JABATAN PENGANGKUTAN JALAN MALAYSIAMESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, ROAD TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OF MALAYSIA | would like to thank Allah S.W.T for His kindness in giving the strength to those who were involved in completing the English Version of the Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC).! would also like to express my heartiest congratulations to Road Transport Department especially to the DEC Special Task Group. Their dedication and determination have made the publication of this book a reality, The increasing demand from the public, especially among expatriates to acquire the Malaysian driving licence, has made the RTD realize the importance of publishing this book. Other than catering to the needs of this group of people, this book also grants the locals the privilege of choosing their language of preference for better understanding of current road rules and regulations, Education Curriculum (DEC) A special thank you goes to IDFR for their excellent job in translating the book in very simple forms to give better understanding. It is crucial that we get the help from the experts to ensure that nothing will be lost in translation. ‘Once again | would like to congratulate our Special Task Team for their continuous effort in educating and informing the public. It is my greatest hope that all the drivers, with their efforts and positive attitude would be responsible for a reduction in the accident rate in our country. Finally, | sincerely hope that with all the information and guidelines contained in this book, we would be able to produce disciplined and tolerance drivers. This book is a humble contribution by the RTD to the call of the nations, Dato’ Hj. Emran Bin Hj. Kadir DSSA,SSA,AMN,Driver's Education Curriculum (DE CONTENTS Message from the Director-General, Road Transport Department of Malaysia Aim and Objectives of Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC) CHAPTER I: ROAD USER'S GUIDE SECTION 1: Attitude and Responsibility of Drivers SECTION2: Basic Driving Techniques CHAPTER I: THE HIGHWAY CODE TRAFFIC SIGNS 1- Danger Traffic Signs ll Prohibitive Traffic Signs Il- Mandatory Traffic Signs IV- Informative Traffic Signs V~ Temporary Traffic Signs VI- Lines on the Road Vil- Traffic Police Hand Signs and Signals Vill- Motorist's/Motorcyclist's Drivers' Hand Signals CHAPTER III; DEFENSIVE DRIVING SECTION 1: CONCEPT OF DEFENSIVE DRIVING - Definition of the Concept of Defensive Driving - Steps to Prevent Accidents - Planning the Journey Perfect Driving SECTION 2: POSITIONS IN WHICH ACCIDENTS COULD OCCUR SECTION 3: CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE ACCIDENTS - Drivers ~Roads -Vehicles -Weather ight “Traffic SECTION 4: OBSTACLES - Introduction - Types of Obstacles ~The Hazard Action Plan - Vehicle Controlling SystemsSECTION 5: RULES ~ Introduction = Rules of Distance - Rules for Overtaking Rules at Junctions SECTION6: MOVEMENTS SECTION7: MAKING DECISIONS / TAKING ACTIONS CHAPTER IV: DRIVING IN VARIOUS SITUATIONS, SECTION 1: DRIVING IN AN EMERGENCY ~ Brake Malfunction - Vehicle Swerving - Stuck Accelerator - Burst Tyre - Headlights Stop Working - Vehicle on Fire - Bonnet Flies Open Suddenly = Making an Emergency Stop on the Highway ~ Faced with an Accident - Vehicle Plunged into Water = Windscreen Breaks - Engine Refuses to Start ~ Damage toVehicle ~ Changing Tyre - Emergency Equipment Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC) SECTION 2: DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY - Introduction - Before Driving -While Driving ~ After Driving SECTION 3: DRIVING AT NIGHT ~The Human Factor ~ Physical Factors CHAPTER V: HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVERS SECTION 1: HEALTH AND SAFETY OF DRIVERS ~Vision ~Hearing ~Being Cautious - Medication ~Health and Emotions ~Medical Checkup ~Attitude and Safety ~ Responsibility of Having Insurance SECTION 2: STRESS MANAGEMENT Introduction = Definition of Stress ~ Stress Categorization ~ Effects of Stress on Driving ~ Three Stages in Controlling Stress ~ Stress Management PlanDriver's Education Curriculum (DEC) SECTION 3: DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS Introduction - Alcohol -Drugs/Medication CHAPTER VI:LAW AND DRIVING OFFENCES SECTION 1: DRIVING LICENCES ~Background ~Types of Driving Licenses ~Driving Licence Clauses ~Conditions Qualifying Drivers to Obtain a Licence ~Conditions for the Issue of Learner Driving Licence - Conditions imposed on Holders of the Learner Driving Licence ~Pre-qualifications to Sit for the Practical Test ~ Probationary Driving Licence SECTION 2: DRIVING OFFENCES AND THE PENALTIES UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 1987 ANDTHE RULES| ‘THEREUNDER (RTR 1959) =Introduction -Types of Violations SECTION 3: THE KEJARA SYSTEM ~Common Understanding Specific Understanding -Why the KEJARA System was Created a -How the KEJARA System Functions = Rehabilitation Courses ~The Granting of Bonus . - Penalty Fines ~ Scheduled Offences and Demerit Points Giv CHAPTER VIl : REGULATIONS AND LAWS. RELATING TO MOTORCYCLISTS SECTION 1: GUIDELINES FOR MOTORCYCLISTS -Wearing the Correct Gear - Examining the Motorcycle SECTION2: ‘SAFE RIDING TECHNIQUES = Introduction ~ Body Position =Turning and Cornering + Braking ~ Gear Shifts ~ Basic Techniques of Motorcycle Riding SECTION3: MAINTAINING THE DISTANCE = Frontal Distance - Side Distances ~ Rear Distance SECTION4: IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS - Looking ahead -Glancing back = Using the MirrorsDriver's Education Curriculum (DEC) SECTION 5: RIDING AT NIGHT SECTION 6: CARRYING PASSENGER AND LOADS SECTION 7; HANDLING THE MOTORCYCLE DURING AN EMERGENCYDriver's Education Curriculum (DEC) AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF DRIVER'S EDUCATION CURRICULUM. (DEC) ‘The Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC) was formulated to help drivers/road users to master the aspects of safety and regulations that need to be practise on the road. The aspects of knowledge and integrated skills make up the backbone to this DEC. a) Aim ‘The DEC's aim is to produce drivers/road users who are knowledgeable, skilled, cautious and competent, and practise good values. b) Objectives To achieve its aim, the DEC enables the drivers/road users to: 1) Protect the safety of lives and property while on the road. 2) Be aware, responsible and obey the rules and regulations. 3) Increase knowledge and skills on road rules and regulations. 4) Be more efficient and self-confident while on the road, 5) Be more conscientious and practice good values while on the road. 6) Enhance understanding and effective communication skills while on the road. 7) Increase efficiency and skills in handling vehicles while on the road.CHAPTER 1 ROAD USER'S GUIDE SECTION 1 ATTITUDE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF DRIVERS A. Background Road accidents have caused a big loss to the country. They cause injury, suffering and the highest death rates in Malaysia. There seems no end to the history of road accidents. A safe and smooth journey though, is desired by the government and every road user. The question is, for how long are toad accidents going to continue? This is a national crisis for it causes numerous deaths among road users. In Malaysia, 96% of injuries and death from accidents are caused by negligent drivers. Apart from that, ‘natural hazards’ are also becoming a main factor in road accidents. What is clear is that road accidents are caused by the human failure and negligence when on the toad. Included here are accident statistics for the year 1993 to the year 2002. liad site| n Curriculum (DEC) aw erie DEATHS 1994 148, 801 5,759 1996 189, 109 6,304 1998 211,037 5,740 2000 250,429 6,035 2002 279,237 5,887Pr aed Lee ra (34) Ren aais es Pans Efforts in monitoring road safety carried out by individuals, government agencies, and regulatory bodies. Road safety ‘campaigns have been launched with the hope that drivers will have good attitude and skills when on the road. For this reason, the Driver's Education Curriculum has been introduced. B. General Guidelines for Vehicle Drivers 1- Various factors have been identified as causes of road accidents. One of the most important factors is related to the attitude of drivers. Accidents can easily happen to drivers who have a negative attitude and a short temper, who like showing off, driving at high speed, etc. On the contrary, drivers who are positive and considerate, careful and always respectful to other road users may be able to avoid accidents. 2- Driving courteously and responsibly will actually set a good example for other road users, thus decreasing the rate of road accidents. 3- Vehicle drivers need to be courteous and considerate towards all other road users especially cyclists and pedestrians. Drivers need to control their emotions while driving and obey all traffic regulations, Also, they should not be easily offended by the behaviour of other road users, and not be influenced in their judgement and action while driving. 4- The attitude of drivers who are not courteous is seen not only from the way they drive, such as driving too fast or overtaking from the side and the middle without heed to other vehicles, but also from other actions such - Failing to signal properly; - Honking without any apparent reason; ~ Parking at the bend of the road or jutting far into the toad; - Driving with one hand, while the other hand is on the side of the carroof; - Driving in the middle of the road when other vehicles are trying to overtake; and = Driving fast through a wet and muddy road, splattering pedestrians.5 Some actions that are not courteous and are unwise can bring about danger and can be considered dangerous. For example: ~ Driving fast when visibility is impaired, such as in heavy rain, ~~ Overtaking at the bend of the road or at 2 hill slope where traffic conditions cannot be seen easily, and - Purposely interfering with the vision of drivers coming rom the opposite direction by switching on the high beam. 6- All road users are advised against taking alcohol while driving on the road. Alcohol intake can affect the brain and blur judgement and alertness while driving. Accident statistics show that high rates of accidents are caused by drink driving. 7- A positive attitude has to be instilled in drivers as responsible road users. For example, drivers of big vehicles need to respect drivers of smaller vehicles. The same applies for when there is a blind or disabled person crossing the road. Drivers or pedestrians need to give the necessary help. Drivers need to stop their vehicles until the disabled person has crossed the road, Pedestrians should approach the disabled and offer help in crossing the road. Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC)Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC) C.Attitude and Responsi ity of Drivers |. Drivers and Pedestrians As a vehicle driver, you must never assume that pedestrians are always alert when on the road. It thus becomes your responsibility to share the road with pedestrians wisely by observing and paying attention every time you see a pedestrian, There are several places where drivers have to be more alert while driving. Among them are as follows: (i) School children crossing zone Vehicle drivers must drive defensively and should be able to stop their vehicles immediately when necessary, . Vehicle drivers must stop their vehicles when they see school children stepping onto the road or at the crossing even if there is no warden or traffic guard present. . Vehicle drivers are not allowed to move until these pedestrians have left the crossingVehicle drivers must always be alert because not all pedestrians are careful when using the zebra crossing. Some pedestrians are of the opinion that they are free and safe when using the zebra crossing without first looking left and right. (iii) Bus/taxi stand Vehicle drivers must be careful when passing the bus/taxi stand, because it is possible that passengers/alighting from the bus or taxi might cross the road without first looking left or right. The situation becomes more dangerous if there are pedestrians crossing from the front or back of a bus which has just stopped where the driver will not be able to see them because they are blocked from the driver's view. (iv) Housing areas Vehicle drivers must be cautious every time they pass through a housing area. There is a possibility that children may suddenly appear in the path of the driver.Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC) (v) Senior citizens and the disabled Generally, the hearing and sight of the elderly and the disabled are weak and can be the cause of accidents. They are also incapable of seeing clearly the presence of vehicles in their surroundings. Therefore, drivers must be careful when passing through areas where there are senior citizens and the disabled. f necessary, you are advised to honk. (vi) Crowded attraction areas (Entertainment centres, shows, markets, talks, ete.) There are various categories of pedestrians in these areas of attraction. There may be pedestrians who are drunk, carrying a lot of things, not paying attention or are enjoying themselves too much to concentrate and pay attention while walking. Therefore, drivers must pay attention when passing these areas. (vii) Bad weather Itis the norm for pedestrians to rush and not pay attention while walking in bad weather. The vision of drivers becomes blurred, and these circumstances can contribute to accidents involving pedestrians. Vehicle drivers shouldUl. Drivers and Cyclists Penns Te wrete - When a driver sees a cyclist, the driver must immediately anticipate danger in front because the cyclist might turn right and move out of his path, especially if the cyclist is a children. Furthermore, every vehicle driver must understand the safety procedures that need to be taken ifa dangerous situation arises, for example, prepare to use the emergency brake or to turn right. - A driver should also act immediately when seeing a cyclist in front because a driver cannot anticipate danger with a careless attitude. Such an attitude can be dangerous. Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC) 3-A drivers needs to slow down his vehicle when nearing school areas, where many students bicycle on the left and right of the road, 4-A driver should not honk when seeing a cyclist in front, for this can startle the cyclist, unless the intention is to let the cyclist know that he wants to overtake the cyclist orif the driver is at an area where his front view is being blocked such as ata road bend or ahill slope. 5-A vehicle driver should not leave his vehicle on a dark road without turning on the lights for this can endanger cyclists. ifthe lights fail to function, move the car from the road as soon as possible or turn on the hazard lights to indicate the position of the vehicle. 6-A vehicle driver needs to give sufficient signals and ensure that it is safe before leaving a parking lot and Joining the traffic, so that the signals can be seen clearly bby other road users, especially cyclists.Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC) Ill. Drivers and Motorcyclists 1 Motorcyclists are the group most frequently involved in road accidents, because apart from the high number of Motorcycles on the road, this group comprises young riders and school children. Therefore, when faced with a motorcyclist, drivers of bigger vehicles must constantly be more alert and careful. 2-Vehicle drivers are prohibited from honking when aE} pessing/overtaking motorcyclists for this might startle them and cause them to move out of their lane and into the lane on the right. However, honking is necessary if motorcyclists are riding abreast. 3-Vehicle drivers should also give sufficient and clear signals and assume a safe distance before overtaking a motorcyclist. The same step should be taken when re- entering the lane after overtaking, 4- Vehicle drivers should follow the motorcyclists at a safe distance and not too closely, because this can disturb the concentration of the motorcyclists and can also scare them. Use the two-second and four-second distance rules. 5-Vehicle drivers should also give sufficient and clear signals when changing directions or when turning left or right. Also, drivers should look into their rearview and side mirrors to check their blind-spots to ensure there are no motorcyclists when making a tum. o While driving at night, vehicle drivers should be more careful and cautious because many motorcycles do not have rear lights that are bright and clear. Vehicle drivers are also prohibited from using their high beam at oncoming motorcyclists because the glare could momentarily blind them and cause accidents, 7- When driving on a road that is packed with vehicles, drivers should be more careful and cautious for there will be motorcyclists riding in between the slow moving cars.1V. Drivers and Other Vehicles 1, Driving School/Institute Vehicles used for teaching/tests by RTD officers 1.1. When you come across a vehicle from a driving schoolfnstitute that is being used to teach and has an'L' plate displayed, you have to assume that this vehicle can be potentially dangerous to you, for it is being driven by someone who is just learning how to drive and is not yet skilled or efficient in driving. Therefore, these situations might occur:- i) The vehicle is driven slowly; ii) The vehicle is driven to the side and to the middle of the road; ii) The vehicle may stop suddenly. 1.2 As a wise vehicle driver, when faced with these situations you have to immediately take the following safety precautions: i) Do not follow the vehicle in front too closely; ii) Make sure the distance between your vehicles is safe enough for the vehicle in front to stop suddenly; Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC) iii) Do not honk or give any warning/obscene signs if that vehicleis being driven slowly; iv) Be patience and respect the other driver, for you too would have been in the same situation before.7 Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC) 2. Vehicles driven by a probationary licence driver When you are faced with a vehicle that is being driven by a probationary (P) licence driver, you have to be alert because the driver has just obtained his licence and his skill is not quite adequate. Therefore, you have to focus on the probability of a mistake occurring and be prepared to take safety precautions. 3. Public transport vehicles Whenever you are faced with a public transport vehicle such as a bus or taxi, extra attention has to be given towards the vehicle, Look out the following: i) The vehicle will stop suddenly to pick up and drop off Passengers; There will be passengers who cross the road from the front or the back of the bus without first looking to the left and right of the road; iii) The vehicle starts moving without the driver looking back or giving way to other vehicles from behind, ‘Therefore, when you are faced witha public transport vehicle you should always be prepared and be a safe distance away.& Heavy machinery (such as wheeled machinery/tractor) When you come across heavy machinery, you will encounter problems such as the vehicle moving too slowly. You have to follow this vehicle carefully and find a safe way 10 overtake. You have to apply the overtaking procedures when you want to overtake this vehicle. Make sure you are overtaking at 2 safe area and never overtake at a dangerous spot. Drivers and vehicles that have the right of way (POLICE, AMBULANCE, FIREBRIGADE, RTD, and CUSTOMS) Drivers of all vehicles must give way to any vehicles belonging to the police, ambulance, firebrigade, RTD and Customs that have their sirens on even if at that moment the drivers have the right of way. 6.0- Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC) EWE ed Eras | = A Traffic priority must be given to these vehicles because the law has given them the right. Failure in giving Priority to these emergency vehicles will risk involving your vehicle in an accident. Legal action can be taken against those who fail to give way. Commerced vehicle drivers (lorry, trailer, container lorry, etc.) Whenever you encounter commerced vehicles such as lorries, trailers and container lorries whether moving or stopping at the side of the road, you must be more careful by taking these steps:- i) Observe the signs are on the body of the vehicles such as the words ‘dangerous’, ‘long vehicle’, ‘air brakes’ and ‘highly flammable’;PU tad ee Ta Nie) Aa) } f ~ a ~ | | | L L 1) Avoid from going into / suddenly stopping in the space in front of heavy vehicles because they require a distance to stop. iii) Determine the safe distance when following a heavy vehicle while it is moving, going up a hill or taking a comer. iv) Be extra careful when overtaking a heavy vehicle because it has bigger blind-spots. You must initiate ‘communication with the driver by honking to inform him of your intention to overtake his vehicle.SECTION I BASIC DRIVING TECHNIQUES 1.Actions before driving a) Pre-driving check As a driver, you should do a pre-driving check. Pay attention to the followings: ’) Look over your car, making sure there is no damage toits body, plate number and lights; li) Make sure the tyres have enough air, are not punctured and are in perfect condition; iii) Make sure there are no children/animals/vehicles or any other obstructions around that can cause accidents. Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC) eke tadDriver's Education Curriculum (DEC) b) Clothes Clothes play an important role while driving. These rules should be followed :- i) Clothes worn should not obstruct movement of the hands and arms; ii) Tight trousers should be avoided because they will obstruct leg movement; iii) Soft-soled shoes are suitable for driving because you can feel the pedal as you step on it. Wearing slippers not encouraged. vADriver's Education Curriculum (DEC) ) Basic preparations when inside the vehicle ’) Before beginning your journey, adjust your seat so that control instruments such as the light switch and signal can be reached without having to stretch your arms and legs; ii) Make sure the rear view and side mirrors are in their correct positions; iii) Make sure the signals, hom and winds screen wipers are functioning; iv) Make sure the temperature is stable and there is enough fuel; v) Make sure the gear is in neutral before starting the engine, Pra ee ee RRCDriver's Education Curriculum (DEC) 2. Actions while driving a) Rules of moving Before putting the vehicle in motion, you are advised to take note of the following: i) Use of mirtor Make sure you look into the rear-view and side mirrors before signalling. ii) Signalling Make sure you signal sufficiently before moving. Glancing back Make sure you glance back a little after signalling and before moving to avoid vehicles that cannot be seen from the rear view and side mirrors or because of blind-spots. y) Gear and clutch ~ Make sure the gears in neutral. ~ Depress the accelerator slightly and turn the key to start the engine. Release the accelerator as soon as the engine starts. Make sure there are no other road users in front or behind. Signal to indicate what you want to do next. ~ Depress the clutch and put the vehicle in first gear, then release the brake hand, = Depress the accelerator slightly while slowly letting out the clutch. Make sure the situation allows for the car to begin moving safely by glancing over your shoulder to the blind-spot. Let the car move slowly. ~ Release the clutch completely.b) Rules of stopping the vehicle The following is what you should always remember and Pay attention to while stopping at an intersection or behind another vehicle: = Monitor other road users in front of you. ~ Use the rear view mirror to look and notice the traffic behind. ~ Signal to indicate what you intend to do. ~ Be alert to the areas hidden from view on your left. ~ Depress the accelerator. ~ Follow the left lane or the correct lane, ~ Depress the brake pedal slowly, - Completely depress the clutch pedal when your vehicle is close to stopping. ~ Continue depressing the clutch and the brakes, ~ Pull the brake hand and push the gear into neutral. ~ Place your foot on the brake pedal when stopping. 3. Driver's Education Curriculum (DEC) Rules of balancing the use of the gear, clutch and accelerator Changing gears is another important aspect of basic driving. While driving, you have to choose a suitable gear by observing the speed of the vehicle through the sound of the engine, briefly glancing at the speedo meter occasionally or looking at the moving view outside. Training in gear changing is an important aspect in turning you into a skilled driver. Apply as follows: First Gear ~ Depress the clutch pedal. ~ Put the vehicle in first gear ~ Release the clutch halfway while slowly depressing the accelerator. ~ Release the rest of the clutch and step on the accelerator to increase speed. - Depress the accelerator until the car achieves a speed of 15-20km per hour Second Gear ~ Depress the clutch pedal while releasing the accelerator, ~ Push the gear from first to second. ~ Release the clutch halfway, then slowly release it altogether while depressing the accelerator.Pama cele eee ra it mie) e) Third Gear - Depress the clutch while releasing the accelerator, ~ Change from second gear to third gear. - Release the clutch completely in one movement while stepping on the accelerator, - Step on the accelerator until the car achieves a speed of 40-45 km per hour. Fourth Gear and Onwards - Depress the clutch while releasing the accelerator, = Change from third gear to fourth gear and onwards. - Release the clutch completely in one movement while stepping on the accelerator. - Depress the accelerator gradually to the permitted speed. 4, Steering Control Controlling the steering correctly is the basis of vehicle stability and security. Therefore, itis important to maintain maximum control of the steering wheel at all times while in the vehicle. Hold the steering wheel gently to maintain the movement of the car in a straight direction. However, you may need to hold the steering wheel tightly so you can maintain your vehicle's smooth journey while negotiating road bends, braking, driving over uneven roads such as roads with puddles, muddy and bumpy roads. The correct way of holding a steering wheel: i) Hold the steering wheel with both hands in the position of the hands of a clock with the left hand at 10 and the right hand at 2; li) Do not let go of the steering wheel and let it turn back by itself after making a turn; iii) Do not move your body when turning the steering wheel. Drivers need to constantly look further ahead to monitor the different road conditions so that swift turning of the steering wheel can be done wisely. When driving around a sharp road bend, turn the steering wheel little by little without removing both your hands.