PUTRAJAYA: A special programme will be introduced to allow Class B1 and B2 licence holders to be upgraded to the B category, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said applications under this special programme are expected to be opened to the public from Oct 1.
“The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is in the final phase of rolling out the program, including implementing system changes and coordinating with driving schools,” he told a press conference at the ministry here on Friday (Aug 2).
“This programme does not have an expiry date and will be continued until a date to be announced later," he added.
A B2 licence allows holders to only ride motorcycles up to 250cc, while the B1 ceiling capacity is 500cc.
At present, B2 holders wishing to obtain a B licence, which allows them to ride motorcycles of 500cc capacity and above, have to take a road test.
Loke said holders must fulfil several conditions for the upgrade.
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For one, the upgrade will apply to individuals who actively hold B1 or B2 licences for a continuous period of 10 years.
“This is to ensure riding competency and experience in an individual before transitioning to higher-powered bikes,” he added.
Loke said applicants must settle all current summonses, must not have been convicted of any offence, and not be placed on any blacklist.
He said licence holders must self-declare the current state of their health.
They also need to attend and pass the two-hour transition programme at driving schools.
According to Loke, a qualified training officer at a driving school must also verify the licence holder's ability to operate a high-powered motorcycle.
The special transition programme involves a service fee of RM160, he added.
“This is the ceiling price,” he said.
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Loke also told the media that B1 licences will be merged with Class B.
“This takes into account that the demand for B1 driving licences is low every year, because people prefer Class B,” he said
As such, he added, B1 programmes will cease to be offered by driving schools from Oct 1.
"After obtaining a Class B licence, individuals are eligible to ride all types of motorcycles and not limited to those with 499cc capacity and below.
“Existing B1 holders will remain in that category, or may opt for the special transition programme to get a B licence," he said.
