Itemised billing, dashboard cameras to promote integrity in driving schools

PUTRAJAYA: Itemised billing, dashboard cameras and automated driving circuit tests — these are among measures to 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” licenses culture, where money was paid to Road Transport Department (RTD) testers to ensure someone taking his or her driving test passed it.

“This is why we will roll out measures to put a stop to this practice, including to expose hidden costs 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.

Loke warned driving schools to stop offering “guaranteed kautim” (guaranteed to settle) arrangements for students taking the RTD’s driving tests.

“I have been told that certain driving schools offer packages of up to RM2,200 for the ‘guarantee pass’ licenses. There will be no more such packages from now onwards.

“The rate that has been set for B2 motorcycle licence is at RM350, manual transmission driving licence (RM1,150) and automatic transmission driving licence (RM1,250).

“The cost should not be more than what has been set.”

Nonetheless, said Loke, driving schools could still offer additional services such as for transporting learners 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, who believes he has failed because he did not pay ‘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 learners when they take their parking and slope tests.

Loke said the learners would be monitored using technology such as video and closed-circuit television cameras.

They (driving school operators) should do this now. Consumers have the right to know what they are paying for. ANTHONY LOKE

Transport Minister