PUTRAJAYA: Those seeking a vocational driving licence will no longer be required to sit for a theory test, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
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He said this exemption was for those applying for vocational licence under the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and Goods Driving Licence (GDL) category.
The applicants will only be asked to attend theory classes before the licence is issued to them.
“In line with the ministry’s digitalisation efforts, theory classes for all categories of vocational licence can be conducted online, through platforms provided by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and driving institutes,” he told a press conference on Monday (April 10).
However, it remains compulsory for candidates applying for PSV licence for buses and GDL for articulated lorries to undergo training and pass their practical test before they are given the vocational licence.
Loke said those providing online theory classes must apply modules or syllabus that has been determined by JPJ.
He said the department would also determine conditions to be followed by those providing online platforms to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the candidates.
“Candidates’ data and information will be integrated with the MySIKAP system.
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“This will allow vocational licence be issued directly to the candidate without them having to be physically present at the JPJ counters to collect their licence,” he added.
He said that theory classes’ syllabus for all vocational licence categories, especially those involving ehailing and taxi would be reviewed and improvements be made.
The minister said that JPJ and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) would seek input from the industry, adding that the “improved” syllabus would be finalised in six months.
On the extension of the age limit for taxis and ehailing vehicles from 10 to 15 years, Loke said the new ruling applies to all ehailing vehicles nationwide and taxis, airport taxis and luxury taxis in Peninsular Malaysia.
He said those who had stopped providing taxi and ehailing service after their vehicles met the old age limit must re-apply before they could resume their service.
“I must emphasise that the use of vehicles for taxi and ehailing services must pass routine inspections.
“This is to ensure that only vehicles that fulfill technical and safety requirements are licensed to operate and be on the road,” he said.
On April 3, the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) announced that the age limit for taxis and ehailing vehicles had been extended to 15 years, in line with the Transport Ministry’s objective to improve the country’s transport system. – The Star