Unfortunately, the majority of “L” drivers and riders today do not seem to know what they can or cannot do with their Ls. Therefore, with today’s article, I will try to highlight some of the things an “L” driver is permitted to do or otherwise.

A person, be it a car driver or a motorcycle rider is used an “L” license for a duration of 3 months. You can even get an L license for 6 months if you pay double the sum for the license. As a matter of fact, some people feel it is more convenient getting a license for a longer duration.

Possessing an “L” license means that a person has passed his Highway Code test, which is Part I of the Road Transport’s rules and regulations. “L” license holders should realise that one’s L license has to be one month old before he or she is allowed to sit for his practical test.

A practical test for D license (Cars) has 2 parts, Part II (Slope, Parking, 3 point turn) and Part III (Road test). A practical test for motorcycles (B2 or B Full) likewise is also divided into 2 parts. Part 1 is the part on obstacles maneuver. It comprises of circling 2 round abouts, crossing a bridge some 18 – 20 meters long, zig-zagging amongst a series of cones and finally doing emergency brakes successfully.

Part 2 of motorcycle test is essentially the checking of various parts of a motorcycle namely:
i) Headlights

ii) Indicators

iii) Horn

iv) Brake lights

v) Handle bar mirrors

vi) Right hand signals

vii) Left hand signals

This is then followed by slowing down signals, signals to stop, to turn right and turn left. For B Full, a candidate has to go through an uneven road surface. This is to test the student’s ability to control a big bike.

This article would like to concentrate solely on motorcycle alone. Candidates taking up a car licenses will be dealt with in another later.

A motorcycle who is an L rider must put L plates both in front and at the back of the motorcycle. Failure to use the L plates whilst riding is an offense.

Right and left handle bar mirrors are also compulsory for a motorcycle rider. Do bring along your L license when riding your bike. The same applies also to wearing a helmet. In Malaysia, half helmet are already banned.

Although an L license I not yet a full fledged license and it is termed as a temporary license, nevertheless, its user can be fined or summoned for traffic offences they commit. In the Demerit Points system which the Road Transport Authorities practice, P license holders and CDL license holders are given demerit points which can result in such licenses being withdrawn or revoked.

However, L license holders are exempted. Whatever the situation may be, L license holders should see to it that they should attempt to ride carefully to avoid being summoned by the authorities. Riding a bike cautiously will ensure your own safety.

As a lost word of advice to all L motorcycle riders, make sure that you wear the necessary motorcycle attire that has time and again been recommended to you. A good safety helmet is a must. So are leather jackets and knee high boots. Wear jeans ideally as they provide better protection to a rider. Goggles are also recommended highly. Wear leather gloves if you possibly can.

Riding a motorcycle is very dangerous. Therefore protecting yourselves with personal accident insurance policy is highly recommended to someone riding a motorcycle.

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This applied to those who intent to secure a Class B2 motorcycle license.

Briefly, the amount of RM211 seems to cover:

i) Attending the 5 hour course on Kursus Pendidikan Pemandu.

ii) Sitting for the computer test on the Highway Code.

iii) The issuance of the Learner Driver’s License or “L”.

iv) Attendance of the 6 hours theory course.

However, it should be informed that the driving school, being a service orientated business concern has the right to impose reasonable service charges on the student.

According to a close friend of mine who has been in the driving school business for over 40 years, the service charge can amount to anything from RM150 – RM200.

If should also be informed that a student is allowed to sit for the computer test only once. Should a student fail his or her Highway Code the first time around, then the driving school will impose a fee of RM50 for the second attempt.

The above rules and regulations are in accordance with the requirements of the transport authorities.

Where does a potential student wishing to secure a Class B2 (below 250 cc) license go after he or she has obtained the “L” license?

The student has to then enroll himself, normally through a driving institute to learn how to ride correctly at the institute’s premises.

This course which cost RM70 – RM85 will again be borne by the proprietor of the driving school or institute.

And what does the motorcycle learner be taught in its 4 – 5 lessons course?

In fact, at the institute, the tuition provided is done by trained driving instructors of the institutes who possess the necessary documents and certificates.

Motorcycle used for learning purposes, have the necessary insurance coverage and are inspected by the Puspakom authorities once every 6 months.

The motorcycle course, in case you are not aware is divided into 2 parts. They are:

Part 1

1) Riding around 2 round abouts.

2) Crossing a narrow 1 foot bridge in approximately 7 seconds or less.

3) Riding or zig sagging amongst a series of cones.

4) Doing an emergency stop procedure.

The above obstacles is said to test the students’ ability to control a motorcycle well.

Part II

This part is the practical test where it proceeds on to test the student on other aspects. This is called the “road riding” aspect of the test.

It includes:

i) Checking or installing signals, horns, hand brakes and foot brakes, front and rear brakes and handle bar mirror prior to moving off.

ii) The ability to use hand signals and mechanical signals of the vehicle well.

iii) Slowing down signals.

iv) How to put the vehicle or either 1 stand or double stand procedures.

It should further reiterated that once a rider wobbles or falls, he or she will be accorded an instant failure!

Come to think of it, to secure a B2 motorcycle license, the obstacles are many. In reality, it is not an easy thing getting a B2 motorcycle license after all.

My advice to all potential candidates is visit the institute’s premises more often so that you can learn to be adept in riding and controlling the vehicle prior to your practical test by the J.P.J. authorities.

If you should fail either Part I or Part II of the practical test, you will have to resit for it at a later date. And obviously, you have to learn a few more lessons before appearing for the next test. And this would mean further expenses on your part.

If you are able to pass both the parts of the practical test, then you will be rewarded with a B2 class riding license for bikes under 250 cc.

But if you think that’s all the authorities are doing for motorcycle rides, you’re wrong.

A few months ago, 135,000 Sirim approved safety helmets were given free in exchange for old helmets. The above campaign had to be carried out. Motorcycle riders, it seems, were using old and worn out helmets, which the authorities claimed were dangerous.

Each Sirim approved helmet, mind you, cost approximately RM80 – RM100.

If you were to be a motorcycle rider, what more can you expect from the authorities?

Unfortunately, how have these youths who ride motorcycle repaid the authorities? By becoming “Mat Rempit”, which is becoming a major headache for the government today.

Even Section 81 of the Road Transport Act 1987 has failed to deter youths from participating in illegal racing. The above act carries a RM2000 fine. It has even been suggested in Parliament that machines be confiscated. All these have failed to prevent the menace of illegal racing in this country.

In spite of all these developments, the authorities came out with the biggest surprise of all just recently. A bonus for all motorcycle riders, I should say.

A directive to all driving institutes all across the entire country, that potential candidates opting to secure a B2 (below 250 cc) motor license cannot be charged more than a sum of RM211.

Irregardless of whether the institutes make a profit or otherwise, the regulation now stipulates that’s the maximum amount a motorcycle rider can be charged.

This tantamount to encouraging and assisting more and more youths, especially from the kampung areas to secure a motor driving license to ride motorcycles.

To tell you the truth, I would be happier if it had been the other way around. The authorities, it looks, has made a rather unwise decision. Instead of raising the minimum age of riding motorcycles to say 18 years, it has gone out of its way, to introduce recommendations to assist motorcycle users again and again.

Lest it be said that I am against those who ride motorcycles, the fact it, I am not.

What does the sum of RM211, recently announced by the authorities encompass? Basically, the amount covers:

1) The “L” driving license.

2) Attendance of the K.P.P. course (5 hours).

3) Attendance of the theory class (6 hours).

4) Sitting for the highway code test (once only).

5) The Q.T.I. test conducted by the J.P.J. authorities.

6) The “P” driving license.

Be it reminded that should you fail the highway code test the first time around, most driving schools and institutes would charge you RM50 for test and service included the next time around.

Potential candidates should also bear in mind, no service like fetching the student to learn practical lessons and training purposes are accorded. Likewise for all other tests and practical tests conducted, a student has to fend for himself.

The instructor or driving schools or institutes provide no service whatsoever to the students.

Be it also be known, that the profession of driving institution is a service oriented business. Besides levying fees approved by the J.P.J. authorities, a driving school proprietor is permitted to charge a reasonable amount of what is termed as service charges.

It should be reminded the driving school entity has to bear overhead and assorted charges. And for that, service fee has to be taken into account.

I have chosen to explain this to the readers, as a failure to do so might lead those interested in taking up driving lessons, be it car or motorcycle, to misconstrue the manner in which the fees are charged and calculated.

This article, would concentrate on instructing a student, how to ride a manual motorcycle.

In such a vehicle, the rider changes the gears himself. Foremost, remember a motorcycle is powered by petrol or fuel. It is therefore dangerous.

A slight twist of the throttle, will cause the machine to surge forward.

Before teaching a rider how to ride, it’s important that we introduce him to the controls itself.

A new rider, assuming he or she has never ridden a bike before should know:

i) The handbrake is on the right side of the handle. Use the right hand / fingers to depress it.

ii) The foot brake. Also situated o the right hand side where your right foot rests.

iii) Then there’s the gear control on the left side of your left foot.

Smaller motorcycles today have no clutch control. The gears are changed automatically, without the help of the clutch.

Let’s proceed then to the gear control.

Gear Control

Normally, a motorcycle has the following gears: Free gear, gear 1, 2, 3 and sometimes 4.

To make it easier for riders, the latest models of motorcycles, have “gear and free gear” denominations on the handle bars. You can look at the handle bar denominations to help you.

Today’s bikes use electronic starters. Upon switching the ignition switch, press a “starter” button to start the machine.

The steps are:

i) Ensure first of all, the motor is in free gear.

ii) Gear one is engaged by stepping down or forward with your left foot once.

iii) Accelerate slightly the throttle on the right hand side of the handle bar.

iv) With this, gear one will move the machine forward.

v) Keep accelerating the throttle and when the machine has moved approximately 10 – 20 meters, step the gear down, with your left foot for the 2nd gear and thus move faster.

To step, pull the handbrake and simultaneously step the foot brake with your right foot.

Next, is to free the gear. Look at the gear mechanism on your handle bar for help.

Learn to switch off the ignition key.

Start all over from step (i) to (v) and soon enough you’ll be on your way to riding a motorcycle eventually.

Gear 3 and 4 can be learnt at a later stage, when you mastered gears free one and two.

1) Involved in illegal racing or “merempit”. Merempit or to be involved in it is an offense. In reality, you have gone against Section 81 of the Akta Pengangkutan Jalan ’87. The fine is RM2000 or a 6 months prison sentence. Or you might even get both. Your license may even be suspended.

2) No helmet or helmet not tied properly. Not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is “wrong”. Wearing a helmet but not tying a helmet properly is also an offense. You could easily be fined to the tune of RM150 for it.

3) Driving without a license. Sometimes, some drivers forget to bring their license with them while they are driving. As a matter of fact, having no license at the time the authorities stop you is deemed an offense. You could be summoned under Section 26 (1). The summon is RM150.

4) L.D.L. (Learner’s Driver’s License) ferrying passengers. “L” drivers are prohibited from bringing passengers. If you should be caught for the above offense, you could easily be fined a tune of RM200.

5) Carrying or ferrying more than the permitted number of persons. A motorcycle is meant for 2 persons. Normally we observe parents bringing 2 – 3 children with them on their motorcycle. This is indeed an offense.

But anyway, the Police in this country are a kind and friendly lot. From my observation, not many police personnel relish summoning the wrong doers.

6) Not using the “P” or the “L” plate. If you are in possession of an “L” or “P” plate, failure to affix the “P” and “L” plates on your motorcycle would be considered an offense. For your information, this offense carries a fine of RM150.

7) Front and rear lights are not “on”. In Malaysia, motorcyclists must have their front as well as rear lights on no matter day or night. That’s the law.

If you happens to be arrested by the authorities for the above offense, you will definitely be fined for it. So do remember, put on both the front and rear lights.

The better idea would be to align the lights with the ignition switch to enable it to be automatically switched on when the motor is started.

8) The right hand side handle mirror is considered a compulsory item for a motorcycle. While the left hand handle mirror is optional, the right hand side mirror is something “compulsory”. Not having the right hand side handle bar mirror will therefore become a offense.

9) Using of the hand-phone while riding a motorcycle. Believe it or not, some do use the hand phone while they are riding a motorcycle. It’s dangerous. In case you don’t know, it is actually an offense, just like cars. It’s dangerous, let me repeat!

If this is your habit, mark my words one fine day, you’ll be landed up knocking into someone else’s back! It’s a matter of time. So, stop by the side of the road if you need to talk.

10) Not remembering to bring along your license along while riding your motorcycle. Not remembering your license is something very normal. Human beings are a little bit “absent minded”. It’s something that is not unusual.

Whatever it is, your action contravenes Section 26 (1) of the A.P.J (Akta Pengangkutan Jalan ’87). The following section actually reiterates you have “no license” or “do not possess a license to ride”. You actually posses a license. But at the time the Police or J.P.J. stopped you, literally you do not have a license on you.

This article contains some of the most frequent and common mistakes that are committed by motorcycle riders, not only in Malaysia but other countries as well.

As you read this blog, remember what you have read. It might very well assist you to avoid being “summoned” by the Police, no matter whether you are in Singapore, Australia or Hong Kong. As it is, the law is approximately the same all over the world.

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Having some time to spare that day, I engaged the boy in a conversation. According to him, he had done whatever was needed. He did everything he had been asked to do. Yet, he failed. He felt unfairly penalised.

After some 25-30 year experience in this field, I feel capable enough to offer some advice. First, one should be able to ride a motorcycle steadily.

Testers, who are most well trained and experienced can spot a wobbly and unsteady rider when they see one.

Therefore, learn to handle the machine well. You have to ride confidently and well. Therein lies the key to success.

Helmets worn should have no more than 2 fingers leeway between the helmet and your face. As such, learn to tie your straps correctly.

Among the many obstructions and maneuver confronting the candidate is circling the 2 round abouts. Ideally, put the machine into 2nd gear. Make the necessary revolutions needed.

Ensure however, that you maintain the left side of the roundabout. Avoid riding in the center. A left hand ride is suggested.

After the roundabout, one approaches the 2nd maneuver, crossing the 7-8 meter long so called “bridge”. Some instructor advise that you ride along with the momentum gained thus far, using 2nd gear.

Others feel you should stop first, enter first gear, then proceed up the bridge. Either choice is yours. Only remember though, the crossing of the bridge should take at least 7 SECONDS.

The third section of zig-zag among the various cones is not much problem. After finishing the cone test, next, stop at a line, getting ready for the hand brake and foot brake.

Most fail this section, forgetting the application of the hand brake.

DO NOT leave the hand brake after stopping. Hold on to it tight until your tester finished observing you.

Get the idea? Good.

After finishing this section, you go on to the second section, which tests your hand signals and bike control ability.

Completing your initial checkings of the headlights, signals, horn, brake tails and so forth, ensure both your mechanical hand signals are on and most importantly that yours manual hand signals are on to, before moving off.

The important thing to remember is this. BOTH mechanical hand and your manual hand signals have to be applied simultaneously.

This is the key to success.

Do remember manual hand signals are to be applied CONFIDENTLY and the bike to be ridden steadily and well.

The test ends with a “slow-down” hand signal maneuver.

After stopping, disembark from the bike. Put the bike on “double stand”.

Using a one stand parking would entail the candidate a one or two point deduction. Remember, maintain a left hand side ride all the way to the finishing line.

Most people think the route/road used for the motorcycle test which is about 5 feet wide, permits the candidate to ride in the MIDDLE section of the road.

This isn’t the case. The moment the tester sees you using the middle portion of the road, you’ve had it.

This is my observation anyway. After years in this field, I think I should know what I am talking about.

By the way, the Malay boy mentioned earlier surprisingly passed the third time around. You should see him smiling and me – I felt tremendously wonderful.

No threats to the authorities and untoward incidents were necessary.

Only the above tips.

So, best of luck.

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