Malaysia – Driving Licenses

Can foreign nationals drive in Malaysia on their home country licence, and for how long?

Foreign nationals are permitted to drive in Malaysia using either a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) or a foreign driving licence, on the condition that the licence is written in English. Where a licence is issued in another language, an officially certified translation must accompany it. This provision applies to tourists and individuals visiting on a short-term basis.

A foreign licence in English — or one supported by an official translation — is recognised for a maximum of 90 days. This timeframe applies chiefly to tourists and those travelling on short-stay visas. The approach is comparable to practices in many other nations; for example, France and Germany similarly allow visiting drivers to use a foreign licence for a limited period, after which local regulations take over.

Nationals of ASEAN member states may drive in Malaysia on their home country licence without requiring an IDP for short visits. Drivers from countries outside ASEAN, however, are advised to secure an IDP or a translated copy of their licence before taking the wheel in Malaysia. This is a practical point worth arranging well before your arrival.

For those who have settled in Malaysia on a longer basis — including those on work passes, student visas, and various expatriate arrangements — obtaining a Malaysian driving licence may be necessary. The regulations governing this changed considerably in 2025, and anyone planning an extended stay should read the relevant sections below with care.

Does Malaysia have licence exchange agreements with other countries?

Malaysia permits the conversion of driving licences from a defined set of countries under bilateral Two-Way Agreements. It is essential to note, however, that this conversion mechanism was effectively halted for most foreign nationals in 2025 (see the section below on conversions for full details).

The countries historically included on this approved list are: Australia, Iraq, Papua New Guinea, Belgium, Italy, France, Holland, Japan, Poland, Brunei, Germany, Russia, China, Korea, Spain, Denmark, Laos, Singapore, Fiji, Libya, Switzerland, Philippines, Mauritius, Thailand, Finland, Egypt, Turkey, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Taiwan, Iran and Nigeria. This list may be revised at any time, and individuals should verify the current approved list directly with JPJ before making arrangements.

A key requirement is that you must hold a full driving licence from your home country — learning licences, temporary licences, and probationary licences are not acceptable as a basis for conversion. This differs from the position in some other countries, where provisional or restricted licences may be used as a starting point for an exchange.

If your home country does not appear on the approved list, you will need to apply for a Malaysian driving licence through the standard process, which involves sitting both the theory and practical driving examinations. Always confirm the current status of your country’s agreement by consulting JPJ directly at www.jpj.gov.my, as agreements may be updated or withdrawn.

How do you exchange or convert a foreign driving licence in Malaysia?

From 19 May 2025, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) ceased accepting applications to convert foreign driving licences into Malaysian Driving Licences (LMM) for expatriates and legally wedded spouses of Malaysian citizens. This change followed an official announcement by the Minister of Transport and represents a significant departure from the previous policy. The overwhelming majority of foreign nationals living in Malaysia are now affected by this change.

The only individuals who retain eligibility for conversion are diplomats, participants in the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, and Malaysian citizens who previously held a foreign licence before obtaining their Malaysian one. Anyone outside these categories must pursue the standard licensing route outlined in the section that follows.

For those who remain eligible — principally MM2H participants and diplomatic personnel — the conversion process broadly involves the following steps:

1. Confirm eligibility and gather the necessary documents. This pathway is available to holders of residence, talent, or employment passes (EP1 and EP2), MM2H participants and their spouses, and PhD students holding a student pass. Confirm your eligibility category with JPJ before taking any further steps.
2. Assemble your documentation. You will need the JPJL1 form and the Exemption Application Method 5 form (Appendix B-2), obtainable from a JPJ office, together with the original and a photocopy of your passport’s biometric page. You must also bring your original foreign driving licence and, if it is not in English, a certified English translation.
3. Arrange a certified translation where required. If your foreign licence is not issued in English or Malay, an officially notarised translation must be obtained — either through your country’s embassy in Malaysia or the Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books.
4. Verify that your foreign licence is still current. Your foreign licence should have more than one year of validity remaining at the time of application. Licences approaching expiry are unlikely to be accepted.
5. Visit a JPJ office and submit your application. Attend a Road Transport Department (JPJ) office with your complete set of documents. Staff will review your paperwork and schedule an appointment for you. Return on the specified date, submit all documents and copies, and your file will be forwarded to Putrajaya for processing.
6. Await the outcome. A decision will be reached within 30 working days, though applicants are not notified automatically. You should monitor the progress of your application through the JPJ website.
7. Collect your Malaysian licence. Once approved, you will have a two-month window within which to collect your Malaysian driving licence. Print your approval letter from the JPJ website and bring an additional passport-sized photograph on collection day.

In terms of costs, the fees comprise a RM40 processing charge plus RM60 for each year of validity, up to a ceiling of five years (as of 2024 — check the JPJ website for the latest figures). If you have held a driving licence for more than two years, you will be issued a Competent Driving Licence (CDL). Those with a shorter driving history will receive a Probationary Driving Licence (PDL).

Regarding your original licence: in most cases, your foreign driving licence will be returned to you upon completion of the conversion. However, procedures may differ depending on the country that issued the licence and JPJ’s current policies. It is advisable to seek clarification from JPJ or your country’s embassy in Malaysia before proceeding.

How do you apply for a driving licence in Malaysia from scratch?

Foreign nationals who plan to live in Malaysia for more than 12 months and do not qualify for the conversion pathway are required to obtain a Malaysian Driving Licence (LMM) by following the same standard procedure that applies to Malaysian residents. This is now the default route for the great majority of long-term expatriates.

The most widely sought licence class among foreign nationals is Class D or DA. A Class D licence authorises the holder to drive both manual and automatic vehicles, whereas a Class DA licence is restricted to automatic vehicles only. If there is any likelihood that you may need to drive a manual car at some point, it is prudent to pursue Class D from the start.

The complete licensing procedure in Malaysia unfolds as follows:

1. Enrol at a JPJ-approved driving school. Select a driving school holding a valid licence from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and enrol in the full driving course for foreign nationals, which covers both theory and practical training. Going through agents or intermediaries is inadvisable, as doing so can inflate costs considerably.
2. Attend the theory course (KPP01). You are required to complete a five-hour classroom-based course addressing Malaysian road regulations, traffic signage, and fundamental vehicle safety. This can typically be finished in a single day and is delivered in both Malay and English.
3. Pass the theory (Highway Code) examination. On completion of your theory classes, you will sit the JPJ Highway Code Exam — a computer-based multiple-choice test comprising 50 questions drawn from the official handbook. The test is available in a number of languages, English among them. A minimum of 42 correct answers out of 50 is required to pass.
4. Undertake practical driving lessons. Having passed the theory examination, you will be issued a Learner’s Driving Licence (LDL) and will proceed to on-road driving sessions under the supervision of a qualified instructor attached to your driving school.
5. Sit the JPJ practical driving test. When your instructor judges you to be ready, you will appear before a JPJ examiner for a practical test assessing your handling of the vehicle, parking ability, hill starts, and general road awareness. Successful candidates are issued a Probationary Driving Licence (PDL).
6. Serve the probationary period. The PDL remains valid for two years. Throughout this period, you are subject to the KEJARA demerit point system, and committing serious traffic offences may delay or jeopardise your progression to a full licence.
7. Upgrade to a Competent Driving Licence (CDL). Once you have successfully completed the two-year probationary period, you are entitled to upgrade to a Competent Driving Licence (CDL) — Malaysia’s full driving licence. Non-citizens are charged RM60 for this upgrade (as of 2024 — confirm the current fee at www.jpj.gov.my).

Tuition fees differ between driving schools and locations. The ceiling price that schools are permitted to charge is set by the Jawatankuasa Pelesenan Institut Memandu (JKPIM), a body operating under JPJ’s authority, and exists to keep fees accessible across all states. Contact driving schools directly for up-to-date pricing, as costs vary depending on the institution, vehicle type, and state. As a broad indication, full courses at established driving academies have typically ranged from approximately RM1,500 to RM2,500 or more (as of 2024) — always confirm current prices with the school concerned.

The end-to-end process, from initial enrolment through to obtaining a CDL, generally spans two to three years when the mandatory probationary period is factored in. This is broadly in line with new-driver licensing timelines in countries such as the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, both of which incorporate structured learner and probationary stages before a full licence is granted.

How do you renew a driving licence in Malaysia?

A Competent Driving Licence (CDL) may be renewed for a period of up to 10 years in total. Renewal can be arranged in increments of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years, with the applicable fee payable upfront at the time of renewal — an approach similar to the system used in Australia, where drivers select their renewal period when paying.

JPJ permits CDL holders to renew their licence at any point before it expires. Waiting until the licence has already lapsed is inadvisable, as penalties apply to those caught driving on an expired licence. A grace period of three years is available for renewal after expiry; beyond this window, the holder may be required to restart the licensing process from the beginning.

The applicable fees (as of 2025, per the official JPJ fee schedule) are: for Class D and above, Malaysian citizens pay RM30 per year, while non-citizens pay a flat rate of RM120 covering all licence classes B2, B, C, D, DA, F, G, H, and I. Always verify the prevailing fee at the official JPJ renewal page before attending.

CDL renewal may be carried out at JPJ state or branch offices, Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs), 1JPJ Counters, eKhidmat kiosks, and Pos Malaysia Berhad (PMB) outlets. There is, however, an important distinction for foreign nationals: because Pos Malaysia staff require a MyKad to process renewals, foreigners must attend a JPJ branch and cannot use the Pos Malaysia channel.

Online renewal is possible through the MyEG platform, though foreign nationals should confirm their eligibility for this channel before relying on it. The MyJPJ app also provides a facility for both Malaysian and foreign licence holders to upload and display licence documents digitally. When attending a JPJ office in person, bring your passport and current driving licence.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Malaysia?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an officially recognised document that entitles the holder to drive in more than 150 countries, Malaysia included. It is especially useful for visitors whose driving licence is not written in English, as it provides a standardised, internationally comprehensible summary of the holder’s driving entitlements.

An IDP must be carried at all times alongside the original home-country licence — it has no legal standing as a standalone document and cannot substitute for your national licence. Visitors on short stays are unaffected by the May 2025 rule changes; if you are in Malaysia temporarily, you may drive using your foreign licence together with your IDP.

A commonly overlooked point is that an IDP expires after one year. It is not linked to your visa or passport duration, so it does not renew automatically. A fresh IDP must be obtained from your home country’s designated issuing authority before the existing one runs out.

The IDP is aimed primarily at tourists and short-stay visitors. With a valid IDP, you can drive throughout your stay of up to one year without complication, making it the simplest option for those visiting Malaysia or those who have recently relocated and are still working through the local licensing process. Malaysia recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic format for IDPs; confirm with your home country’s issuing authority that the IDP they provide conforms to this convention.

Malaysian CDL holders wishing to drive abroad can also obtain an outbound IDP through JPJ. The requirements for this are: a valid licence for Class B2 or D, a photocopy of that licence (both sides), the original and a photocopy of your identity card (both sides), two passport-sized photographs, a completed JPJ L1 form, and a payment of RM150 per year.

What are the penalties for driving licence offences in Malaysia?

Under Section 26(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), every person who drives a motor vehicle on a public road must hold a valid driving licence. Anyone who drives without a valid licence may be prosecuted under Section 26(2) and, upon conviction, faces fines, imprisonment, or both.

Road rules in Malaysia are actively enforced, and being stopped while driving on an expired or absent licence will result in a penalty. The fine levied is calculated according to how long the licence has been expired. As a general guide, the penalty tiers based on the duration of expiry are approximately: 1–15 days: RM150; 16–30 days: RM200; 31–60 days: RM300 (as of 2024 — verify the current penalty schedule with JPJ or at www.jpj.gov.my).

If a licence is left unrenewed for three years or more after its expiry date, it becomes entirely void and is no longer eligible for renewal. In such circumstances, the individual would effectively need to recommence parts of the licensing process.

Malaysia operates a demerit system known as KEJARA. Under this system, points are deducted from new drivers according to the category of traffic offence committed. Accumulating too many deductions during the probationary period can lead to licence suspension and a requirement to retake driving tests.

Driving on a foreign licence beyond the permitted 90-day window constitutes an offence. An expired IDP also provides no protection against a JPJ traffic fine — known locally as a “saman”. Driving without valid insurance is a further and equally serious offence under Malaysian law. Penalty amounts are subject to periodic revision, so always check the latest figures with JPJ rather than relying solely on the amounts cited in this article.

Which government departments or agencies handle driving licences in Malaysia?

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) — Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan in Malay — is the authority responsible for issuing and renewing driving licences across Malaysia. JPJ maintains offices in every state and is the principal body you will deal with for all licence-related matters, whether you are applying for the first time, seeking a conversion, or renewing an existing licence.

JPJ’s headquarters is situated at Level 3–5, No. 26, Jalan Tun Hussein, Presint 4, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62100 WP Putrajaya. The department can also be reached through the Malaysia Government Call Centre (MyGCC) on +60 3 8000 8000, or by email at [email protected] for general enquiries and recommendations. The official website is www.jpj.gov.my.

Beyond JPJ offices themselves, a number of other channels are available to assist with licence transactions:

• Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs): Many UTCs house JPJ counters within their premises, offering a convenient one-stop option for licence renewal and related administrative tasks.
• MyJPJ App: Launched by the Road Transport Department in February 2023, the MyJPJ app allows licence holders to display their digital driving licence and road tax on a mobile device as an alternative to carrying physical documents.
• Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM): Applications for an outbound IDP can be submitted at AAM offices. The AAM is Malaysia’s national motoring organisation, fulfilling a role comparable to the AA in the United Kingdom or the NRMA in Australia.
• MyEG Online Platform: The MyEG service (www.myeg.com.my) offers online licence renewal for eligible holders — foreign nationals should verify their eligibility before attempting to use this channel.

Foreign nationals are encouraged to contact their home country’s embassy or high commission in Kuala Lumpur when they require nationality-specific guidance — for instance, when JPJ requires an official confirmation letter regarding the nature of their home driving licence as part of an application.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Malaysia immediately after arriving with my home country licence?

Yes — foreign nationals may drive in Malaysia on a valid home-country licence, provided it is written in English. Where the licence is in another language, an officially certified translation must be obtained. Nationals of ASEAN member states can use their national licence without an IDP for short stays. Visitors from all other countries are advised to carry an IDP alongside their home licence for the smoothest experience at roadblocks and checkpoints.

How long can I drive in Malaysia on a foreign licence before I need a Malaysian one?

A foreign driving licence in English — or one accompanied by an official translation — is valid in Malaysia for up to 90 days. After this period, long-term residents are expected to hold a valid Malaysian driving licence. Since May 2025, most foreign nationals must complete the full licensing process rather than applying for a direct conversion.

Do I need to retake my driving test in Malaysia?

From May 2025, JPJ discontinued the conversion of foreign driving licences to Malaysian licences for most applicant categories. The majority of long-term foreign residents must now follow the same licensing process as local applicants, which includes enrolment at a driving school and passing both the theory and practical examinations — unless they fall within a specific exempt category, such as diplomats or MM2H participants.

Which countries have a driving licence agreement with Malaysia?

Countries historically included on Malaysia’s conversion list include Australia, Iraq, Papua New Guinea, Belgium, Italy, France, Holland, Japan, Poland, Brunei, Germany, Russia, China, Korea, Spain, Denmark, Laos, Singapore, Fiji, Libya, Switzerland, Philippines, Mauritius, Thailand, Finland, Egypt, Turkey, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Taiwan, Iran and Nigeria. However, direct conversions for most expatriates were suspended in May 2025. Always confirm the current position with JPJ before making plans.

How long does it take to get a Malaysian driving licence from scratch?

After passing the practical test and receiving a Probationary Driving Licence (PDL), you must complete a mandatory two-year probationary period before you can upgrade to a Competent Driving Licence (CDL). Factoring in driving school enrolment, theory and practical tests, and the probationary period, the entire process typically requires a minimum of around two to two-and-a-half years from start to finish.

Can I renew my Malaysian driving licence online?

Malaysian citizens have the option of renewing at Pos Malaysia outlets, UTCs, JPJ offices, or through the MyEG online platform. Foreign nationals, however, must attend a JPJ branch in person for renewal, as Pos Malaysia outlets require a MyKad — the Malaysian national identity card — to process the transaction. Check the MyEG platform to determine whether online renewal is available to holders of your particular residency status.

What happens if I drive in Malaysia with an expired licence?

Section 26(1) of the Road Transport Act requires every driver to hold a valid licence; those who do not may be prosecuted under Section 26(2) and face fines, imprisonment, or both. Penalties are graded according to how long the licence has been expired: approximately RM150 for 1–15 days past expiry, RM200 for 16–30 days, and RM300 for 31–60 days (as of 2024 — verify current rates with JPJ).

Where do I go to apply for or convert a driving licence in Malaysia?

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) administers all driving licence matters in Malaysia and operates offices in every state. For conversion applications — available only to eligible categories — you may attend any JPJ state or branch office, though certain applications must be routed through JPJ headquarters in Putrajaya. Visit www.jpj.gov.my for a directory of office locations, contact details, and the latest procedural guidance.