The Ministry of Transport has launched a pilot e-testing system for driving tests. The project, which has been years in the making following numerous complaints about bribery cases, was officially launched this morning.
The new e-testing system will utilise sensors and cameras to conduct nearly all driving evaluations. Assessment data will be directly recorded into a database and scored based on existing standards set by the Road Transport Department.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, speaking after inaugurating the pilot programme at Surfine Driving Institute Sdn Bhd, emphasised that three commercial driving institutes will lead the pilot project. He expressed his intention to expedite the system’s adoption by all driving institutes, possibly by the end of the year.
Once fully implemented, the e-testing system will eliminate the need for officials to manually score driving tests, thereby reducing the potential for corruption.
Loke highlighted the ministry’s commitment to preventing any human contact with Road Transport Department (JPJ) officers, citing numerous allegations of bribery and corruption in obtaining driving licenses.
He emphasised that with the new system, everything will be scored through computers, eliminating such practices.
The pilot project is expected to take six months for the ministry to assess the transition from manual to e-testing.
Two other commercial driving institutes offering e-testing are Berjaya Bhd in Ulu Tiram, Johor, and Institut Lima Bintang Abadi in Penang.
The ministry has approved three service providers for the testing system, with three others still undergoing evaluation.
Additionally, theory tests can also be conducted through computers, reducing waiting times for driving license applications.
Commercial driving license institutes will be able to start applying for the system next month.
Loke assured that test fees using the e-system will be regulated, with motorcycle applications costing no more than RM17, and RM27 for car or combined car and motorcycle licenses.
The initiative aims to streamline driving license applications and deliver efficient digitalised services, representing a concerted effort by the Ministry of Transport and JPJ to combat corruption and enhance transparency in the process.
