The Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles (CETRAN) is a joint initiative between Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the Land Transport Authority (LTA), and JTC Corporation. Established in 2016-2017 within the Jurong Innovation District, CETRAN is not an AV developer but a standards and assessment body that defines what "safe enough" means for driverless vehicles operating on Singapore roads.
The Test Circuit
CETRAN's 1.8-hectare test centre was built by JTC Corporation to replicate the exact conditions found on Singapore's public road network. The facility includes:
- Two signal-controlled junctions with pedestrian crossings
- Raised zebra crossings for pedestrian detection testing
- Speed humps at varying heights
- Bus stops and dedicated bus lanes
- A gradient course simulating Singapore's inclines
- Both asphalt and concrete carriageway surfaces
- Kerbs of varying heights to test vehicle positioning accuracy
- A rain simulator that creates controlled wet-road conditions
- A flood zone to test navigation in standing water up to a defined depth
The entire facility is monitored by seven 360-degree CCTV cameras connected to LTA's Autonomous Vehicle Monitoring and Evaluation System, known as OLIVE. This system records every test run and enables remote observation by regulatory officials.
Assessment Process
Before any autonomous vehicle can operate on Singapore's public roads, even in designated trial areas, it must pass a safety assessment jointly administered by LTA and the Traffic Police at CETRAN. The assessment evaluates:
- Basic manoeuvring: Lane following, lane changing, turning at junctions, and parking
- Obstacle detection and response: Ability to identify and stop safely for pedestrians, cyclists, and stationary obstacles
- Traffic light compliance: Correct interpretation of traffic signals including amber timing
- Emergency stopping: Response time and stopping distance under sudden obstacle appearance
- Weather resilience: Performance in simulated rain and on wet surfaces
Regulatory Requirements for AV Operators
Beyond passing CETRAN's physical tests, AV operators must satisfy several additional requirements mandated by the amended Road Traffic Act:
- A trained safety driver must be present in the vehicle at all times during trials
- Comprehensive insurance coverage against third-party liability
- Installation of a vehicle fault alert system
- An on-board "black-box" data recorder that logs operational data for incident investigation
Technical Reference TR 68
In 2019, Singapore published Technical Reference TR 68, a national document setting out requirements for the safe deployment of fully autonomous vehicles. The reference was updated in 2021 to incorporate lessons from ongoing trials and international developments. TR 68 covers:
- Functional safety requirements for AV hardware and software
- Cybersecurity protections against remote vehicle interference
- Human-machine interface standards for passenger-facing autonomous services
- Data recording and incident reporting obligations
CETRAN's Mandate
CETRAN develops assessment procedures, testing requirements, and contributes to international AV standards. It does not develop autonomous driving technology directly. Its role is analogous to an aviation safety authority: setting the bar, not building the aircraft.
International Significance
CETRAN's testing framework has been referenced by transport authorities in other ASEAN countries considering AV regulation. The centre's rain and flood simulation capability is particularly relevant for tropical Southeast Asian markets where autonomous driving systems must handle monsoon conditions that rarely feature in European or North American testing protocols.