Anthony Loke: Defensive Driving Courses May Be Mandatory for Suspended Drivers, Traffic Offenders

The Transport Ministry has announced that it is considering making defensive driving courses a requirement, particularly for drivers with suspended licences or traffic offences.

Speaking during the Dewan Rakyat session earlier today, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the move is part of the ministry’s effort to improve the existing curriculum, putting greater emphasis on practical driving skills and accident-prevention techniques.

Anthony loke

The Transport Ministry may make defensive driving courses compulsory to reduce accidents

Responding to Kuala Krai Member of Parliament (MP) Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman’s question about reviewing the motorcycle license training curriculum, Loke said the move aims to encourage drivers with suspended licenses to undergo proper training.

“This applies to all vehicles, not just motorcycles. That’s why we are emphasising it for heavy vehicle drivers. It’s a new approach that we want to encourage among them.”

He added that any updates to the curriculum should focus on real-world driving skills and safety, not just helping people pass their tests.

“This is a new approach we want to introduce, either by requiring or encouraging drivers with suspended licenses, or in similar situations, to take defensive driving courses or training on safer, more responsible driving to help prevent accidents,” he explained.

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“MyLESEN B2 programme will now focus on secondary school students”

Meanwhile, Loke also highlighted plans for more targeted interventions, especially for students who ride motorcycles to school.

Loke said the MyLESEN B2 programme, which previously offered free training to the B40 group, will now focus on secondary school students. The goal is to ensure student riders get proper, structured training to reduce accidents caused by inexperience.

He added that the Ministry of Transport has also rolled out the Safe School Zone, or MySafe School, initiative, which enforces a 30km/h speed limit around schools and improves safety with measures like clear speed limit signs, road markings, and traffic-calming designs.

“Furthermore, the Transport Ministry will revamp its free helmet exchange programme to focus on school students who ride motorcycles,” he said.

You can catch the driving course discussion at 55:24 and the MyLESEN B2 segment at 47:41:

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Also read: Anthony Loke: Free Trains & Feeder Buses at Selected Areas For 2 Days in Conjunction with Thaipusam