp ng licence dyan sa SG kung wala ka namang ph licence kasi baka hindi rin iconvert kaagad yan dito since bago pa lang.

clickbuddy2009 · October 2014

Alternatively, mag driving school ako sa pinas bago mag australia. Di ko lang alam gaano katagal aabutin and if makakuha ako ng license agad2. If ever man may license na ako sa pinas, kakaissue lang nun, and not sure paano ko magagmit sa Australia. basa2 pa talaga muna.

Hindi mo rin magagamit dito ung bagong issue mo na ph licence if ever man kasi di ba naginitial entry ka na dito and max of 3months lang pede un or in Vic case, 6 months. Pero atleast hindi ka na magprobationary. Hindi ko lang din sure ito ha, baka kasi may limit ng years pa rin ang overseas licence bago mo ma-skip yung P stage.

vhoythoy · October 2014

Alternatively, mag driving school ako sa pinas bago mag australia. Di ko lang alam gaano katagal aabutin and if makakuha ako ng license agad2. If ever man may license na ako sa pinas, kakaissue lang nun, and not sure paano ko magagmit sa Australia. basa2 pa talaga muna.
Suggest ko wag ka na mag aral mag drive sa Pinas. Magkakaroon ka lang ng ibang habits na mahirap tanggalin pagdating sa AU.

Anyway, sa AU naman basta may open license na for 1 year, pwede na samahan ang learner driver (QLD rule. Not sure for other states). Hanap ka na lang mag turo sayo dun... :-D

Ganun na nga siguro. Jan nlang ako magaral from scratch. Hanap muna ako ng bahay malapit sa train station hahaha

vhoythoy · October 2014

By the way, kapag nagtake at nakapasa ba ako ng BTT at FTT dito sa SG, pwede ko magamit yan sa AU? recognised ba nila yan?

TasBurrfoot · October 2014

By the way, kapag nagtake at nakapasa ba ako ng BTT at FTT dito sa SG, pwede ko magamit yan sa AU? recognised ba nila yan?

nope...

vhoythoy · October 2014

By the way, kapag nagtake at nakapasa ba ako ng BTT at FTT dito sa SG, pwede ko magamit yan sa AU? recognised ba nila yan?
nope...

I see. So wag na talaga dito, sa Au nalang lahat.

j0hn · October 2014

sa mga nagtatanong dito about getting Pinas NBI clearance while nasa abroad, ito po ginawa ng most of the people sa forum na nakakuha na:

1. Contact Ms. Sandra Sobida thru [email protected]. You may ask her phone number and call for faster discussion (and para ma-feel mo din na totoo siya, you know what I mean ).
2. Send thru her EMAIL address the following:
- scanned filled out form from the nbi website using address abroad
- scanned 2x2 picture with white background
- scanned old nbi clearance
- scanned passport
3. Send payment through western union. Note: 115 pesos per clearance plus xxx pesos depends if ordinary mail lang or courier (DHL costs 780 pesos).

Sandra P. Sobida
Mailed Clearance Section
NBI U.N. Avenue Manila 1000
Philippines

4. Request Ms. Sandra to send the NBI clearances to your address abroad.
5. Don't ever forget to thank her & Him

Hi may gumawa ba nito recently (this month or last month)? I also need to get my nbi clearance renewed. I dont feel that going to the embassy and pay 40$+ to get our finger prints in a piece of paper is reasonable, especially if its just for renewal.

rejai_11 · October 2014

Sino dito nag driving lessons sa SG? Gaano katagal hanggang makakuha ng license at magkano inabot na bayad?

Minimum 6 months bro. Minimum spending around din mga $2000+.

First 2 months - waiting for your BTT.

After BTT, you have to go through 20+ driving lessons. Lessons are hard to book specially weekends and after office hours.

Then you will need to wait for Traffic Police Test.

What is BTT? Totally newbie kasi ako so from the scratch talaga ako mag driving lessons. Then hanggang April 2015 nlang ako kasi lipad na ako sa Aussie. I am thinking now kung dito ako mag driving lessons at kumuha ng license or dun nlang sa Australia kaya. Balak ko sana sa Bukit BAtok driving center malapit sa place ko. Di pa ako nagtatanong. I am also curious how much yung difference ng magagastos dito sa SG as compared sa Au for driving lessons and license.
BTT = Basis Theory Test. Need mo pass ang BTT before ka maka start ng Driving Lessons.
If wala ka pa driving exprience, i suggest sa Au ka na mag start. April is too close. Remember na ang closest available BTT sched is always 2 months++ pa from the time mag register ka.

Tsaka mga driving instructors dito sasadyain na i-fail ka then ipa-retake ka ng lesson just to give them more business. Ang style kasi dito, di ka maka proceed sa next lesson if di mag sign off ang instructor mo. Although there are only 6 lessons, most students get to take 20+ (a lesson is about 1.5 hours of driving session) before the instructor will sign you off for Practical Test...

Oh no! booked na for my BTT in dec..bahala na c batman nito hehe..

eccen3k · December 2014

Hello mates. Dahil sa bilis ng mga nangyari sa akin, I am now here sa Australia. I arrived last 07DEC2014 and completed some of the must to-do things for starters. I will post it dito to credit the hits to this very helpful forum site but will also list it to my personal page found here. Hope these helps.

1. Buy SIM card

This is for you to have mobile contact number and mobile internet. I bought the prepaid one but planning to apply for a postpaid once I got a job. I bought the SIM online then after 2-3 days, it was delivered to our doorstep. I got Virgin mobile for no other reason just because this is the same SIM of my girlfriend.

2. Buy a Metro card.

This will be your transport card just like EZlink card in Singapore. You need to go to their office to buy this card and its not available on malls as far as I know. How I got one? I just grabbed my girlfriend’s Metro card. I used it on riding a bus. Only the bus at the moment.

3. Applied for Tax File Number (TFN).

Do this once you arrived in Australia. Information and the link how to apply ONLINE is available here. You will need your passport number and your Au address. Better memorize or have a copy of your address handy along with your personal information since you will need these for most/all your applications.

4. Applied for a Bank Account.

I chose BankSA just because this is my girlfriend’s bank. I went to the nearest branch to apply. They will need your passport and another proof of identification in Au. As I only have my passport, I tried if my visa grant letter would do and they did accept it. My whole application took less than 30 minutes.

5. Applied for Medicare.

You also need to go to the Medicare office to apply for this. But before going, better print and fill up this Medical Enrollment Form to save you more time. Once you came in their office, approach the ticket machine, select “Make Claim or Enrol” then get your number. Go to the window when your number is flashed on the screen. Give your queue number, completed enrollment form and passport. After several minutes, it will be finished and your card will be sent via post to your address in about 3 weeks. My application took less than 30 minutes since I already have the enrollment form ready

6. Applied for Drivers Licence.

To start first, I have a Singapore Drivers Licence so what I need to do is just convert it to Australia Drivers Licence since they recognize Singapore having the same driving standards. We went to their government office and approached the reception officer. They gave me a form and asked for a proof of residence/address. Examples he gave me are proof of tenancy and billing statements with my name. I don’t have any of those then he gave me another option. Since I already have a bank account, he gave me another form where I can use my Bank to prove my residence/address. We went to the nearest BankSA, gave the form to them. The personnel put her name on it, signed it and put the bank’s stamp with date. Well done!

We went back to the office to convert my license and I’m good to proceed. The reception officer gave me a queue number. Once called to the respective window, I gave my queue number, proof of address form, passport, my Singapore drivers license and the completed licence application/conversion form. Also, the staff is requiring me a card with my name on it. My debit card from BankSA don’t have my name but good thing they honored my credit card from Singapore (DBS) with my name on it so better bring one like I do.

We have option to select the years of validity of the drivers licence. 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, etc… are the choices. 1 year cost around A$ 40.00 and 5 years costs A$ 217.00. I chose 5 years, paid the amount on the same window, then went to the another window for picture taking. After that, they gave me a paper and advised to wait around a week to post my licence card to my address. I completed it the same day for about 1.5 hours including my journey and process needed for the proof of address from the nearby BankSA.

7. Start job hunting.

I started job hunting even I’m not already in Australia but no one has replied yet. After I arrived, I updated my resume and cover letter with ASAP availability date and fortunate to land an interview with a recruiter. Recruitment firms are normal here just like in Singapore. That was my first interview and its a great experience. Hoping for more to come leading to employment.

So that’s it for my first week. I am not sure if the process is similar in other states but I hope I was able to give you an overview of what to expect.

Take note guys na I wrote it from my actual experience. Better consult the forum or the internet to know more.

ullahv · December 2014

magaask lang po ako, QS po ako for 8 years na and I want to migrate sa Australia. I tried na magpaassist sa Respall kaso ipinasa nila yung docs ko sa VETASSES (CE) at rejected. Ano po ba ang pwede ko gawin. Paano po ba magstart? Do I really need such agent to apply? Thanks po sa tulong na info. @TasBurrfoot

brixx89 · December 2014

@ eccen3k, salamat sa tips

mike_perth · December 2014

hello! SG din po ako. still here now, nag-aasikaso lng ng reqt for visa application. expecting to be assigned in perth by 2015 first quarter.

rukiasan · December 2014

very very helpful guide. thanks for posting @eccen3k best of luck on your job hunting now!

brixx89 · December 2014

Tanong lang po, pwede po ba makapag rent din ng buong house kahit na wala pa work at kaka move in lang sa Aus? Paano po pwedeng gawin, kasi usually nakikita koneed ng mga proof ng income etc..papunta kasi kami ng buong family ko sa SA by March next year hinginlang ng tips or bka may property agent na pinoy or may kakilala na pwedeng makapag assist or ma contact,maraming salamat.

TasBurrfoot · December 2014

Tanong lang po, pwede po ba makapag rent din ng buong house kahit na wala pa work at kaka move in lang sa Aus? Paano po pwedeng gawin, kasi usually nakikita koneed ng mga proof ng income etc..papunta kasi kami ng buong family ko sa SA by March next year hinginlang ng tips or bka may property agent na pinoy or may kakilala na pwedeng makapag assist or ma contact,maraming salamat.

we were able to rent a 2-bedder back in mid 2013 even without work - we just wrote them a letter explaining our situation as current migrant, we told them we have been renting for 4 years in Singapore without any problems and issues and showed proof of capacity to pay rental.

depending on how tight the competition for that property but pwede naman ito...

buchock · December 2014

@eccen3k - thanks for the tips!

Hello mates. Dahil sa bilis ng mga nangyari sa akin, I am now here sa Australia. I arrived last 07DEC2014 and completed some of the must to-do things for starters. I will post it dito to credit the hits to this very helpful forum site but will also list it to my personal page found here. Hope these helps.
1. Buy SIM card

This is for you to have mobile contact number and mobile internet. I bought the prepaid one but planning to apply for a postpaid once I got a job. I bought the SIM online then after 2-3 days, it was delivered to our doorstep. I got Virgin mobile for no other reason just because this is the same SIM of my girlfriend.

2. Buy a Metro card.

This will be your transport card just like EZlink card in Singapore. You need to go to their office to buy this card and its not available on malls as far as I know. How I got one? I just grabbed my girlfriend’s Metro card. I used it on riding a bus. Only the bus at the moment.

3. Applied for Tax File Number (TFN).

Do this once you arrived in Australia. Information and the link how to apply ONLINE is available here. You will need your passport number and your Au address. Better memorize or have a copy of your address handy along with your personal information since you will need these for most/all your applications.

4. Applied for a Bank Account.

I chose BankSA just because this is my girlfriend’s bank. I went to the nearest branch to apply. They will need your passport and another proof of identification in Au. As I only have my passport, I tried if my visa grant letter would do and they did accept it. My whole application took less than 30 minutes.

5. Applied for Medicare.

You also need to go to the Medicare office to apply for this. But before going, better print and fill up this Medical Enrollment Form to save you more time. Once you came in their office, approach the ticket machine, select “Make Claim or Enrol” then get your number. Go to the window when your number is flashed on the screen. Give your queue number, completed enrollment form and passport. After several minutes, it will be finished and your card will be sent via post to your address in about 3 weeks. My application took less than 30 minutes since I already have the enrollment form ready

6. Applied for Drivers Licence.

To start first, I have a Singapore Drivers Licence so what I need to do is just convert it to Australia Drivers Licence since they recognize Singapore having the same driving standards. We went to their government office and approached the reception officer. They gave me a form and asked for a proof of residence/address. Examples he gave me are proof of tenancy and billing statements with my name. I don’t have any of those then he gave me another option. Since I already have a bank account, he gave me another form where I can use my Bank to prove my residence/address. We went to the nearest BankSA, gave the form to them. The personnel put her name on it, signed it and put the bank’s stamp with date. Well done!

We went back to the office to convert my license and I’m good to proceed. The reception officer gave me a queue number. Once called to the respective window, I gave my queue number, proof of address form, passport, my Singapore drivers license and the completed licence application/conversion form. Also, the staff is requiring me a card with my name on it. My debit card from BankSA don’t have my name but good thing they honored my credit card from Singapore (DBS) with my name on it so better bring one like I do.

We have option to select the years of validity of the drivers licence. 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, etc… are the choices. 1 year cost around A$ 40.00 and 5 years costs A$ 217.00. I chose 5 years, paid the amount on the same window, then went to the another window for picture taking. After that, they gave me a paper and advised to wait around a week to post my licence card to my address. I completed it the same day for about 1.5 hours including my journey and process needed for the proof of address from the nearby BankSA.

7. Start job hunting.

I started job hunting even I’m not already in Australia but no one has replied yet. After I arrived, I updated my resume and cover letter with ASAP availability date and fortunate to land an interview with a recruiter. Recruitment firms are normal here just like in Singapore. That was my first interview and its a great experience. Hoping for more to come leading to employment.

So that’s it for my first week. I am not sure if the process is similar in other states but I hope I was able to give you an overview of what to expect.
Take note guys na I wrote it from my actual experience. Better consult the forum or the internet to know more.

vhoythoy · December 2014

Wala bang eb ung aalis from singapore ngaun first quarter ng 2015?

TasBurrfoot · December 2014

Wala bang eb ung aalis from singapore ngaun first quarter ng 2015?

you can organise!

vhoythoy · December 2014

^^ Haha ayoko normal attendee lang ako. Audience impact lang. Last time madami masipag mag organise. Ako nlang yata kasi naiwan sa batch ko dito. Hintay hintay nalang tyo ng masipag mag organise hehehe

brixx89 · December 2014

Tanong lang po, pwede po ba makapag rent din ng buong house kahit na wala pa work at kaka move in lang sa Aus? Paano po pwedeng gawin, kasi usually nakikita koneed ng mga proof ng income etc..papunta kasi kami ng buong family ko sa SA by March next year hinginlang ng tips or bka may property agent na pinoy or may kakilala na pwedeng makapag assist or ma contact,maraming salamat.
we were able to rent a 2-bedder back in mid 2012 even without work - we just wrote them a letter explaining our situation as current migrant, we told them we have been renting for 4 years in Singapore without any problems and issues and showed proof of capacity to pay rental.

depending on how tight the competition for that property but pwede naman ito...

Thanks TasBurrfoot, followup question lang po, nag rent kayo thru an agent din or direct sa owner ng house? proof of capacity to pay ay yung bank account na bale? thanks

TasBurrfoot · December 2014

Tanong lang po, pwede po ba makapag rent din ng buong house kahit na wala pa work at kaka move in lang sa Aus? Paano po pwedeng gawin, kasi usually nakikita koneed ng mga proof ng income etc..papunta kasi kami ng buong family ko sa SA by March next year hinginlang ng tips or bka may property agent na pinoy or may kakilala na pwedeng makapag assist or ma contact,maraming salamat.
we were able to rent a 2-bedder back in mid 2013 even without work - we just wrote them a letter explaining our situation as current migrant, we told them we have been renting for 4 years in Singapore without any problems and issues and showed proof of capacity to pay rental.

depending on how tight the competition for that property but pwede naman ito...
Thanks TasBurrfoot, followup question lang po, nag rent kayo thru an agent din or direct sa owner ng house? proof of capacity to pay ay yung bank account na bale? thanks

We had our lease via an agent; I haven't seen any ad na direct mismo sa owner ng house.

Yes, Bank Statement pinakita namin.

Stoked0419 · January 2015

Hello SG peeps

kakabook ko lang today of IELTS Exam on March 28, 2015.
Pero bakit wala po yung Reading at listening?
Written test: M2
Speaking test: M2 / NPC

Please advise naman po

eccen3k · January 2015

Hello SG peeps

kakabook ko lang today of IELTS Exam on March 28, 2015.
Pero bakit wala po yung Reading at listening?
Written test: M2
Speaking test: M2 / NPC

Please advise naman po

Normally mag kakasunod ang Listening, Writing at Reading. Isang upuan lang. They are all written exam.
Yung Speaking ang hiwalay.

mast3ree · January 2015

Hello SG peeps

kakabook ko lang today of IELTS Exam on March 28, 2015.
Pero bakit wala po yung Reading at listening?
Written test: M2
Speaking test: M2 / NPC

Please advise naman po

Written test means Listening, Reading and Writing Tests.

TasBurrfoot · January 2015

Hello SG peeps

kakabook ko lang today of IELTS Exam on March 28, 2015.
Pero bakit wala po yung Reading at listening?
Written test: M2
Speaking test: M2 / NPC

Please advise naman po

Reading and Listening falls under WRITTEN as sinusulat mo yung mga sagot mo...