For test and tuition purposes, the J.P.J. permits only the “manual” cars to be used. Most driving schools use Kancils. Some use Viva models too.

But for a group known as the “disabled drivers” or O.K.U., permission is provided for the use of “automatic” cars.

As explained in this blog elsewhere, namely 2 types of automatic cars are used. They are:

1) Ordinary automatic cars

2) Automatic cars which are modified slightly

The second type needs to be sent to the authorities for inspection and permission to be used on the road as vehicles to provide “tuition”.

It could also be used for test purposes too. However, permission and special arrangements have to be made with both J.P.J. and the institutes.

As of 1st of January 1970, only “driving instructor” qualified (only those holding S.M.2 certificates) are permitted to teach or instruct.

As such, O.K.U. or the disabled drivers are advised to seek their assistance should they intent to take up a driving course.

It should be reminded however, both learners and instructors too, that vehicles to be used should have special markings on them. This is to inform other drivers to be careful and ideally give way to these special drivers.

What type of licenses are the disabled drivers given when they pass their tests?

As far as I know, those learning for the C.D.L. (cars) receive the normal “D” category license. Maybe their license will have some special “comments” and identification on them. To be frank with you, I myself have yet to see an “O.K.U.” license.

As for O.K.U. who takes up the motorcycle (B2) license, then C.D.L. (Competent Driver’s License) is an “A” license.

Some people inquire of us “are there any differences between the O.K.U. drivers and the normal drivers?”

As I personally, in my many years of service as a driving instructor, have taught only 1 or 2 O.K.U. students, to make a decision on it would be rather unfair.

Basically, there should be no difference at all. If you are careful, then obviously you’ll be a good, competent driver.

The O.K.U., being a special group of persons in our society, are given special arrangements for their parking convenience.

If you are observant enough, you’ll see special parking area in especially busy areas like banks, clinics and so forth, designated with “blue colours and a symbol of a wheel car” on them. These if I may inform you are meant only for the O.K.U. people.

Have a heart. Do not encroach onto these areas specially meant for the special group of people or drivers.

As it is, the O.K.U’s are already less fortunate compared to us. Do not make it even worse for them.

As many drivers do “rob” the O.K.U. of limited parking spaces in towns, it is earnestly hoped Majlis Perbandaran officials and the Police will pay special attention to elevate this problem.

With this article, it is hoped, from henceforth, good and “caring” drivers such as yourself will no longer see it fit to park your vehicle in that special “blue” coloured area. I believe you can be good if you want to!

Solving The Problems Of O.K.U. (Orang Kurang Upaya)

The permit S.M.I (Sekolah Memandu I) allows the teaching of:

a) Normal students.

b) Students known as O.K.U. (Orang Kurang Upaya).

To my knowledge, there exists no driving school in Malaysia that caters for the needs of the O.K.U. No driving school or institute possesses an automatic car to fulfill this purpose.

Why you may ask is this so? Quite simple actually.

i) O.K.U. as a group, isn’t large.

ii) “Auto” cars are more expensive.

iii) The 3 wheel motorcycle has to be specially ordered.

What happens should an O.K.U. plan to take up driving?

Firstly, he / she should get an “automatic” car. Secondly, ensure the insurance covers the student, the instructor and also the “tester” on the day of the test.

Cars which are borrowed should possess the “Letter Of Consent”. Particulars regarding insurance have to be adhered to.

At this juncture, the “modified version” of auto car should also be included too.

The O.K.U. has to submit the “Kad Perakuan Pendaftaran” in the student’s name to be endorsed by the Registrar of Vehicles. Insurance requirements remain the same.

What happens on Test Day?

“Auto” cars are permitted to be brought into the Institute’s premises. If parking slots are not suitable, they would be modified for the auto’s requirements.

However, auto cars on test must bear familiar words as “Awas! Pemandu Cacat!” on both the front and the back of the car.

Hopefully, this article will get rid of problems so far facing the O.K.U. To end this article, a last reminder with regards to “driving instructors”.

Automatic or no automatic, instructors have to be the one to teach the disable driver. Although there are many who feel unhappy about this, we have no other choice but to accept it. This little Law!

Related web sites:

1) Smoothening The Unexpected Kinks

2) Upgraded To Malaysian Competent Driving License

Can A Disabled Person Learn In His / Her Own Vehicle?

As of 1st January 1970, Malaysian could no longer seek the help of their parents or friends to assist them in their learning how to drive. If normal people who wish to take a course on driving, could seek the help of either a driving school or Institute.

What about those who are not too fortunate or “disabled persons”?

Can these group of people purchase their own vehicles and then seek the assistance of an instructor to do like wise?

The answer to the above question is “Yes”. Such vehicles could also be taken into the Driving Institutes to be used by the owner as test vehicles.

However, permission should first be obtained from the relevant authorities to use the said vehicle. In this article, attempts would be made to explain how this could be done.

Assuming a disabled person just wants to use an ordinary automatic vehicle to learn and also to use such a car for test purposes. How then, does one go about it? Conditions briefly are:

i) Medical report required.

ii) Letter requesting J.P.J.’s approval to use the said vehicle for tuition and test.

iii) Proper insurance to cover person learning, instructor and tester during test.

iv) If the car is borrowed, proper insurance for the above (item iii) is also required. Letter of lenders’ consent is necessary.

Besides the above documents and paper work, also be reminded that the vehicle used for tuition purposes should have signs (both front and rear) to inform other drivers that “Disabled Persons” are driving the vehicle.

Talking about disabled people and their problems, it is only proper, mention be made with regards to “pregnant ladies” who profess to take their test.

The process is rather simple. All that is required is to get a consent letter from the student’s husband disclaiming any responsibility by the authorities concerned.

If in any way, readers are still uncertain how to address the problem they might face, do not hesitate to request your nearest institute or instructor for assistance.