To drive on Malaysian roads, you are required to hold a Malaysian Competent Driving Licence, Probationary Driving Licence or an International Driving Licence. A foreign licence can be used if it is endorsed by the Road Transport Department, and some nationals are allowed to drive on their own country licences for their first three months in Malaysia. Information is available from the Malaysian Road Transport Department.

Nationals of the countries which have reciprocal agreements with Malaysia can apply for a Malaysian driving licence, on provision of:

- Their existing driving licence and a photocopy of the licence
- A translated script (if the licence is not in English) in English or Bahasa Malaysia, provided by the Embassy of the issuing country or the licensing authority
- A colour photograph (25mm x 32mm)
- Their passport/travel documents
- Payment of RM60.00 for 2 years
- A completed JPJL1 Form

Holders of valid foreign driving licenses from countries that do not have reciprocal agreements with the government of Malaysia but are member/contracting countries of the United Nations Conference On Road and Motor Transport, Geneva (1949 and 1968) can apply to the Director General, RTD to be exempted from tests to obtain a driving licence.

Vehicles use the left-hand side of the road and the use of safety belts by front passengers is mandatory. Cell phones cannot be used while driving. Laws against drinking and driving are strictly enforced with stiff penalties.

To import your own car, you must apply for an Approval Permit from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). In order to apply for this permit your car must have been registered in your name for at least three years. Import duties are very high, for a car of 2000cc engine size, for example, the import duty will be 200% (plus 10% sales tax).

There is a well-developed network of paved roads throughout Peninsular Malaysia, and road travel is convenient as there are frequent rest and service areas on the main routes. It is possible to drive the length and breadth of Peninsular Malaysia using the North-South Expressway and the East-West Highway. In Sabah and Sarawak, traveling by four-wheel drive is advisable on unpaved roads, and many remote areas can only be reached by air or river boats.

Internal public transport in Malaysia is relatively easy, comfortable and cheap. The major towns and cities are served by air-conditioned trains and buses and also by regular scheduled flights. Malayan Railways (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad) also connects all major towns in the Peninsula by rail.

Many popular island destinations like Langkawi, Pangkor, Redang and Tioman are linked to the mainland by regular ferry services. Other smaller islands are accessible by fishing boats which may be chartered.