The Road Transport Department (RTD) issues Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences to drivers who have successfully completed a two-day programme.

Only Malaysians above 21 with Competent Driving Licence (CDL) and certified fit by a doctor may register for this programme through an authorised driving institute, which conducts training on both practical and theory.

The PSV licence is meant for drivers of all public service vehicles such as taxis and buses, and those with heavy vehicle driving licence are allowed to operate medium and full size buses.

Those driving taxis are issued an additional Driver Card by the Land Public Transport Commission (Spad), so that both the driver and attached vehicle are easily identifiable.

The majority of drivers picking up passengers through ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Grab, are without PSV licences, and none issued with Driver Cards.

Last August, the cabinet decided to legalise services using ride-hailing apps and amendment to the Spad Act to regulate them is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in March.

All vehicles used for public transport, regardless of whether they are licensed taxis or private cars, must be roadworthy.As such, all must pass routine vehicle inspections at Puspakom.

A new rule should also be introduced to mandate all chauffeur-driven vehicles be free of clutter, particularly on the dashboard.

No personal or religious items should be displayed inside the vehicle or on the windscreens and window glasses, except the driver’s phone number.

If there are plans to integrate the PSV licence and Driver Card into one document, I would propose that it be called Public Driver Licence (PDL), which incorporates the first word used in both existing documents.

In fact, a Public Service Vehicle licence is wrongly termed, as those unfamiliar would assume the licence is meant for the vehicle, not the driver. Likewise, the Driver Card is to be kept by the driver, not for display in a taxi.

But all these will be water under the bridge. Moving forward, drivers for ride-hailing services must also obtain the PDL.

It may not be necessary to attend a two-day programme if it can be shortened to one. If so, it can be referred to as ‘Kursus ujian untuk PDL’.

The objective is to allow those attending the ‘Test Course’ to go through a final briefing, allowing the participants to seek clarifications before sitting for tests towards the end of the day.

Upon registration for the ‘Kursus Ujian’, a driver’s manual should be handed out. Those who are incapable of learning on their own or lack confidence in passing the tests may sign up for training with the authorised driving institute or registered training provider.

Likewise, those who wish to develop their entrepreneuring skills may enroll for further training after obtaining the PDL, in order to become competent tourist drivers. Such training can be conducted by taxi associations.

In any case, one day briefings just before tests cannot be suitable for all participants, as their education, experience, skills and knowledge can vary greatly.

Optimum level

An optimum level has to be set for the one-day programme, which will always be too high for weaker candidates, but may be too low for the better ones.

Stakeholders are bound to have different opinions. Taxi and ride-hailing companies would like to see a low entry barrier, which would facilitate entry of newcomers from all levels of society.

Existing taxi drivers would want the authorities to raise the bar, which is no surprise as it means ‘less men more share’, and consistent with their territorial tendency. The views from those without any vested interest would be more balanced.

The public should be wary of urgings by dubious NGOs as many helming such associations tried to be popular by condemning others, without offering any specific proposals.

Whether the PDL will be issued by RTD or Spad or both, it would make a world of difference if drivers are required to attend refresher courses in conjunction with their annual renewal.

Apart from settling all summonses accumulated over a 12-month period, they must also pass a proper medical examination. Those found to be rude and aggressive should also undergo mental examination.