THE Transport Ministry has scrapped a programme that allows rural residents to obtain their licence without having to take driving lessons.

Minister Anthony Loke said the Satu Komuniti Satu JPJ (SKSJ) programme was cancelled because the applicants were issued licences without having to first undergo proper training.

“We feel that this is something that is not right as the learner driver does not go through a process of learning or a strict course of learning, and the test is also not strict.

 “It is only done in the rural areas, and in the test (all the driver is required to do is) drive around the area to be issued a licence,” he said. 

SKSJ was launched in 2013 and as of 2017, it has enabled 132,851 licences to be issued.

Loke said the licence was issued to the rural resident within a week of him taking the “affordable” course, which did not require him to go through a driving school.

“This programme allowed people to get the B2 probationary licence (motorcycle).

“It is for people aged 40 years and above to obtain a B2 licence especially in rural areas.

“There are also SKSJ programmes targeting the youth, the indigenous people, and senior citizens,” he said.

Loke said licences obtained via SKSJ programmes remained valid, but future applicants would have to go through the standard process.

“It is very hard for us to ask them right now to return the licence and resit the test.

 “The licence is still valid; it is just that there is no such programme anymore in the future.” – July 4, 2018.