Special Task Force Formed To Address Backlog Of Driving Test Candidates - Anthony Loke

According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, a special task force has been formed to address the current backlog of driving test candidates at driving institutes (IM) across the country.

Loke stated that the backlog is due to the closure of driving institutes in the country following the Covid-19 pandemic, with an estimated 600,000 candidates undergoing driving courses and tests at such institutes each year. "The large backlog does not mean they cannot obtain their driving licence, but the waiting time is long," he told Bernama.

He stated that the task force is being led by the Road Transport Department (RTD) to find a solution to the backlog of driving test candidates as well as to expedite the licencing process.
Loke also announced the government's initiative to assist IM operators in raising the vehicle age limit at institutes from seven to ten years. "We take one thing into account to assist IM industry players because it is well known that they cannot do anything during Covid-19." "Most of the vehicles entering the seventh year could not be used, which added to the burden on operators and is unfair," he said, adding that RTD will address the issue as soon as possible.

Loke stated that vehicle inspections are exempt for the first and second years to encourage IM to invest in new vehicles. "The mandatory periodic inspection is once a year for the following years up to the tenth year," he said. Regarding the proposal to allow IM to administer the computerised KPP01 test in order to obtain a licence, Loke stated that RTD is developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure the test's integrity and transparency. According to him, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has previously stated that if the test is permitted to be administered by IM, there is a risk of laxity or information leakage.