E-testing for driver's licence will eventually replace manual method, says Loke

KEPALA BATAS: The e-testing system for learner drivers to obtain their driving licence will soon replace the manual way of carrying out driving test, says Anthony Loke (pic).

The Transport Minister said his ministry was supportive of the automated testing system, but said several things were required before the system could be approved.

“At the end of the day, e-testing will eventually replace manual physical tests.

“However, driving institutions will need to go through several processes in order to get the test approved before implementing it, ” he said at a press conference during a site visit to "My A-Licence" training and e-testing at a driving institution here on Friday (Aug 23).

Loke also said there was no rush to introduce the new e-testing system.

“Once the e-testing system is implemented, all will be computerised without any human intervention.

“There will be no more Road Transport Department (JPJ) officer sitting beside the drivers to check on them. Instead, there will be sensors and cameras installed at the track and in the car.

“We have to go step by step.

“We are still at an early stage, therefore we will allow both manual and e-testing methods.

“There are driving institutions in rural areas with poor or no Internet connections whereby the system cannot work, ” he said.

“The driving institutions must officially apply to JPJ to use the system, present proof of concept, carry out pilot test, conduct user acceptance test and final acceptance test before the system can be approved.

“It must meet the standards set by JPJ, ” he added.

He also that e-testing would save time and resources for JPJ when the system was approved.

The system will have to be integrated directly to the mySIKAP system at JPJ, and once the driver passes the test, they can collect their driving licences at JPJ directly.

“It is a straight forward pass or fail.

“If they are unhappy with the results they can challenge it, and they can see the camera footage for themselves, ” said Loke.

In May, the Minister said an automated process for driving test, which minimises human intervention, could be in place from as early as next year.

This would help prevent "Kopi O" licences and "guaranteed pass" packages, which were an open secret among Malaysians sitting for driving tests.