Banned Drivers and Serious Offenders Need Retesting

Road Safety Activist Proposes Retesting for Banned Drivers in Malaysia

A road safety activist has called for mandatory retesting of all drivers whose licenses were revoked due to serious offences before they are allowed back on Malaysian roads. The proposal, reported by Paul Tan on 23 July 2026, targets repeat offenders and those convicted of dangerous driving, drunk driving, or causing fatal accidents. The activist argues that current reinstatement procedures are insufficient to ensure these drivers are still competent and safe behind the wheel.

According to the source, the activist stated:

"Drivers who have been banned for serious offences should not simply be given their licenses back after a waiting period. They must prove they are still fit to drive through a comprehensive retesting process."— Road safety activist, as quoted by Paul Tan, 23 July 2026

The proposal comes amid rising concerns over road fatalities in Malaysia. In 2025, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) reported 6,872 road deaths, with repeat offenders contributing to 18% of fatal accidents. The activist suggests that retesting could reduce recidivism by up to 30%, based on pilot programmes in other countries.

Key Facts

Why Should Banned Drivers Be Retested Before Returning to the Road?

The core argument is that a time-limited ban does not address the underlying causes of dangerous driving. Without retesting, drivers may resume old habits or lack awareness of updated traffic laws. The activist points to evidence from jurisdictions like the United Kingdom and Australia, where mandatory retesting for serious offenders reduced reoffending by 25–35% within two years.

In Malaysia, where urban congestion and highway speeds create high-risk environments, retesting could prevent an estimated 200–300 fatal accidents annually, according to the activist's analysis of MIROS data.

What Does the Proposed Retesting Involve?

The proposal includes three components: a written theory test covering current traffic regulations, a practical on-road driving assessment, and a medical examination to check vision, reaction time, and general fitness. The activist suggests that the test should be administered by JPJ-accredited driving institutes, not by the same body that issued the original license.

Drivers who fail any component would be required to undergo remedial training before a second attempt, with a maximum of three retakes allowed per year.

How Does This Compare to Current Malaysian Law?

Under current Malaysian law (Road Transport Act 1987), drivers whose licenses are revoked for offences such as reckless driving (Section 42) or drunk driving (Section 45A) can apply for reinstatement after the ban period ends. There is no mandatory retesting unless the driver was disqualified for medical reasons or accumulated excessive demerit points under the Kejara system. The activist argues this loophole allows dangerous drivers to return without proving competence.

In 2025, JPJ reinstated 8,900 licenses to previously banned drivers, of whom 1,200 were involved in new traffic offences within 12 months (source: JPJ internal data cited by activist).

Who Is This Proposal For in Malaysia?

This proposal primarily targets high-risk drivers in both urban and rural Malaysia. In cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, dense traffic and aggressive driving habits increase the likelihood of repeat offences. On federal highways and rural roads, drunk driving and speeding remain major causes of fatal crashes. The activist notes that the proposal is especially relevant for commercial drivers (e.g., lorry and bus drivers) whose licenses are revoked for serious offences, as they pose a greater public risk.

If implemented, the retesting requirement would affect approximately 12,400 drivers annually, with the cost of retesting (estimated at RM 150–300 per person) to be borne by the applicant.

Common Questions

Will retesting apply to all banned drivers or only serious offenders?

The activist proposes that retesting be mandatory for all drivers whose licenses were revoked for serious offences (e.g., causing death, drunk driving, reckless driving). Minor offences like speeding or parking violations would not trigger retesting.

How much will the retesting cost and who pays?

The estimated cost per retest is RM 150–300, covering theory and practical components. The activist recommends that the driver bear the cost, with subsidies available for low-income applicants through the Social Welfare Department.

When could this proposal become law in Malaysia?

No timeline has been set. The activist has submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Transport and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) for review. A public consultation is expected in late 2026, with possible legislative amendments in 2027.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the report published by Paul Tan on 23 July 2026, titled "Banned drivers, serious offenders should be retested before being let back on road, says road safety activist." Additional data on road fatalities and license revocations was sourced from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) 2025 annual report and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) 2025 annual report, as cited in the original article. Currency conversions are not applicable as all figures are in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). This article was last updated on 23 July 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the cited sources.