KUALA LUMPUR: Some 62% out of 16,338 drivers have passed the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) e-hailing theory licensing test ahead of the July 12 deadline, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said a total 16,338 candidates had sat for the PSV theory e-hailing test, which was developed by a committee comprising various related agencies, between April 1 and June 30.
“From the total, 10,151 drivers passed and qualified for the PSV licence. It shows that the statement made by the Grab Drivers Malaysia Association that claims that only between 10% to 50% of each class had passed was inaccurate,” he told Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid (BN-Padang Terap) during the Minister's Question Time in Parliament today.
Mahdzir had asked the ministry to reveal measures taken following grouses made by the e-hailing groups over the PSV e-hailing licensing test.
It was reported that Grab Drivers Malaysia Association president Arif Asyraf Ali had said that only 10% to 50% e-hailing drivers had passed the PSV test while the rest are still finding it too difficult, adding that the fees for the tests are also high.
Loke said his ministry is expecting the numbers to increase by July 12 in line with the introduction of e-courses at selected approved training centres.
He also noted that each driver would have to pay about RM800 to sit for the PSV test and insurance.
The cost comprises RM200 to take up the licensing test, RM300-RM400 annual insurance charge for a PSV vehicle, and a RM20 PSV licence renewal fee.
The government had set July 12 for all e-hailing drivers to apply for a PSV licence, which is also required by taxi drivers.
Loke, who spoke to reporters at the Parliament lobby shortly after, said that the cost of the PSV test would be free if e-hailing drivers choose to take it online.
He also said the Transport Ministry remains firm on making it compulsory for all e-hailing drivers to obtain the PSV licence.
“That is clear. I announced in July last year that every e-hailing driver needs to have a PSVC licence.
“Many drivers are going through the PSV course and we are monitoring this every day,” he added.
