Raising The Minimum Age For Malaysian To Get Their Driving License

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Should The Age For Obtaining A Car License (Class D) Be Raised From 17 to 21?

In Malaysia today, the minimum age for a person to obtain his / her license is 17. For a long time now, this topic has been debated over and over again.

Some argue it’s imperative we raise the age for obtaining a “car’ license to 21.

Before proceeding any further, lets us all remember, a person can only “vote” when he or she turns 21. There must be a good reason for the Malaysian government’s above decision.

As a driving instructor, I’ve been asked time and time again, what is my opinion on this topic?

At 17, most students are still schooling or pursuing their studies. As such, students should in fact be concentrating fully on their education.

No thinking about anything else, like getting a car license, for instance. After all, let’s say in 4 years time, after they have finished their upper sixth form, there will be ample time to ponder about getting a license to drive then.



Questions about as to whether a student is “matured” or otherwise aside, the fact that a boy or a girl is still schooling, still “dependent” on his parents and has no “earning power” of his or her own, should be the criteria for us to object to a student learning driving at the present age of 17.

Instead, if you ask me, seriously my opinion would be, by all means, go ahead and raise the minimum age to at least 21 years.

Yes, I am aware many, especially potential students would “blast” me for my opinion. Some might even comment “What is this crazy instructor attempting to do? Does he know what he is saying?”

You see, as an instructor for so many years experience, don’t you think I should know what I’m talking about? As to whether you concur with me or otherwise is not the question.

My experience tells me, there are some at 17 who are actually not “matured” enough to taking up driving lessons. As we cannot possibly ban one or two, we have no other alternative but to suggest the age for obtaining a driving license be raised from the present 17 to 21 years.

Thinking about it further, by the time you are 21, you most probably would have completed your college or university education. By abstaining from getting your car license now, have you ever contemplated how much financial burden you would have saved or relieved your parents of.


Most parents, I’m quite certain would agree with my opinion. Parents, if asked would like to agree with my idea. The only drawback is they love their children too much to say “no” when their children suggest it’s time for them to get a driving license.

There are many other ample reasons to support my decision that the present age of 17 be raised to 21, but at this juncture, the topic should be terminated here.

As human beings, we have to be “practical”. Advocating 21 as the proper and correct age for a student or child to obtain his or her driving license, in fact will affect my business as a driving instructor.

Most certainly my business would certainly face a “down turn” or “merosot” as they say in Bahasa Malaysia.

To me, the student’s safety must come first. Malaysia’s current rate of accidents worry me. We have one of the world’s highest rate of accidents.

If the “Defensive” from of driving we incorporated from Australia, some 10 – 15 years ago, does not seem to be bearing any concrete result, the time has now come for the government to do something about it.

Either we “raise” the age of obtaining a car license to 21 or come up with a better suggestion to solve it.


By | 2017-03-28T10:41:03+08:00 August 25th, 2009|Driving In Malaysia|58 Comments

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58 Comments

  1. Joseph October 12, 2009 at 8:56 pm - Reply

    I heard from people said that the minimum age of obtaining driving license will be change to 21 years old by next year.
    Its that confirmed?
    Im wondering because Im 17 now and my parents are planning me to go for driving license during coming long holiday or after like January.
    My college is far away from my house so my parents expecting me to drive to go college. My father bought his new car recently just to give me his old car.
    Hence, I want to know it early before i go and waste my parents money just to get useless licence after next year. Thanks.

    • admin October 13, 2009 at 4:30 pm - Reply

      Dear Joseph,

      Do not worry! Minimum age of driving at 17 for some time yet.

      ‘Cikgu Yap

  2. Joseph November 15, 2009 at 3:16 pm - Reply

    When do government change into 21???
    im going to driving institution this month. Im curious…..
    In my opinion, change to 21 will lead to more illegal driver.

    • admin November 16, 2009 at 4:22 pm - Reply

      Dear Joseph,

      Not likely to change to 21 in the near future. So don’t worry.

      ‘Cikgu Yap

  3. Jenny November 15, 2009 at 3:55 pm - Reply

    Please tell me how much do i need pay for learn and obtaining license?
    I know there is additional cost when i get my license..

    • admin November 16, 2009 at 4:23 pm - Reply

      Dear Jenny,

      Average cost varies from place to place. A 10 lessons course can cost anything from RM750.

      “P” license is approximately RM70.

      ‘Cikgu Yap

  4. Nicholas December 1, 2009 at 11:01 pm - Reply

    Well, from what I heard, it seems confirmed that 2010 will be the start of 21 years old to get a license. Im also 17 and if the bar is so, I will get it asap. time schedule very tight. Could you please help me get a handphone number of any instructor in Subang Jaya?? thanks

    • admin December 6, 2009 at 9:32 pm - Reply

      Dear Nicholas,

      Unlikely yet to change to 21 years. So don’t worry.

      ‘Cikgu Yap

  5. John December 4, 2009 at 12:24 pm - Reply

    I’m planning to take my driver’s license after SPM.. And since next year’s minimum age will be 21 years old.. If I fail to get my driver’s license this year.. I have to get the license when I’m 21 in 2013? Which means I have to rush to get my license in 15 days?

    • admin December 6, 2009 at 9:25 pm - Reply

      Dear John,

      Present age to get a driving licence is still 17! Take your time.

      ‘Cikgu Yap

  6. jack December 19, 2009 at 11:36 pm - Reply

    can i ask if its next year they changing to 21years old?
    coz i was worried to go for a law test
    in case i took that and when next year i cant take the driving test coz im going to be 17 on the early year! xD

    • admin December 21, 2009 at 10:59 pm - Reply

      Dear Jack,

      No, age will remain at 17!

      ‘Cikgu Yap

  7. Alice December 21, 2009 at 8:09 pm - Reply

    Just asking, no one is change the rule for 17 year old people in malaysia to learn how to drive cause from what i heard alot of people are rushing to get their driving licence done as soon as
    possible cause a new rule might be made to let only 21 year old
    people and older to learn only .

    This rule might be in hard for some students cause after spm most students further their study to college or university. It will not be reasonable for them to change the rule rite?

    I hope they don’t change cause i am half way done with my licence. I don’t think is reasonable for me to stop half way and follow up when i am 21.

  8. Adrian December 22, 2009 at 4:29 pm - Reply

    Dear Cikgu Yap,

    It has been stated by you that the minimum age required is 21 for next year. “IF” they decide to change to 21 next year, would it be possible for me (17 years old) to register this year and proceed with my license next year?

    • admin December 23, 2009 at 8:49 pm - Reply

      Dear Adrian,

      The article written by me is a “hypothetical” question!

      Learning to drive a car remains at 17 years old.

      ‘Cikgu Yap

  9. Camie December 31, 2009 at 1:07 pm - Reply

    When will they change to 21? Cause I’m going to get my license in 2 years time. Hope they won’t change it so fast.

    • admin January 2, 2010 at 12:17 am - Reply

      Dear Camie,

      Be patient! It’s not going to change to 21.

      ‘Cikgu Yap

  10. Brian January 11, 2010 at 2:54 pm - Reply

    What am i’m thinking? What if people already work? Like me…i quit my study when i was 13…and yes…form 1….i quit myself….i dint get ”kick” or get the ”red card” neither….im currently working as hairstylist. Aad yes i do need a car….im currently 16 this year 2010…im waited to take the driving license for freaking ages. My opinion,change 21 instead to 18 or do nothing!

    • Cikgu Yap January 13, 2010 at 5:36 pm - Reply

      Dear Brian,

      You have to wait a few months to get your license. Meanwhile, please be patient.

  11. YongZheng January 17, 2010 at 8:04 am - Reply

    I’m born at December 1993 so I could only take driving lessons at December, would I be unable to take driving license by that time?

    • Cikgu Yap January 18, 2010 at 2:13 pm - Reply

      Dear YongZheng,

      Only on your 17th birthday can you begin driving lessons.

      • Johann March 7, 2010 at 2:52 am - Reply

        Dear Cikgu Yap,

        i am Now 15…i was born at 14 december, 1995 and i am wondering i am going to be 17 in two years but do i need to wait till my birthday(Dec 14) to take my driving test?

        Or can i take it when my birthday hasn’t come yet(16) ?

        Thanks for your Reply

        Also are you sure they are not going to Raise the Age to 21?

        • Cikgu Yap March 7, 2010 at 11:20 pm - Reply

          Be patient and wait for when you turn 17 years old. There is no need to rush. The minimal driving age is still maintained at 17.

  12. Farid April 9, 2010 at 2:45 pm - Reply

    Cikgu Yap will do you think the government will increase the minimum age on this year ??..As my cousin told me that the government gonna increase it this coming June..I’m born in 1994 and was happy to take my driving license next year on August,suddenly i heard the government gonna increase the age limit..i got unhappy..lol..Hope the government still remains the age limit on 17 years old..Anyway Cikgu Yap,normally how long to take my driving licnese??..Im planning to take my Undang-Undang next year before my birthday..So just want to know how long to take the driving test..

    Regards,
    Farid

    Thanks

    • Cikgu Yap April 11, 2010 at 11:42 pm - Reply

      No increase in age.

      Time required for undang-undang to practical test around 40 days.

  13. Shaun April 13, 2010 at 5:11 pm - Reply

    Dear Cikgu Yap,

    I’ve heard about the age limit changing to 21 .I’m turning 16 on the 31st of december this year. am i able to take my undang a few days after that? meaning 16. so that at least my name’s registered just IN CASE they decide to change it. as i’m only turning 17 next year, 31st december. and also, how long does it take to do your license? not the undang. as in the driving test, from start to end. and how long only will receive the driving license and can actually drive? :)

    • Cikgu Yap April 13, 2010 at 9:14 pm - Reply

      No change in age. To get license is roughly 45 days. You can only drive when “P” is issued.

      • Shaun April 14, 2010 at 3:08 pm - Reply

        so it takes around 45 days all in all to get license? oh and say my birthday is on 31st december, may i start taking my license on 1st january? :)

        • Cikgu Yap April 16, 2010 at 12:06 am - Reply

          If you’re 17, yes you can begin learning cars. If 16, only motor B2 license.

  14. Terry April 22, 2010 at 3:42 pm - Reply

    can i ask u noe it will chg at when?
    i m so scare @@
    tis year after my birthday me was 17years old~ but my birthday at nov22 is time for spm ==… if after spm take 45 days to get license then mean i need jan1st 2011 juz can get license~ … hope dun chg TT

    • Cikgu Yap April 22, 2010 at 4:02 pm - Reply

      Your question has been answered many times on the other comments on top. It will not be changed any time soon.

  15. Max May 23, 2010 at 1:36 pm - Reply

    Cikgu Yap,i wanna ask u about something..in ur opinion,wat is the benifit if government increase the qualifying age for motorcyclists and drivers?

    • Cikgu Yap May 25, 2010 at 8:05 am - Reply

      Older candidates are more matured. Hopefully, with it, less accidents will happen.

  16. Bell June 30, 2010 at 10:53 pm - Reply

    Actually it’s a lil stupid to me about changing to 21 (tho in the comments you said that it wont) I’m 15 and I can’t wait to learn to drive.
    But if they do change from 17 to 21. How are college students going to go college? By the time i’m 17, My first brother will be in college and my 2nd brother would already be somewhere else. My mom’s working in JB and my dad travels alot. Does that mean I have to spend from my place to Taylors everyday by lrt and taxi? That 4 years of that would probably cost more than taking up driving license and buying a car.

    Also, most students from JB would love to go KL for their college or uni. But since they cant drive, does that mean that their parents would have to send them to college? That means the whole family would have to move to KL.

    If they do change. ): I’m leaving malaysia!
    hehe!

    • Cikgu Yap July 5, 2010 at 2:50 pm - Reply

      Do not worry. Driving for cars will remain at 17.

  17. shahir April 24, 2011 at 8:58 pm - Reply

    A nineteen year old boy, who was hired to drive a tractor on the road, lost control when a landslide occurred. A passenger in the tractor suffered injuries. can both the owner of the tractor and the passenger file a claim against the insurance company?

    • Cikgu Yap April 26, 2011 at 6:27 pm - Reply

      Tractor can only be driven by those 21 years and above. From the look of things, the insurance company will give you lots of problems.

  18. Iman May 7, 2011 at 10:54 am - Reply

    While your point is valid and every ones opinions are different… Dont you think that at the age of 21 that is just way too old? 18 maybe but 21 is just too steep there. There is a reason why people nowadays want to take their driving license early, so they can stop burdening others with transportation issues. Furthermore, if you increase the age limit for driving, that will just promote more illegal underage driving among teenagers. Which is in fact stupid.

  19. Robert November 28, 2011 at 10:12 pm - Reply

    You have a great point here, however biggest flaw there is in this is that not every parents is as available to send their child to tuition, University, school or whatsoever there might be.
    Yes there are public transportation, however if you’re a father who has a daughter or son that you love so much would you just let them take the public transportation when you have absolutely no free time to send them to a critical class for Uni or anything like that? Most likely no as times has change, it’s more violent out there now. The unpredicted could happen anytime. I guess I don’t exactly have much of a say in this though.
    Also what about having to travel to important places like say the library if resources on the internet isn’t valid for your article where you need actual evidence and facts that has been recorded on a book? (a huge MAYBE)

    So from a student’s perspective this is a bit of a drag as too having the limit set to age of 21.

    However from a safety and concerning perspective, I totally agree that some people aren’t just mature enough yet at the age of 17 which studies shown that a human’s brain is developed and matured at 21 years of age.
    So basically there are disadvantages and advantages of this very situation. Also, everyone has their own opinion, no one is right or wrong in this case.

    Cheers, Rob

  20. Mikey May 30, 2012 at 10:14 am - Reply

    Maybe if malaysians would not pay for their licence and actually learn how to drive, the age would be such an issue.
    Maturity should come with age, but some of the most reckless drivers are way over 21. Also, most stupid actions on the road are done by the motorbikes. Comon sense doesnt come with age, is thaught.

    • Cikgu Yap May 30, 2012 at 2:14 pm - Reply

      Malaysians have to learn how to drive through a driving school or institute. Unfortunately, the authorities do not test a person’s maturity level.

  21. Interested July 31, 2012 at 11:16 pm - Reply

    Just intending to state my point here.
    The driving license age requirement in U.S. is 16 which is now considered an average worldwide. Students also need to commute from home/college and whatnot. As much as our parents want us to study, there is an obvious elephant in the room, social life. Moving on from that point, it is a good idea I suppose to raise driving age by a bit, not to let us concentrate on our studies (a stupid point.), but perhaps to let our minds mature before we enter the driving world recklessly. But to raise to 21?? Too much. Sure you can raise it to that level, but honestly, I doubt the public transport in our country will suffice– both convenience and availability is painfully scarce. So before causing an inconvenience to the society, improve the system which is obviously required in the event they DO raise the age. An overall conclusion of my opinion? I subtly but strongly DISAGREE with your points. It is the typical Asian mentality, studies before happiness and in some cases health from a mental and emotional point of view.

    • Cikgu Yap August 4, 2012 at 10:13 am - Reply

      I am agreeable to your opinions which you have voiced. After all, one is entitled to one’s opinion.

  22. Natasha August 2, 2012 at 9:13 pm - Reply

    I disagree with what you say, actually. I assume that you are making an assumption based on the performance on students around you, so it is unfair for you to say that we have to concentrate fully on our studies and all. Who says we are incapable of multitasking? Not only that, a lot of Asians have that typical ‘kiasu’ mentality. Our lives do not revolve around studying alone, you know. I think that raising the legal age here in Malaysia is a bad idea, because age does not define maturity. A person can be 21 years old, think rationally and still act like an @$$ on the road. What difference does it make? It does not mean that accidents are caused by teenagers either. We are not the only reckless drivers on the road.

    I’m 17, by the way. Sincerely,
    Nat.

    • Cikgu Yap August 4, 2012 at 9:34 am - Reply

      Thanks for writing in to voice your comments. Your views, believe me, are all taken into consideration. Hopefully, no drastic changes are made in the near future. I hope you’ll be able to secure your driving license soon.

  23. Bella August 5, 2012 at 1:14 am - Reply

    I quite disagree with you actually, as Natasha said, a 21 years old person could act just as badly as any 16 years old person, and chances are that the amount of illegal drivers will greatly increase and I doubt that most parents allow their children to get drivers licenses because they love them to much to say ‘no’, and to think a 20 year old would still be driven around by their mother is not encouraging them to be anymore independent. Public transport is an option, but where I live it Public transportation is pretty much non-existant.

    Just voicing my opinions.
    Bella :3

  24. Choo August 28, 2012 at 10:41 pm - Reply

    Totally disagreed, what about those going uni/college before 21? Go by taxi and waste money waste fuel?

  25. Hannah October 19, 2012 at 2:04 pm - Reply

    I would like to ask a question. I am 17 this year and I am going to sit for SPM in just a few more days and I have been chosen to participate in PLKN. Has it been confirmed that the age limit for driving license has been raised to 21 years old ? I have been ‘google’ing articles and asking round and it seems that nothing can help me. If its true, will I be affected ? And if I will be affected, will I be able to obtain the driving license (starting with nothing = I don’t even have L yet) in just 1 month ?

    • Cikgu Yap October 20, 2012 at 12:15 pm - Reply

      No change in age. You need 45 days at least. I suggest you concentrate on your SPM first.

      • Hannah October 20, 2012 at 11:41 pm - Reply

        Thank you :) Yes, I will concentrate on my SPM .

  26. Hani Lutfi December 15, 2012 at 9:33 pm - Reply

    How about people who go to university/colleges? Classes don’t usually start at 8AM. You can’t expect parents send them to classes and stuff. How about people in rural areas who do not have the convenience of public transports? People in Sarawak do not have LRTs, taxis are expensive and buses are far from convenient! Taking driving license at 17 might drift teenagers away from their studies and whatnot but it would be a nuisance to the parents if they have to drive their children around like drivers! The parents have to work!

  27. zack September 9, 2013 at 1:14 am - Reply

    um, i do sort of disagree, but never the less, I have a question. I am 16 and i know i can apply till next year but, i have a British passport and no Malaysian citizenship or anything, is it the same process for me, like going to straight to a driving institute or must i do something before i can proceed forth with that.

    thank you for replying.

    • Cikgu Yap September 10, 2013 at 7:18 pm - Reply

      By the look of things, you should be able to apply for a Malaysian license. Nothing special need to be done.

  28. liew November 23, 2014 at 2:04 am - Reply

    Sir . Can I take the driving licence test if im 16 ??

  29. Yeoh January 4, 2015 at 1:11 am - Reply

    Im going to be 17 by this August 15. Can i get driving lessons before my birthday and take the test on my birthday? How many days do i have to wait then i can get my license after i passed all jpj computer and road test?

  30. Sanjitha April 16, 2015 at 11:08 pm - Reply

    Hello Mr.Yap
    Im 16. Can I take the theory test now? And apparently from what I read, you are given the Ls right after you pass your theory test, is that true? And once I pass my theory test, am I allowed to start my driving lessons at 16 or do I have to wait till I’m 17? I’m not asking if I can sit for my practical test and get my Ps at 16, I mean just driving lessons at 16.

  31. Yvonne May 31, 2015 at 9:21 am - Reply

    Dear Teacher,

    May I know what is the “maximum” age to learn driving in Malaysia?

    Thanks.

    • Cikgu Yap June 5, 2015 at 1:47 pm - Reply

      No age limit. But driver must be fit and healthy.

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