A 67-year-old former driving instructor has been sentenced for operating illegally after his licence expired in 2001, continuing to teach students for a fee despite repeated warnings from traffic authorities.
Tan Teng Hock taught an estimated 110 to 130 students between December 2023 and March 2025, charging S$60 to S$70 per hour. He pleaded guilty to three charges, including acting as an unlicensed driving instructor and allowing a student to operate a vehicle without valid insurance, with a fourth charge considered in mitigation.
On Thursday (Feb 5), Tan received a five-week jail term, a S$1,000 fine, and a 24-month ban from obtaining any driving licences.
How the Offence Unfolded
Tan’s driving instructor licence had expired in March 2001 and was never renewed. Starting December 2023, he partnered with 71-year-old licensed instructor Fong Chong Fat, who referred students to Tan, unaware that he was unlicensed. Tan also took on direct students, teaching about 70 to 80 learners between December 2023 and April 2024.
Investigators found that Tan allowed students to drive a vehicle registered under his brother’s name in Ubi without displaying “L” plates or installing a front passenger brake control. A routine police check on April 4, 2024, flagged the vehicle, leading to a report and Tan’s arrest in October 2024.
Despite this, Tan continued lessons between December 2024 and March 2025, increasing his hourly rate to S$70. He was stopped again by traffic police on March 2, 2025, confirming he remained unlicensed.
Traffic History and Court Response
Prosecutors highlighted Tan’s extensive past traffic violations, including speeding, running red lights, careless driving, and failing to wear a seatbelt. They argued that his primary motivation was financial gain.
In his defence, lawyer Ivan Lee acknowledged that Tan earned from the lessons but described the work as irregular and claimed the fees were lower than typical driving schools, which charge over S$100 per hour. He added that Tan possessed the skills of a licensed instructor and had no complaints from students.
District Judge Kessler Soh, however, emphasised the severity of Tan’s actions and allowed him to defer serving his sentence until Feb 23.
“Your actions were very serious, and the court hopes this serves as a warning,” Judge Soh said.
