Unlicensed teen driving: Where does the responsibility lie?

THE issue of teenagers driving without a valid licence is rapidly becoming a disturbing social phenomenon in Malaysia, raising serious questions about accountability, public safety, and the gaps in enforcement and education systems.

A recent fatal accident on Jalan Sultan Suleiman Shah involved a 16-year-old boy, who, according to reports, lost control of the vehicle he was driving. Checks later confirmed that the teenager did not possess a valid driving licence.

While the young driver bears immediate responsibility, experts argue that blame must be more widely shared. This, they say, is a collective failure involving guardians, law enforcement, and the broader education system.

"This is not simply about a reckless teen—it reflects parental negligence, weak law enforcement and a lack of early education on civic duties," observers note.

In many cases, teenagers gain access to vehicles either secretly or with tacit parental approval. Some parents even allow their children to drive under the guise of daily necessity or early practice, despite knowing it is illegal.

Lax enforcement also contributes to the problem. Rural and suburban areas often fall outside the scope of consistent monitoring. In the absence of regular roadblocks or patrols, underage drivers move freely, unchecked.

At the same time, civic education—particularly in relation to road safety and legal responsibility—remains underemphasised in schools. With little early exposure to such critical topics, many teens are more influenced by peer pressure than by legal awareness.

Ultimately, the issue of underage driving cannot be laid at the feet of one group alone. It demands a collective response.

Parents must be held accountable for the actions of their children. Authorities must step up enforcement beyond urban centres. And schools must prioritise road safety and civic duty as core elements of education.

Every life on the road matters. The time for indifference has passed—it is a shared duty to ensure that irresponsible behaviour, no matter the age, does not endanger others. - August 24, 2025