New guidelines permit driving institutes in multi-storey buildings and warehouses to address urban land constraints, with strict safety and structural standards
BALING: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has introduced new guidelines allowing driving institutes to operate in high-rise buildings, warehouses, and commercial premises.
JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the move is an innovative solution to address land constraints in densely populated urban areas.
“However, strict requirements must be met, including ensuring high levels of safety for candidates, instructors and the public,” he said after attending an event near here.
He added that training spaces must be designed to be conducive and secure for uninterrupted learning.
The guidelines were developed under the Motor Vehicles (Driving Schools) Rules 1992 and the Road Transport Act 1987.
Aedy Fadly said interested parties can submit applications at any time, including proposals to convert unused buildings or large warehouses.
“Even underutilised multi-storey buildings, such as shopping malls, can be considered, subject to compliance with safety requirements,” he noted.
For instance, rooftop circuits must have structures that are strong and meet all specified standards.
Such facilities will be limited to training for Class D and B vehicles, which are cars and motorcycles.
Other updates include the removal of the minimum distance requirement between driving institutes.
The guideline also removes the minimum land size requirement for new developments.
JPJ will instead assess applications based on the capacity and readiness of existing institutes in the area.
Additionally, driving institutes are no longer restricted by geographic zones when accepting candidates.
This allows them to enrol learners from any location nationwide.