Azlan Othman

The Land Transport Department (JPD) of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) clarified that the viral message that spread through social media on February 15 on the guidelines to renew driver’s licence for elderly aged 70 and above is not true.

The guideline, based on international practice at present, to renew driving licence for class 1 and 3 for applicants aged 70 and above has been implemented since 2013 to protect road users.

Applicant must meet the Licensing Officer at any JPD branch to endorse their driving eligibility.

Health check by registered Medical Officer is only needed if required, in accordance with Regulation 4 under Road Traffic Regulation (Driving Licence) 2013.

The health check for an applicant is subject to the person’s health status. A comprehensive health check and receiving test results from labs take 10 working days while an X-ray test is only carried out when needed. After the health check report is received by JPD, the driving licence will be renewed for one year.

The renewal of a driving licence for subsequent year is based on the guideline as stated above.

Health check for drivers aged 70 and above, if needed, is to ensure the driver’s sight, hearing, movements, mental health will not hinder his driving capabilities.

The MTIC and MoH reminded the public that spreading unverified, inaccurate and fake information to deceive the public is an offence.

Action can be taken under Public Order Act, Cap 148 Section 34 whereby anyone, either verbally, in writing or any means to spread false information that can affect the public order can be imprisoned for three years and fine of BND3,000.

For information and details from MTIC and the MoH, the public can contact Darussalam hotline 123 or the JPD Corporate and Public Relations Division at 2451980/81/82 ext 107.