Brunei – Driving Licenses

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

Overseas visitors who possess both a valid foreign driving licence and an International Driving Permit are permitted to drive on Brunei’s roads for a period of three months. This allowance is intended for tourists and short-term visitors only — it is not extended to people who have come to Brunei for work or to settle, who must obtain a local licence from the outset.

If you intend to remain in Brunei and continue driving beyond that three-month window, you are required to obtain a Bruneian driving licence. This approach aligns with the policies of several neighbouring nations, including Malaysia, which similarly limits use of a foreign licence and IDP to three months.

Foreigners who plan to reside in Brunei Darussalam for more than one year, or those who hold a foreign licence for commercial or public service vehicle categories, are entitled to apply for a local Brunei licence. If you are relocating for professional reasons, it is advisable to begin the licence application process promptly after arrival rather than waiting until the end of the visitor concession period.

Traffic in Brunei flows on the left-hand side of the road — consistent with Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and Australia — so drivers accustomed to left-hand traffic will face minimal adaptation. However, some road signs are written in Malay, so foreign drivers should take time to familiarise themselves with local signage before taking to the road.

Does Brunei have licence exchange agreements with other countries?

Brunei has entered into licence exchange arrangements with a number of countries. Under these agreements, holders of qualifying foreign licences may swap their licence for a Bruneian one without being required to sit a driving test. Because the list of eligible countries can be updated at any time, it is essential to verify the current position before submitting an application.

One notable regional framework is the ASEAN agreement on driving licence recognition, under which member states have agreed to acknowledge domestic licences issued by fellow ASEAN nations. As a founding member of ASEAN alongside Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, Brunei participates in this arrangement, meaning drivers from these countries may benefit from recognition provisions. That said, participation in the ASEAN framework does not automatically guarantee a straightforward test-free exchange — you should always confirm the current terms with the Land Transport Department (JPD) before assuming your licence qualifies.

For drivers from countries that have no bilateral or multilateral recognition agreement with Brunei, an International Driving Permit is required to drive legally. Where no such agreement exists at all, you will need to pursue the standard local licence application route, which typically involves both theory and practical assessments.

Since exchange arrangements are subject to revision, always verify your eligibility directly with the Land Transport Department at www.jpd.gov.bn or by calling Talian Darussalam 123 before making plans that depend on an assumed arrangement.

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

If your licence was issued in a country that has an exchange agreement with Brunei, you may be able to swap it for a Bruneian licence without sitting any tests. The exchange is handled administratively through the Land Transport Department, provided you supply the necessary documentation. This approach is broadly comparable to licence conversion schemes operated in countries such as Singapore or Australia, where qualifying foreign licence holders can obtain a local licence without repeating the testing process.

Documents typically required for a licence exchange include your valid foreign driving licence, your passport, a valid visa or work/residence permit, recent passport-sized photographs, and a completed application form. You may also need to demonstrate familiarity with the Brunei Highway Code. Applicants must hold authorisation to drive the relevant class of vehicle from a competent authority outside Brunei Darussalam, and must be conversant with the provisions of the Highway Code issued under the applicable legislation.

A fee is payable when submitting your exchange application. Fees are set by the Land Transport Department and may change over time, so always check the official JPD website or contact the department before applying to confirm the current amount.

Unlike some jurisdictions — such as the UK’s DVLA, which requires the physical surrender of your original foreign licence — Brunei’s process centres on verifying the authenticity of your existing document. You should bring both the original licence and certified copies. It is also worth noting that holders of international driving permits may in some circumstances be asked to pass a short oral test as part of the exchange process, so be prepared for this possibility even when going through an exchange route.

The step-by-step procedure for obtaining a Brunei licence — whether through the exchange route or from the beginning — is outlined in detail in the section below.

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

Applicants who are not eligible for a licence exchange must go through the full local testing process to obtain a Brunei driving licence. This involves both a theory examination and a practical driving test. The system follows a two-stage structure — a provisional licence must be obtained first, followed by a full licence once training and testing requirements have been completed — which is similar in principle to graduated licensing frameworks used in countries such as New Zealand or Ireland.

There are two categories of licence to be aware of: the Provisional Driving Licence and the Full Driving Licence. The provisional licence is the mandatory starting point for new applicants. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years of age for motorcycle and private vehicle use, or at least 21 for commercial and heavy vehicle use. The Provisional Driving Licence is valid for three months. You must also be able to read — with corrective lenses if normally worn — at a distance of 12 metres.

The complete step-by-step process for obtaining a Brunei driving licence from scratch is as follows:

1. Check eligibility. Confirm you satisfy the minimum age requirement (18 for private vehicles, 21 for commercial vehicles) and that you hold valid identity documentation, such as your passport and a work or residence permit.
2. Obtain the application form. Collect the “Application for a Licence or for Renewal of a Licence to Drive a Motor Vehicle” form from the Land Transport Department (JPD) in person, or download it from the official website.
3. Meet the Licensing Officer. You are required to attend an interview or meeting with the Licensing Officer as part of the provisional licence application.
4. Pay the provisional licence fee. The provisional licence fee is B$5.00 (as of 2024). Confirm the current fee on the official JPD website before submitting your application.
5. Enrol at a registered driving school. Registration at an approved driving school is compulsory before you may sit any tests. Your school will prepare you for both the theory and practical components of the assessment.
6. Pass the Highway Code (theory) test. The theory examination covers Brunei’s road rules, traffic signs, and the Highway Code. All foreign applicants are required to complete the Highway Code test and the practical driving examination regardless of their existing driving experience. If you do not pass, you will need to attend a Highway Code class and complete a required number of driving lessons before attempting the examinations again.
7. Pass the practical driving test. The practical assessment takes place at a driving test circuit and evaluates vehicle handling, road awareness, and adherence to traffic regulations.
8. Collect your Full Driving Licence. Once all tests have been passed and the applicable fees settled, your Full Driving Licence will be issued. Class 1 and Class 3 licence holders may select a validity period of 1, 3, 5, or 10 years.

Always refer to the Land Transport Department website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date fee schedule and test booking arrangements, as costs and procedures may be revised periodically.

How do you renew a driving licence in Brunei?

Brunei driving licences are generally valid for up to three years. Renewal requires submission of the necessary documents at the Land Transport Department. Class 1 and Class 3 licence holders have greater flexibility in this regard: they may select a validity period of 1, 3, 5, or 10 years when renewing their Full Driving Licence.

Certain category and age-related conditions affect renewal. Drivers aged 70 and above must undergo a medical fitness assessment, and any licence subsequently issued will be restricted to a validity of one year. Licences covering heavy or public service vehicles cannot be renewed without a current medical fitness certificate. For foreign nationals holding licences in these categories, the renewal will similarly be granted for one year only.

Missing the renewal deadline will result in a financial penalty. A charge of B$10.00 applies where a driving licence has not been renewed within 60 days (two months) of its expiry date (as of 2024). Where a licence has been expired for three years or more, the holder will be required to undergo certain tests before a renewal can be issued. This mirrors the policy in various other countries — some Australian states, for instance, also require re-testing after a licence has lapsed for an extended period.

Renewal can be carried out either in person at any JPD branch or through the department’s online services. Payment for online driving licence renewal can only be made via TransportBN or www.gov.bn. If you opt for delivery of your renewed licence by post, an additional B$3.00 charge applies for the Express Post Service, with delivery taking approximately three working days (as of 2024). Always check the current fee schedule on the official JPD website before renewing, as charges are subject to change.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Brunei?

Brunei recognises the International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid supplementary driving document. An IDP serves as an officially recognised multilingual translation of your national driving licence, enabling authorities in foreign countries to verify your licensing status. It does not, however, function as a standalone licence in its own right.

Obtaining an IDP before driving in Brunei is strongly advisable, as Bruneian authorities regularly inspect licences and documentation at road checkpoints. Driving on a foreign licence without a supporting IDP can cause difficulties during these checks and may result in enforcement action. Both documents must be carried together whenever you are behind the wheel.

It is important to understand that an IDP does not replace your home-country driving licence. Your original national licence must be carried alongside the IDP at all times — neither document alone is sufficient.

There are two widely used types of IDP, each based on a United Nations road traffic convention. A 1949 Convention IDP is valid for a maximum of one year from the date of issue, while a 1968 model IDP may be valid for up to three years. In either case, the IDP’s validity cannot exceed that of the underlying domestic licence. Check with your home-country issuing authority to confirm which type they issue.

While an IDP is well suited to tourists and those on short visits, it has clear limitations for longer-term residents. Anyone wishing to remain in Brunei beyond the permitted period, or who becomes a resident, must obtain a Brunei driving licence to continue driving legally. Continued reliance on an IDP once the permitted period has elapsed is not a lawful alternative to obtaining local authorisation.

An IDP must be issued in your home country before you travel — it cannot be obtained in Brunei for use with a foreign licence. Contact your national automobile association or the relevant issuing authority in your country for details on the application process.

What are the penalties for driving licence offences in Brunei?

Brunei takes a strict approach to road traffic enforcement, and the penalties for motoring offences can be substantial. Sanctions are governed by the Road Traffic Act and differ according to the nature and severity of the offence. Expats should treat compliance with all licensing requirements seriously, as enforcement is active and road checkpoints are a routine part of Brunei’s policing of traffic.

During the night hours in particular, police regularly stop vehicles to verify drivers’ licences and vehicle registration documents, and to check for prohibited items such as drugs and alcohol. Failure to produce a valid licence and IDP during such a stop can lead to immediate consequences.

Penalties may include significant fines, suspension or cancellation of a driving licence, a term of imprisonment, or deportation. For foreign nationals, the prospect of deportation represents an additional and serious consequence that has no equivalent in most other licensing contexts, making it especially important to ensure full compliance with local requirements at all times.

Driving without any valid licence, or continuing to drive on a foreign licence after the three-month visitor period has expired without having obtained a Brunei licence, are treated as serious offences. Failing to carry both your home-country licence and your IDP may similarly be regarded as unlawful driving.

Where a Brunei licence has lapsed and not been renewed, a fee of B$10.00 is charged for failing to renew within 60 days (two months) of the expiry date (as of 2024). Driving beyond this point on an expired licence could constitute a more serious infringement under the Road Traffic Act. Always consult the Land Transport Department or an official Brunei government source for the current penalty schedule, as fine amounts are subject to legislative revision.

Drivers must carry their identification documents at all times, including their driving licence, International Driving Permit, and passport, along with their vehicle registration papers and insurance policy. Having these items readily accessible will ensure that any encounter with law enforcement at a checkpoint can be dealt with smoothly.

Which government departments or agencies handle driving licences in Brunei?

The body responsible for the issue and renewal of driving licences in Brunei is the Land Transport Department — known in Malay as the Jabatan Pengangkutan Darat, or JPD. It operates as part of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications of Brunei Darussalam.

The JPD’s principal office is located at the Training and Driving Test Circuit Complex in Sungai Akar, and the department maintains branch offices across all four of Brunei’s districts — Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong. Expats can visit any branch during office hours to access licensing services.

Key contact details and service channels for the Land Transport Department are as follows:

• Official website: www.jpd.gov.bn
• Online renewal portal: eservices.gov.bn (via e-Darussalam account)
• Phone: Contact the Land Transport Department (JPD) at 2451980 / 2451981 / 2451984 (office hours only)
• Talian Darussalam 123: The national non-emergency government helpline, available around the clock for general queries about licensing procedures
• Email: info_ltd [at] land-transport.gov.bn for updates to personal details and general enquiries

The Land Transport Department also issues International Driving Permits at the Training and Driving Test Circuit Complex at LTD Sg. Akar. An IDP issued by the JPD allows Brunei licence holders to drive a private vehicle (Class 1 or Class 3, or an equivalent class) in foreign countries and is valid for one year. This is of particular relevance to Brunei residents who hold a local licence and are planning to drive overseas.

For the most current information on fees, required documentation, and exchange eligibility, consult the official JPD website directly or call Talian Darussalam 123, as procedures and costs are updated from time to time.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Brunei immediately on arrival with my foreign licence?

Overseas visitors who hold both a valid foreign driving licence and an International Driving Permit are permitted to drive in Brunei Darussalam for up to three months. Both documents must be carried together at all times. If you arrive without an IDP, you may not be allowed to drive, so make sure you arrange yours before leaving your home country.

Do I need to retake my driving test in Brunei?

This depends on whether your home country holds a licence exchange agreement with Brunei. If such an agreement is in place, you may be able to swap your foreign licence for a Bruneian one without sitting any tests. If no agreement exists, you will be required to pass both the Highway Code theory test and a practical driving examination. Unless specifically exempted under a recognised exchange arrangement, all foreign applicants must complete both assessments regardless of their prior driving experience.

How long does it take to get a Brunei driving licence?

The timeframe depends on whether you are going through an exchange process or applying from scratch. A straightforward exchange can be processed relatively quickly at the JPD once all documentation is in order — typically within a few days. For those who need to complete driving school and sit the tests, the process takes longer: you must first hold a Provisional Driving Licence (valid for three months), complete the required training, and pass both examinations before a Full Driving Licence is issued. Contact the JPD or a registered driving school for current processing and waiting times.

How long is a Brunei driving licence valid for?

Class 1 and Class 3 Full Driving Licence holders may choose a validity period of 1, 3, 5, or 10 years. Other licence categories are generally issued for up to three years. Drivers aged 70 and above must complete a medical fitness assessment, and any licence issued to them will be valid for one year only.

Can I renew my Brunei driving licence online?

Yes. The Land Transport Department offers online renewal through its LTD online services. To use this facility, you must first register for an e-Darussalam account at eservices.gov.bn and activate it in person at your nearest LTD branch. Once your account is active, you can complete the renewal online and have your licence sent to you by post.

What happens if I drive in Brunei without a valid licence or IDP?

Brunei enforces its traffic laws rigorously and the penalties for driving-related offences are severe. Sanctions under the Road Traffic Act can include substantial fines, suspension or revocation of a licence, imprisonment, or deportation. For foreign nationals, the risk of deportation makes strict compliance with all licensing requirements particularly important.

Do ASEAN country licence holders get special treatment in Brunei?

Under the ASEAN driving licence recognition framework, member states have agreed to acknowledge domestic licences issued by fellow ASEAN countries. Holders of licences from nations such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines may therefore benefit from recognition provisions in Brunei. However, the specific practical terms — including whether a test-free exchange is available — should always be confirmed directly with the Land Transport Department, as the details can vary and agreements may be revised.

Where do I apply for a driving licence in Brunei?

Applications for a driving test or licence exchange are submitted to the Land Transport Department (JPD). The main office is situated at the Training and Driving Test Circuit Complex in Sungai Akar, with additional branches in all four districts of Brunei. The official website is www.jpd.gov.bn. You can also reach the JPD by telephone on 2451980 / 2451981 / 2451984 during office hours, or through the Talian Darussalam 123 helpline.