KUALA LUMPUR – The Transport Ministry will be implementing a special transition programme where B1 and B2 licence holders can get a B-class licence that allows them to use motorcycles above 500cc.
At present, B1 licence holders can only use motorcycles that do not exceed 500cc, while B2 licence holders can only use motorcycles that do not exceed 250cc.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this transition programme is tailored from the proposal made by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last year where B1 and B2 class licence holders get a B-class licence.
The ministry has several conditions for licence holders that wish to partake in this transition programme, such as the participants have to be those who have been actively holding these B1 and B2 licences for a minimum of 10 years.
“This condition (is put in place) to identify the competency and experience level of riding motorcycles by any individual before they transition to using high-powered motorcycles,” said Loke in a press conference today.
In addition, the applicants should be free from any blacklist, summon arrears, restrictions to conduct businesses, charges for heavy crimes or any unresolved matters under the Road Transport Act 1987.
Applicants need to issue self-declarations that they are physically and mentally fit to undergo the programme.
They are also required to attend and pass the transition programme and adjustment on 500cc- powered motorcycles in driving schools, which would involve riding tests, information on safe riding and information on riding high-powered motorcycles for two hours.
They are also required to get confirmation on their capability levels in handling high-power motorcycles, which will be issued by qualified training officers at driving schools.
“This confirmation is very important to determine the competency and capability levels of the individuals in handling high-powered motorcycles in order to guarantee safe riding by them.”
Participants in this transition programme will be required to pay RM160 in service charges to bear the operational costs in the driving schools.
Loke also said the Road Transport Department is in the final stage of introducing the transition programme by coordinating with driving schools and would open up applications to the public starting October 1.
“This special transition programme does not have an end period, and would continue until a period that would be fixed and announced later.”
Combining B1 class licence with full-B licence
Apart from the special transition programme, the ministry will also merge the B1-class licence with a full-B licence.
Loke said the merging was decided following low demand for B1 class licences from the public every year as they would apply for a full-B licence. Starting October 1, the B1 licence would not be available at all driving schools nationwide.
“By getting a B-class licence, individuals would be qualified to ride motorcycles of various cc, and not limited to those that are powered less than 499cc.
“For existing B1 licence holders, they can (choose) to remain in that category or partake in the special programme to get a B-class licence.” – August 2, 2024