Malaysia's new driving school rules ease restrictions but tighten safety

The Road Transport Department Malaysia has rolled out fresh guidelines for Driving Institutes (IMs). These rules aim to tighten oversight of the industry while offering more flexibility in where training can take place.

The changes also remove certain long-standing restrictions, potentially reshaping how and where new drivers learn. Under the updated regulations, multi-storey buildings like shopping malls, warehouses, and commercial properties can now host driving training circuits. However, strict safety standards must be met to protect candidates, instructors, and the public. Facilities will only cater to Class D and B vehicles—cars and motorcycles—ensuring training remains focused on common road users.

Training spaces must be secure and free from disruptions to maintain effective learning. Another key change is the removal of the minimum distance requirement between driving institutes. This allows more schools to operate in closer proximity, increasing accessibility for learners. Additionally, institutes are no longer bound by geographic zones when accepting candidates, expanding their potential reach.

The department has also opened the door for unused land, buildings, or warehouses to be repurposed as driving institutes. Interested parties can submit applications to convert such spaces, provided they comply with the new safety and operational rules. So far, no public records indicate that any licensed driving schools have applied for or received approvals under these guidelines since their introduction in March 2024. The revised guidelines provide clearer safety requirements while broadening the locations where driving schools can operate. By lifting distance and zoning restrictions, the changes could lead to more training options for future drivers. However, the impact remains to be seen as no applications have yet been processed under the new system.