Special Driving License For Pick-up Trucks Mooted

Due to the high number of fatal incidents involving pick-up trucks in this country, the government has been urged by some quarters to introduce a specific driver's license classification for the pick-up truck drivers.

Currently, anyone with a Class D license—a heavy motorcar with a load of no more than 3,500 kilograms—can operate a pick-up truck.

"The particular driving license is vital so that pick-up truck drivers have the abilities and procedures to operate the vehicle in a correct and safe manner," said Azad Jasmi, Chief Trainer at TIC Advanced & Performance Driving Academy when quoted by Kosmo!.

According to him, the Class D license that most 4x4 owners now possess is insufficient for their different driving style. "In the past, the majority of people who obtained a Class D license would practise driving using Perodua Kancil or Axia," he adds.

"However, after getting a license, they drive a 4x4 vehicle that has a much larger body, height and a more powerful engine," said Azad further. He continued by noting that in general, a 4x4 vehicle is used to transport goods or loads and the vehicle should not be driven too fast.

He further explained that the position of the pick-up truck's centre of gravity is higher, thus causing it to be less stable than vehicles with their centre of gravity that are lower and close to the road surface.

Azad therefore advised that pick-up truck owners should possess a specific driving license, similar to that required of drivers of lorries and buses, known as the Commercial Vehicle Driving License (GDL) and the Public Transport Vehicle License (PSV).

"The ability to operate and understand the nature of a four-wheel drive (4x4) is important because if there is an emergency, the driver will know the safest way to brake to avoid bad consequences," he added.

According to Datuk Mohammad Hisham Shafie, head of the National Road Users Association, anyone who wishes to operate a pickup truck must also complete training or a course.

“Driving a pickup truck and driving a car are two very different things, which is one of the main reasons accidents still happen.”

“some of the pickup truck drivers tend to be intolerant towards others on the road”

"So, an advocacy program involving driving techniques and prudent driving needs to be implemented in the existing system," he said.

He also mentioned that the driving school and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) had also been urged to check drivers' qualifications to operate vehicles every three to five years.

“Every three to five years after receiving their license, drivers are supposed to complete theoretical and practical training.”

"This is to make sure the driver's efficiency and competency are at a good and satisfactory level," he continued.

He also underlined the necessity for stronger law enforcement to ensure that no one disregards the current regulations.