PUTRAJAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced a special transition programme for Class B1 and B2 motorcycle licence holders to obtain the Class B licence starting this October.
He said the programme is open to individuals who have actively held a Class B1 or B2 licence for a continuous period of at least 10 years, ensuring their competency level and driving experience before transitioning to a high-powered motorcycle.
The applicant must be free from any blacklist, outstanding summons, transaction restrictions, serious criminal record, or any unresolved matters under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), and must confirm their physical and mental health through self-declaration.
"After that, they need to attend and pass the transition and adaptation programme for motorcycles over 500cc at a driving institute (IM), which includes a practical riding programme, safe driving information, and information on the operation of high-powered motorcycles for two hours.
"Confirmation of the ability to handle a high-powered motorcycle by a qualified training officer (QTO) at an IM is crucial to ensure the competency and ability of an individual to handle a high-powered motorcycle and enhance their driving safety," Loke said in a press conference after officiating the ministry's monthly assembly and Independence Month launching ceremony.
Currently, the B1 licence allows holders to ride motorcycles only up to 500cc, while the B2 licence allows holders to ride motorcycles only up to 250cc. Motorcycles 500cc and above require the rider to hold the higher B licence.
Presently, B2 licence holders wanting to obtain a B licence have to undergo a road test.Loke added that a ceiling price of RM160 is set for any interested applicants to upgrade their licence to Class B.
He also announced that the Class B1 licence would be merged with Class B after considering that the demand for the former category was quite low as the public preferred to obtain Class B.
"Effective Oct 1, 2024, there will no longer be a programme for obtaining the Class B1 motorcycle driving licence at IMs open to the public.
"For existing B1 licence holders, they will remain in that category or can undergo the special programme mentioned above to obtain the Class B licence," he said.