Theory test for vocational licence to be scrapped

PUTRAJAYA: Those applying for the public service vehicle (PSV) licence and goods driving licence (GDL) will not be required to sit for a theory test as part of the improvements on procedures for a vocational licence, says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister said applicants would only be required to attend and complete theory classes before they are issued with the licence.

“We are making these improvements following feedback from ehailing drivers who have to spend time attending classes and also sit for the test, which they had done earlier to obtain a driving licence,” he told a press conference yesterday.

However, Loke said it would still be compulsory for candidates applying for the PSV licence for buses and GDL for articulated lorries to undergo training.

“They must pass their practical test before they are given the vocational licence,” he said.

The minister said that in line with the ministry’s digitalisation efforts, theory classes for all categories of the vocational licence could be conducted online, and those providing online classes must apply modules or syllabus that had been determined by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

He said JPJ would also set a list of conditions to be followed to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the candidates.

“Candidates’ data and information will be integrated with the MySikap system to allow the vocational licence to be issued directly to them without having to be physically present at JPJ counters to collect their licence,” he said.

He also said the theory classes’ syllabus for all vocational licence categories, especially those involving ehailing and taxi, would be reviewed and improved.

He said JPJ and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research 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, he 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 services after their vehicles reached the age limit must reapply before they could resume.

“I must emphasise that vehicles for taxi and ehailing services must pass routine inspections. This is to ensure only vehicles that fulfil technical and safety requirements are licensed to operate and be on the road,” he said.

On April 3, the Land Public Transport Agency 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.