THE theory test for vocational driving licences, namely the Public Service Vehicles Licence (PSV) and Goods Driving Licence (GDL), is abolished, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.

He told a press conference in Putrajaya today that candidates applying for PSV licence and GDL are still required to sit and complete the theory class before the licence is issued.

“However, candidates applying for the PSV licence category for buses and GDL for articulated lorries are still required to undergo training and pass the practical test before they can get the licence,” he said.

Loke said theory classes for all vocational licence categories will also be carried out online, either through a platform provided by the Road Transport Department, the driving institute or a qualified intermediary business company regulated by the RTD.

For the purpose, the institute or intermediary business companies are required to use only the online vocational licence theory class teaching module or syllabus set by the RTD, he added.

“The RTD will set the conditions and regulations on the qualification of online platform providers and regulate the theory classes to ensure the legitimacy and integrity of candidates,” he said, adding that the data and information on the attendance of candidates will be integrated with the MySIKAP system so vocational licences can be issued directly to candidates without requiring their physical presence at the RTD counter.

Loke said the theory class syllabus for all vocational licence categories, especially involving e-hailing and taxi services, will be reviewed and improved by the RTD and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research.

He said the matter would be finalised within six months.

Loke said such measures were taken following complaints from e-hailing operators and drivers in having to spend too much time on theory classes.

The move will increase the number of e-hailing drivers to accommodate demand, while also stabilising the fare, he added.

Loke also said the maximum age limit for vehicles used as taxi and e-hailing had been extended from 10 years to 15, effective January 1.

“As such, vehicles that have not reached 15 years (on January 1) can be back in operation,” he said.

Loke added that taxi and e-hailing drivers are however required to ensure the cleanliness and safety of their vehicles by conducting periodic inspections every year. – Bernama, April 10, 2023.