PUTRAJAYA April 10 — With immediate effect, drivers no longer have to pass the theory examinations to obtain vocational driving licences, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today.
He said the theory component for the vocational driving licence will be conducted as online classes but that drivers will still need to pass their practical examinations.
“Regarding the improvement of the vocational licence procedure which consists of the public service vehicle licence category and goods vehicle licence, the following steps will be taken.
“Abolition of theory test for all vocational licence and theory classes for the vocational licence can be carried out on a pay-as-you-go basis,” he said.
Loke said the theory classes for vocational licences will be conducted online on platforms provided by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), driving institutes (IM), or qualified business companies.
He said that the existing theory class period will be maintained.
“Any IM or intermediary business company, must use the online vocational license theory class teaching module or syllabus set by the JPJ in full.
“The JPJ will set conditions and regulations related to the qualification of online platform preparation and regulate theory classes to ensure the legitimacy and integrity of candidates,” he said.
He said the data and attendance records of the candidates will be integrated into the MySIKAP system to enable vocational licences to be issued directly to candidates without the need for physical presence at the JPJ counters.
“The theory class syllabus for all vocational licence categories, especially involving e-hailing and taxi services, will be revised and improved by JPJ and the Malaysian Road Safety Research Institute by obtaining input from the industry to be relevant to current needs.
“Therefore, the improvement of this syllabus will be finalised within six months,” he said.
Loke also elaborated on a previous announcement by the Land Public Transport Agency extending the age limit for vehicles used for e-hailing and taxi services, from 10 years to 15 years.
He said that the vehicle owners can apply for the licence at least a year before it expires.
He said the owners whose vehicles had crossed the 10-year age limit recently can reapply for the licence so they can continue to drive for another five more years.
But he also said that the licences for the e-hailing and taxi services are always subject to periodic inspection and must comply with safety regulations.
“With the implementation of this new policy, I hope that the burden on taxi drivers and e-hailing can be eased, especially those who have been affected during the past Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
