Before we obtain our driver’s licence, we must undergo hours of training at a driving school and be taught by instructors on how to drive carefully so that everyone is safe.
Unfortunately, not all driving schools have taken this mandate seriously, like how one US expat living in KL found out for himself.
‘Bureaucratic nightmare’
In a post shared on Reddit, the expat recounted his terrible experience at an unnamed driving school in KL, which he described it as a “bureaucratic nightmare” and gave him the notion that driving schools in the country were a “scam”.
The expat, who described himself as a seasoned driver, claimed that the instructor did little training and merely stood on the kerb while smoking and watching him drive aimlessly in circles for four hours.
He also sarcastically said that the only form of “training” given was the handing of a payment schedule.
“Appointments are months apart, and there is zero focus on traffic laws or defensive driving,” he added.
Given faulty equipment
To make matter worse, the expat alleged that equipment provided by the driving school was below par and wouldn’t pass a basic inspection.
“The equipment is a joke. The tyres of the bike they had me learn were flat and its low beam was burned out. The horn barely worked and the instructor told me to leave it in second gear throughout.
Sending a learner out on an unroadworthy “death trap” isn’t just a scam, it’s a massive liability!” he exclaimed.
The expat then put forth several suggestions that could help reduce red tape and ensure more competent drivers:
- Allow CDL holders to train LDL holders for the circuit and road components
- Make licensing more accessible
- Step up on ensuring compliance among driving candidates
- Let training sessions be handled by instructors who truly care
M’sians largely agree
In the comment section, a handful of netizens concurred with the expat calling driving schools a “scam”.
A netizen further alleged that the issue largely stemmed from the decades-old practice of driving candidates bribing officers to let them pass the driving test.
What do you think of the expat’s take on driving schools? Let us know in the comments!
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