5-8-2023 (JAKARTA) In response to widespread criticism that the previous motorcycle driving test was excessively challenging for the general public, the National Police have introduced a modified version to make it more accessible. The new practical test is designed to maintain the assessment of safety and driving skills while addressing the concerns raised by applicants and experts.
The revised driving test was made available on Friday (Aug 4) at select vehicle document registration centres (Samsat) in various locations, including Daan Mogot in West Jakarta, Tangerang regency and South Tangerang in Banten, and Depok and Bekasi in West Java.
According to Sr. Comr. Latif Usman, the Jakarta Police traffic corps director, the new test takes place on an S-shaped circuit with a width 2.5 times that of a typical motorcycle. Notably, the zigzag or slalom driving test, which was considered the most challenging part of the previous examination, has been dropped from the revised version.
The previous track was only 1.5 times the width of a motorbike, making it significantly more difficult for applicants to navigate. However, with the new layout, the National Police aim to strike a balance between assessing driving skills and ensuring that the test is not overly burdensome for potential licence holders. Despite the changes, new applicants will still have to complete a written test and a driving simulator as part of the licensing process.
The decision to modify the driving test came after National Police chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo ordered the traffic corps to reevaluate its difficulty. The previous version had been criticized for its excessive complexity, which led to concerns about potential bribery attempts to obtain licences.
In June, the National Police issued a new rule requiring applicants to obtain a certificate from a driving school before acquiring a driving licence, sparking protests against the onerous practical test. Responding to the public outcry, Gen. Listyo assured that the police would address the test’s shortcomings if deemed necessary.
While the new test is expected to ease the burden on applicants, some individuals are calling for further changes. One lawmaker, Ahmad Sahroni of the NasDem Party, is pushing to amend the psychological test required to obtain or renew a driver’s licence. Sahroni believes that the psychological assessment should not be a mere administrative formality and proposes involving experts to develop a more relevant and updated approach.
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