E-HAILING drivers can register for a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence from April 1 at e-hailing operator driving schools recognised by the Road and Transport Department. 

All e-hailing drivers must take the six-hour PSV licence training course that costs RM200, RTD said in a statement today.

They will also need to pay the licence fee that varies according to engine capacity, as applies to private vehicles.

These new regulations are part of the RTD’s efforts to streamline e-hailing drivers with public transport providers such as taxi drivers. Hence, a PSV licence is required in accordance to Section 56 of the Road Transport Act 1987, the department said.

“A physical licence will be issued to e-hailing drivers who pass the course. Meanwhile, taxi drivers holding the existing vocational licence will be upgraded to a new PSV licence when they renew their licence.

“The RTD has provided guidelines to ensure that the driver, passenger and fellow road users are safe. Enforcement will start from July 12 onwards to check for vehicles which fail to adhere to the stipulated guidelines,” RTD said.

The Transport Ministry had previously announced that e-hailing drivers are to obtain a PSV licence by July this year.

Other regulations for e-hailing drivers require vehicles below three years old to change the status of their vehicle from private use to private e-hailing in line with provisions in the Road Transport Act 1987.

Vehicles older than three years must undergo inspection at Puspakom prior to changing the road use status.

Drivers are charged RM70 for their first inspection at Puspakom and RM55 for subsequent visits.

RTD said it would make available eight mobile Puspakom units to facilitate vehicle inspections, on top of offering the service at 54 Puspakom branches nationwide.

Cars, four-wheel drives and multi-purpose vehicles may apply for e-hailing status while pick-up trucks are only allowed in Sabah and Sarawak.

E-hailing vehicles must have a seating capacity of four to 11 passengers, including the driver.

A first aid kit, fire extinguisher and window tint specifications are also compulsory. – March 27, 2019.