The 6 Months Compulsory Inspection Which A Driving School / Institute’s Vehicle Has To Undergo

Some people may not be aware, driving schools or institute’s vehicles, used for teaching or instructing students, have to undergo compulsory tests once every 6 months.

Why do the authorities make this requirement so?

One should bear in mind, the driving school or institute’s vehicle, like taxis and buses are considered as being “service oriented public vehicles”.

As such, they therefore are subjected to stringent checks by the Puspakom authorities periodically. Only vehicles that pass the tests conducted by the above authorities are allowed to be used for the purpose of conducting driving lessons to potential students.

For your information, the above mentioned Puspakom authorities, has amongst others, testing centres for all commercial vehicles, government as well as private, in a few areas like Padang Jawa in Klang and nearby Sungai Manggis, near Banting in Selangor.

What happens if a vehicle is not sent for due inspection on the date scheduled?

Assuming the owner has inevidently forgotten about the inspection date. In reality, there are 2 ways to go about it:

1) If unable to meet the scheduled dateline, the owner can request postponement for the test.

2) Failure to do so, and if no prior request has been made earlier, the owner will be fined RM200.

A new date for inspection will then be set.

What are the things that should be brought along when appearing for tests as the Puspakom centres?

Amongst others, bring:

i) Previous inspection documents.

ii) Letter authorizing person bringing the vehicle in for inspection.

iii) The vehicle’s registration card.

What’s the cost of inspection, one may well ask?

An initial or first inspection costs RM50. Subsequent inspection cost RM25. That’s goes also for vehicles which fail the 1st test scheduled.

What are some of the important items, a vehicle coming in for inspection at the Puspakom should be aware of? In other words, what should one do, with the mechanical aspects of the vehicle?

Mechanically, lets take the example of say a driving school’s car. The things that should ideally be checked prior to coming in for inspection are:

i) The brakes conditions, front and rear.

ii) The condition of the handbrake.

iii) It’s tyre alignment.

iv) Conditions of its 4 tyres.

v) Ball joints.

vi) Suspension.

vii) Service the vehicle, as chassis and engine number will have to be verified.

viii) Other aspects as lights, indicators, mirrors, instructor’s 3rd brake etc.

ix) Body condition and paintwork and signages.

Actually the list can go on and on. In short, check everything that needs to be checked.

At what time can a vehicle due for inspection be brought to the Puspakom inspection centre?

So go there are early as 6:00 am! It’s a first come first inspection policy. The earlier you come, the faster you finish your inspection.

To those who have never brought their vehicles in for inspection before, line up you vehicles according to lanes provided. Do not enter the wrong lanes!

Normally, lanes are designated for:

1) Lorries, trailers and busses, the right lane.

2) Smaller vehicles like vans, small lorries and cars, usually on the left.

At the gate into Puspakom, stop your vehicles and pay your inspection fees. You will be advised which lane to follow as you drive in. Guards will guide you to the correct lane.

Finally, if you should pass your vehicle inspection, what happens?

At the opposite end of the inspection line, a driver will be issued:

1) The passed Puspakom inspection disc.

2) Your registration card.

3) If failed, your next subsequent inspection and things which your vehicles has failed in.

You’ll then have to send your vehicle to your mechanic to undergo further repairs before appearing again for the next inspection!

Well, so much then with regards to the driving school or institute’s date for vehicle inspection.