PETALING JAYA: Malaysia should consider a graduated motorcycle licensing system rather than raising the minimum licensing age from 16 to 18, said Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua.
He said the system would allow younger riders to gain experience on small-displacement motorcycles before progressing to larger bikes after meeting stricter training and riding experience requirements.
“Instead of implementing a one-size-fits-all age increase to 18 years old, Malaysia might consider evaluating the potential effectiveness of a graduated motorcycle licence programme,” he said.
He added that further restrictions could be imposed on novice riders, including limits on night riding, carrying pillion passengers and engaging in risky riding behaviour.
Law cited a study of New Zealand’s graduated licensing scheme, which found a 22 per cent reduction in motorcycle-related hospitalisations for injuries among riders aged 15 to 19 after the policy was introduced.
However, he said the reduction was partly attributable to lower motorcycle riding exposure, meaning the findings might not be directly applicable to Malaysia.
“Malaysia might adopt an integrated policy strategy involving engine displacement limits, compulsory training programmes, progressive licensing and selective enforcement measures.”
He said such an approach would allow young riders to accumulate experience under safer conditions while limiting their exposure to more powerful motorcycles and dangerous situations.
Law said raising the minimum motorcycle licensing age from 16 to 18 might prevent some teenagers from legally obtaining licences but would not, on its own, effectively address illegal street racing.
“Age-based restrictions may help limit access to motorcycle driving licences among some adolescents and teens, but youths who wish to engage in illegal street racing may still continue to drive without authorisation despite higher licence age requirements.”
He said international road safety evidence showed that young riders faced higher crash risks due to weaker hazard recognition, speed estimation and reaction skills.
He added that while raising the minimum licensing age could delay teenagers’ legal exposure to traffic risks, there was insufficient evidence to conclude that increasing the age from 16 to 18 would reduce motorcycle fatalities.
He said the outcome would also depend on whether teenagers delayed riding or continued to operate motorcycles illegally.
“Malaysia would need to examine age-specific crash rates, motorcycle riding exposure, licensing status and enforcement records to assess the likely impact of the proposed policy.
“Raising the licensing age should be accompanied by complementary measures to curb illegal street racing and improve road safety among young riders.”
Law said authorities needed more detailed data on fatal crashes involving riders in these age groups, including their licensing status, speeding violations, involvement in illegal street racing and other risky riding behaviour.
He added that comparing fatality figures with the motorcycle-riding population across different age groups would help establish the risks faced by younger riders.