The electronic driving test system (e-driving test system) is expected to be introduced throughout the country at the end of this year, according to the Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke. However, the system is currently under the proof of concept (POC) stage, and there are still procedures and details to be refined before it is officially utilised, reported The Star. With the e-driving test system, driving tests will still be conducted using an actual car, but with cameras and sensors around the car to determine the candidate’s performance.
“There is no problem with the concept because we have been through the phase but there are several policies and procedures that we need to set and refine,” said the Transport Minister at a press conference after the launch of the Malaysian Driving Institute Association (PIMA) 23rd Annual general assembly at Ibis Hotel on July 22.
Loke added, “I have discussed with the Transport Ministry secretary-general on the matter so it can be implemented soon, hopefully at the end of this year. So after this, we can decide, gazette the changes on the procedure and then implement the system at all driving institutes across the country.”
Loke also mentioned that there are several driving schools that have prepared to implement the e-driving system. This includes five driving institutes thus far, with one each in the states of Penang, Kedah, and Johor, as well as two driving institutes in Selangor. And as mentioned above, the system is still currently at the POC stage.
The Transport Minister also ensured that the driving schools won’t be required to implement the system from a selected vendor when the e-driving test system is approved. He also added that it will not be mandatory for the students and driving schools to go for the e-driving test system.
RELATED: MOT: EV road tax to be cheaper than petrol car road tax, special “EV” plates proposed
“We are not going to tell the driving schools there is only one vendor to implement the e-driving test system because that could raise elements of monopoly. So we decided not to choose any specific vendors, as long as the system adheres to the specifications and standards set by JPJ, the institutes and schools are free to choose,” said Loke.
“For example, PIMA has its own system for members to use or they are free to choose another vendor. But when the ministry audits the system, it must follow the standards,” he added.
The e-driving test system is also said to be able to help reduce unethical practices such as “Lesen Kopi”, driving licences attained via corrupt means. The JPJ officers and driving schools can also be protected from being accused of being involved in corruption. Students will also be protected as they will be allowed to review their tests if they fail.
RELATED: No plans to abolish tolls in Malaysia for now due to high cost, says Works Minister
