BALING: Driver training circuits will be allowed in multi-storey buildings, warehouses and commercial premises under the Road Transport Department's (JPJ) new guidelines for setting up driving Institutes.
JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the guidelines were developed in line with the Motor Vehicles (Driving Schools) Rules 1992 and the Road Transport Act 1987, aimed at strengthening the regulation of the driving institute industry.
He allowing driving schools in multi-storey buildings is an innovative solution to address land constraints, particularly in densely populated and high-value urban areas.
"However, there are strict requirements including ensuring high safety levels as well as designing training spaces that are conducive and secure to ensure uninterrupted learning," he said after attending the opening of the Kuala Ketil Warisan Integriti Driving Institute near here on Saturday (March 28).
Also present were Kedah JPJ Director Stien Van Lutam and JPJ Director (Driver Licensing) Mohd Kamal Hisham Abu Bakar.
Aedy Fadly said interested parties are welcome to submit applications, including proposals to convert unused land, buildings or large warehouses into driving institutes.
"Underutilised multi-storey buildings such as shopping malls can be considered, subject to compliance with safety requirements.
"For instance, if circuits are built on rooftops, the structure must be strong and meet all specified standards," he said.
He noted that such facilities would be limited to Class D and B vehicles, namely cars and motorcycles.
Among other updates to its guidelines were to remove the minimum distance requirement between driving institutes as well as the minimum land size for new developments.
JPJ will instead assess applications based on the capacity and readiness of existing institutes in the area.
Additionally, driving institutes would no longer be restricted to candidates based on geographical zones, allowing them to enrol learners from any location nationwide. – Bernama
