E-hailing drivers operating without PSV licence starting today can be fined or jailed

The new e-hailing regulation is in full force starting today and it requires all drivers on Grab, MyCar and other e-hailing platforms to possess a PSV licence. According to the Land Transport Department director-general, Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid, it is an offence under Section 56(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 to operate an e-hailing service without a PSV licence.

Offenders that are caught can be fined not more than RM2,000 or jailed for not more than six months upon conviction. The director-general also shared that action will be taken against drivers that failed to display the e-hailing sticker and it is a violation under the Public Service Vehicles (Licensing and Conduct of Drivers, Conductors and Passengers) Rules 1959.

Late last year, the Government had announced that e-hailing providers are required to register for PSV licence from January 2019. Registration for PSV licence had started on 1st April 2019 and the new e-hailing regulation will be enforced starting on 12th July 2019.

A PSV licence is a type of vocational driving licence that allows the holder to drive any type of commercial vehicle used for paying passengers such as Taxis and Busses. The PSV licence application involves a 6-hour training course and drivers must also pass a written exam. E-hailing drivers are also required to undergo medical checkup while vehicles are subject to PUSPAKOM checks if it’s above 3 years of age.

On Tuesday, only 10% of active Grab drivers have gotten their PSV licence and they added that a significant number of drivers are still waiting for their exam results or waiting for their chance to sit for the exam. As a result, you can expect longer waiting times when you request for a ride from Grab, MyCar and other e-hailing platforms. With the shortage of drivers, riders can also expect a higher chance of surge pricing with hikes up to 50%.

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