PUTRAJAYA: Starting July 1, individuals without Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification can apply for the Driving School Instructors' Certificate (SPIM), announced Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
This initiative is aimed at addressing the current shortage of driving instructors across Malaysia's driving institutes.
He said the Road Transport Department (RTD) had granted a temporary exemption from the SPM requirement for a period of six months, ending on Dec 31.
This exemption will allow capable drivers, who lack an SPM certificate but possess valuable experience, to pursue certification as driving instructors.
"Many driving institute operators have highlighted that there are skilled drivers capable of becoming excellent trainers, but are hindered by the SPM qualification requirement," he said during a press conference at the annual meeting of the Persatuan Pengusaha Pusat Latihan Memandu Malaysia.
Loke also emphasised that while the exemption provided an opportunity, applicants must still complete all necessary course stages and pass designated exams to obtain a valid instructor certificate.
He said this initiative was part of the ministry's commitment to expanding opportunities for individuals without SPM certificates to enter the driving instructor profession.
This move is expected to alleviate waiting times at driving institutes and meet the increasing demand for qualified instructors.
Loke highlighted that Malaysia's 255 driving institutes serve about 700,000 potential drivers annually, employing over 15,000 instructors and staff members.
Responding to queries about the initiative's duration, he clarified that it was initially implemented for six months, and that the effectiveness of the exemption would be evaluated, and its extension considered based on the outcomes and demand.
"This exemption is targeted at addressing the current shortage of driving instructors. Annually, we require approximately 2,500 instructors to meet demand. The shortage is exacerbated by retirements and other factors affecting instructor availability," he added.