JPJ Greenlights Driving Training Circuits in Multi-Storey Buildings Under New Guidelines

Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) has introduced new guidelines allowing driving training circuits to be set up in multi-story buildings, warehouses, and commercial premises, offering a practical solution to land shortages in urban areas.

JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the revised guidelines are in line with the Motor Vehicles (Driving Schools) Rules 1992 and the Road Transport Act 1987, aimed at strengthening regulation within the driving institute industry.

He described the move as an innovative approach to address space constraints, particularly in densely populated and high-value locations.

“However, strict safety requirements must be met. Training facilities must be designed to ensure a secure, conducive environment and uninterrupted learning,” he said after officiating at the Kuala Ketil Warisan Integriti Driving Institute in Baling on Saturday.

Under the new framework, interested parties can submit proposals to convert underutilized buildings, including large warehouses and even shopping malls, into driving institutes subject to full compliance with safety standards.

JPJ also stressed that rooftop circuits would only be permitted if the building structure meets all required engineering and safety specifications.

The department noted that such facilities will be limited to Class D (cars) and Class B (motorcycles) training.

In a significant policy shift, JPJ has also removed the minimum distance requirement between driving institutes as well as the minimum land size for new developments. Applications will instead be assessed based on the capacity and readiness of existing institutes in the area.

Additionally, the restriction on enrolling learners based on geographical zones has been lifted, allowing driving schools to accept students from anywhere across the country.

Industry observers say the updated guidelines could boost investment in the sector while expanding access to driving education, particularly in urban centers where land availability remains a challenge.