MOT: Mandatory Defensive Driving Courses for Repeat Offenders

The Transport Ministry is looking at introducing compulsory defensive driving courses, particularly for motorists who have accumulated traffic offences or had their licences suspended.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the proposal is part of a broader effort to overhaul driver training in Malaysia, shifting the focus toward real-world driving skills and accident prevention instead of exam-oriented learning.

Under the idea being studied, drivers facing licence suspensions or similar enforcement actions could be required, or encouraged, to undergo refresher training aimed at improving road discipline and safety awareness.

Loke said this in the Dewan Rakyat today when responding to a question on the need to review motorcycle licence training.

He also said the ministry is working with the Education Ministry to roll out more targeted safety measures for students who ride motorcycles to school, following a high-level road safety meeting held on Jan 20.

As part of this shift, the MyLesen B2 programme will be redirected toward secondary schools, ensuring student riders receive proper and structured training at an earlier stage.

In addition, MOT has rolled out the MySafe School initiative, which supports a 30km/h speed limit around school zones, backed by clearer signage, road markings and traffic-calming features.

Loke said motorcyclists made up 66.4% of all road deaths last year, with those aged between 16 and 30 accounting for the largest share.

Data from MIROS shows that risky behaviour, interaction with heavy vehicles, weak riding skills and poor safety awareness remain key factors behind motorcycle crashes.

Source: Bernama