IPOH, Malaysia: They are experienced driving instructors who have been tasked to teach motorists before releasing them onto Malaysian roads.

But in a surprise test during an instructors seminar recently, only 35% of 396 driving instructors present made the cut.

Perak Road Transport Department director Mad Yasir Mastakim said although the instructors failed the written test, they would not be penalised.

"We will have refresher courses for them to improve their scores," he told reporters here yesterday after closing the seminar aimed at enhancing the professionalism of driving instructors.

Mad Yasir said the test was conducted prior to the start of yesterday's one-day seminar.

"The instructors had to answer 50 multiple-choice questions and they needed to get 42 correct to pass," he said.

Mad Yasir added that besides the written test, the instructors would also be given a practical test on another date.

"This is to ensure the instructors can offer better services to their students," he added.

While the instructors may not fare too well in their written test, a spot check conducted by the department on the state's 20 driving institutions found that 97% of them passed with flying colours.

On another matter, Mad Yasir said the department would provide a code of ethics for driving instructors soon.

Among the guidelines, he said, was that instructors must be decently dressed, avoid smoking or eating while teaching and adhere to the curriculum.