Driver's License

I was watching TV last night when suddenly I remembered that my license would expire this month... when in this month I could not remember but I knew it was this month. Don't ask me how but it just popped into my head. IT happens with loads of other stuff as well. It just pops into my head out of nowhere. I rummage through my wallet and saw that it would expire on the 29th.

I looked up the options to renew online and there was an online option and my renewal slip would be sent to me within 5 days or I could have the data uploaded into my MyKad or I could pick the slip up from their e-services centers. There were 1, 2, 3 and 5 year renewal options. Obviously no photo required as this is done online. Check it out HERE.

Then I looked for a JPJ branch nearby and found one at Maju Junction. I quickly hopped into the car and drove there. When I got there it was quite early and just before 9:00 am. The place was almost empty. Took my number and waited to be called. My number got called in about 30 seconds despite there being no one. Good eh? Anyway... I sit down and say that I'd like to renew my license.

How many years? 1, 2, 3 or 5 years?

5 years please.

Do you have a photo with you?

No I don't.

Then you can only renew 3 years. You need a photo for 5 years.

Ummmm... why?

For 3 years we give you a renewal slip, for 5 years we give you a new license.

Can I use my old photo from my old license?

No.

Can I choose 5 years and have you transfer the data directly to my MyKad?

No.

If I have a photo and choose 5 years can you then transfer the data to my MyKad?

Yes we can.

After I do that transfer of data to my MyKad can I just carry my MyKad and not my driver's license?

Yes you can.

So why do I need the photo then? And why can't it be transferred straight to my MyKad?

(Silence, he was lost for a second) Because this is the procedure.

Ok... where can I take an instant photo?

There is a shop out there (he points outside).
Do I have to take another number after I get my photo?
If I am here, you can come directly to my counter.

So here we are again in the Land Of Boleh with procedures that just don't make sense. If you allow online renewals without photos then why should it be any different when I do it over the counter? It's just amazing. It seems to me that people just don't ask questions and they simply don't care. I went out and got my instant photos at RM12.00 for 4 passport sized photos printed from a deskjet printer. Hey! Maybe... just maybe the photo is not required and they're getting a commission from the photo guy! Possible, no?

Anyway... go back in... the dude's disappeared. I wait about 30 seconds, still no sign so I take a number... again... despite there being no one around... wait another 30 seconds for my number to come up and then went to another counter and got my license renewed. Then I passed my MyKad to the counter girl for it to be updated with the data.

All this was done in 15 minutes.... from the time I parked till the time I got to my car again to leave... not bad. Would have been faster if they didn't have stupid procedures.