HULU LANGAT – No more “buying” of “guaranteed” driving licences, Transport Minister Anthony Loke promised with the launch of a new pilot computer-based driving test.
The eTesting driving test will use cameras and sensors to evaluate a candidate without the need for a Road Transport Department (JPJ) officer in the vehicle, he said at the system’s launch at Institut Memandu Surfine Hitech Sdn Bhd, here today.
“This system will reduce human interference and ensure driving schools only pass drivers with integrity.
“We want to make integrity part of our culture in the licensing process. No more ‘pau’ licence or ‘guaranteed’ licence,” he said.
Loke acknowledged allegations of JPJ officers requesting extra payment to pass candidates’ driving tests.
He said with the eTesting system, only two officers will be involved and they will be located in a control room, monitoring the cameras and sensors in the system.
The computer-based system will be used for driving tests in a closed circuit.
Other benefits of the system will be the ability for tests to be conducted on more candidates – up to 150 a day – compared to manual testing. Computerisation will also allow faster issuance of driving licences.
To date, eTesting is only available at three institutes, namely Surfine Hitech in Hulu Langat, Selangor; Pusat Latihan Memandu Berjaya Bhd in Ulu Tiram in Johor; and, Institut Lima Bintang Abadi Sdn Bhd in Penang.
It will take another six years for more driving schools to transition to eTesting, Loke added. – March 5, 2024