KUALA LUMPUR, 29 June 2009: Learners sitting for driving licence tests would be able to use automatic cars once two road transport acts are amended, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Transport minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said the two acts to be amended are The Road Transport Act 1987, and provisions under the Driving Licence regulations 1994.
“The proposal is expected to be implemented by end of the year,” said Lau, when answering a question by Norah Abd Rahman (BN-Tanjong Manis) at the Dewan Rakyat here today.
Norah had wanted to know when the government would allow learner drivers to use automatic cars when attending driving licence tests, as was practised in other countries.
Lau added that the amendments would include a special clause to identify drivers who used automatic cars for their tests.
“If the learner driver decides to sit for his driving test using an automatic car, then he or she will only be allowed to drive automatic cars,” he said.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) would also restructure the modules for learner drivers, teaching methods and driving classes. — Bernama
Danesh says
Drivers are bad enough now. They gonna make it worse… 🙁
Shashi says
It’s about time they implement this in line with rules in other countries. There’s no point learning to drive using a manual, and then switching to auto the moment you pass your test. Most of the cars being sold in the country are auto, so RTD might as well offer learner drivers a choice. As for bad drivers, they’ll be bad whether or not they drive auto or manual cars.