PUTRAJAYA: Itemised billing, dashboard cameras and automated driving circuit tests.
These are among measures which will be taken to promote integrity and transparency in driving schools nationwide.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said he had been briefed on the issues of “kopi-o” or “flying” licences culture, where money is paid to Road Transport Department testers to ensure someone taking his or her driving test passes it.
“This is why we will roll out several measures to put a stop to this problem including to make all hidden cost out in the open through itemised bill statements.
“They (driving school operators) should do this now. Consumers have the right to know what they are paying for,” he said after attending a briefing by RTD top brass.
In this respect, Loke warned driving schools nationwide to stop offering “guaranteed kautim” (guaranteed to settle) arrangements for students taking the RTD’s licensing tests.
“I have been told that certain driving schools offer packages of up to RM2,200 for the ‘guarantee to pass’ licence package. There will be no more such packages from now onwards.
“The rate that has been set for motorcycle B2 licence is at RM350; manual transmission driving licence at RM1,150 and automatic transmission driving licence at RM1,250. The cost should not be more than what has been set,” he said.
Nonetheless, said Loke, driving schools could still offer additional services such as for transporting learner drivers to and from the institute, but he stressed these “extras” must be optional and clearly stated in the itemised bill statements.
For on-the-road tests, he said, the ministry wanted driving schools to install dashboard cameras in all test cars.
“This will allow a learner driver, who believes he has failed because he does not pay the ‘duit kopi’, to appeal with proof captured by the dashboard cameras,” he said.
Another measure to be implemented, he said, was to have an automated driving circuit test system that would do away with having an examiner in the same car with the learner drivers when they did their parking and slope tests.
Loke explained that the learner drivers would be monitored using technology such as video and closed-circuit television cameras.
“All will be computerised and the tester will monitor the student’s performance via a control room,” he said.
The ministry, said Loke, would issue a circular to the driving schools on what had been decided.
“These things will be done in stages. We will follow the laws and guidelines will be issued,” he said, adding that he would discuss these matters with driving school operators.--Report by Azura Abas, Suhaila Shahrul Annuar and Noor Atiqah Sulaiman