A Tour Of The JPJ Practical Road Test
Highlighting An Imaginary Test Route Which Could Be Taken By An Institute
No institute’s test route will be chosen as I feel much hassle would be entailed in seeking permission to write upon the subject.
Suffice to say that most institutes located in the vicinity of your area will have similar characteristics which this article refers to learners or students. It is certain you would be able to identify what I am referring to ins this article.
The Part III road test or better known as Ujian Jalan Raya normally possesses 2 routes.
i) Route 1.
ii) Route 2.
Although 2 separate routes are normally available to the testers, Route 2 may seldom be taken. This route being the alternative route is normally taken at times when jams occur.
Driving instructors who sent their students for test at such institutes have to teach their students both of the routes referred. At least, the students should be taught prior to taking the test.
The 2 routes mentioned above may stretch from 2.5 km to 3 km in length. In normal circumstances, eliminating traffic jams happening, it would take approximately some 25 to 30 minutes for each candidate to complete the entire route.
As a driving instructor for many years, my opinion is that the routes must have been planned after much thought and consideration been put into it.
For those who are unaware, a test route that is chosen should go through the following obstacles:
1) Roundabouts.
2) Schools.
3) Clinics.
4) Shops and supermarkets.
5) Traffic lights.
6) Cross junctions and T junctions.
7) Pedestrian crossing areas with zebra crossings.
8) U-turns.
9) Stop look go.
10) Single and double line areas.
11) Bus stops.
12) Slope areas.
The obstacles will be many. A potential student undergoing a practical test, therefore should be tutored well by the driving instructor prior to undergoing the practical test.
Besides being able to handle the steering well, and manipulate the signals and indicators perfectly, a student ideally should be able to drive through the above mentioned areas.
Believe me, it is not an easy achievement. Barring today’s traffic condition, for an “L” driver to go through all these places, not forgetting the tension and pressure of driving with someone unknown or unfamiliar to you on test day is actually no mean task.
Furthermore, it should be kept in mind, students on test must be able to attain a minimum 16 marks upon 20 to pass the jalan raya test. Put yourself in a potential student’s shoes and you will surely know what I wish to convey.
This article will only concentrate on Route 1 of this imaginary institute’s test route.
What are the things that should be looked for?
Coming out from the institute’s gate, one would probably come to a 3 point junction. Make sure you know where to stop. Pull up the handbrake. Ensure both sides do not have vehicles approaching before coming out of the junction.
Approximately 500 yards of driving may bring you to yet another T junction and also a slope. This is actually to test of how competent you are in controlling the car and the slope.
Look right and left to see no cars are approaching before going out. Traveling a short distance, one may come across a school. You should go no faster than 30 km/h here. A traffic light may also be installed to test how well you deal with traffic lights.
Remember traveling along this portion of the road should be no more than 30 km/h.
Having crossed the school area, one may come to a round about. This could be a very difficult round about to negotiate. This may be an 8 pronged roundabout.
Assuming traffic approaches from 8 different directions, unless you can drive extremely well, you will certainly have lots of difficulties . Heavy traffic from trailers and all sort of other vehicles big and small, will provide you with much competition you are expected to undergo.
After passing this difficult roundabout, very probably a candidate will face a straight stretch of road with lots of cars on either side. This will test a student’s ability to control the steering well. Keep to the left lane ideally. Allow faster cars to overtake you.
The next step of the road test will probably entail you having to do a U turn.
How does one do a U turn?
One should change down to a lower gears before cornering. Some testers expect you to stop, others do not mind you giving way to traffic on the left and then proceeding. Which alternative you choose all depends on you. In the end, it is all up to you. The important thing is, you should drive safely.
As most institutes are located in kampung areas, the institute where you are taking your practical test might most probably be in such an area.
As such, kampung folks, children, bicycles and motorcycles will probably dot your way. This part of the test will be a good way of testing your ability to deal with such obstacles. You area advised not to travel anything more than 15 km/h.
When you finally enter your institute’s testing ground, there will be a special area where all the test cars end up in. Stop there, free your gear and pull up your handbrake. Say “thank you” to the tester. Ask the tester if he wishes to have the car engine switched off or otherwise. Follow his instructions.
Even though this article represents only an imaginary road route, what has been described herein may very well be a realistic test route one of the many test routes used by driving institutes in Malaysia today.
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