BANGI: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will launch a pilot rehabilitation course in November for holders of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and Goods Driving Licence (GDL) who have had their licences suspended.

JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the initiative aims to allow affected drivers to undergo a rehabilitation programme before their licence eligibility is reconsidered.

“Attendance is mandatory before their licences can be reinstated. We are still finalising several aspects with the Transport Ministry.

“The pilot programme is expected to begin this November,” he said at a media conference after an engagement session with lorry operators and express and tour bus associations on road safety initiatives held earlier Thursday (July 17).

He said the main objective of the course was to enhance road safety and raise the level of professionalism among public service and goods vehicle drivers.

“Currently, once drivers obtain their PSV or GDL licences, they can immediately begin driving without any further training.

“We believe follow-up training and this rehabilitation course are crucial to refresh drivers’ knowledge of road rules, as some may have forgotten them,” he said.

He added that for now, the rehabilitation course will apply only to PSV and GDL licence holders, before being extended to holders of the Malaysian Driving Licence (LMM).

“We are also looking into introducing a refresher driving course specifically for heavy vehicle drivers,” he said. – Bernama