Loke said the road transport department (JPJ) was in the final stages of preparing to introduce the programme, which includes system changes and coordination with driving institutions.
“Applications for the transition programme are expected to open to the public starting Oct 1,” he told a press conference.
“This special transition programme has no set end date and will continue until a period is determined and announced later.”
Last August, deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a proposal for the automatic upgrade of B2 class motorcycle driving licences to B class would be brought to the transport ministry for review.
B2 driving licences are for motorcycles not exceeding 250cc, and B class licences are for those exceeding 500cc.
However, Loke said there are requirements for transitioning from B1 and B2 class motorcycle driving licences to B class.
He said applicants must have held a B1 or B2 class licence for at least 10 years and be free from blacklists, outstanding fines, transaction restrictions, and serious criminal records.
“Additionally, applicants must declare their physical and mental fitness,” he said.
Loke said applicants must also complete and pass a two-hour transition and adaptation programme at a driving institute, covering practical riding and safe driving instruction for motorcycles over 500cc.
“Applicants must also be assessed by a qualified training officer,” he said, adding that the certification ensures the competence and ability of an individual to handle high-powered motorcycles.
A fee of RM160 will be charged to cover operational costs at the driving institutes.
Separately, Loke also announced that the B1 class will be combined with the B class due to the low demand for B1 class licences each year.
He said no new applications for B1 class licences will be accepted after Oct 1.
“With a B class motorcycle licence, individuals will be qualified to drive all motorcycle displacements and will not be limited to motorcycles below 499cc for B1,” he said.
“Existing B1 class licence holders will remain in their category or can undergo the special programme to obtain a B class licence.”