Driving School Malaysia blog, frequently receives queries from many of its readers. One very frequently asked question is “Can P license be used overseas, say in Australia, England or even South Korea?”

Another question which readers so often like to inquire is, “for how long a period can Malaysian domestic license be used in a foreign country, like America, Europe and Japan for example?”

My answer to the second question above has always been in the affirmative. Yes, Malaysian domestic license, if it is valid, can surely be used in foreign countries. Under the Geneva Conference 1949 and 1968, it is agreed that all nations, which are signatory to it, have to accept each other’s driving licenses.

Some countries even accept the conversion of foreign licenses into their domestic license. For example, as far as the writer knows, Singapore citizens who go to the United Kingdom for example, can certainly convert their licenses into British license if they so wish. But unfortunately, due to certain reasons, Malaysian drivers, cannot opt for their licenses to be converted into British domestic licenses.

Today’s article will not go on to delve into the reasons as to why Malaysian licenses are not acceptable by the British authorities.

Now, coming back to the question of, “Can P licenses, issued by the Malaysian Transport Authorities be accepted as a license to drive in a foreign country?”

First and foremost, permit me to explain the Malaysian driving license issue to you in greater detail. New drivers who have just passed their practical driving test, will be issued with a “P” or provisional license for a period of 2 years.

After completion of a 2 year probational period, a Malaysian driver will then be allowed to convert his P license into a real or “competent” license which is known as a Competent Driver’s License (CDL).

The Malaysian Road Transport Department accepts or considers the P license as a full fledged license. Bearing this in mind, the P license is therefore a “full” competent license. As such, there should exist no reason whatsoever for foreign countries not to accept the Malaysian P license for use in their countries at all.

With this explanation in mind, readers should be able to comprehend that P license, like “competent” licenses issued by the Road Transport Department, should infact be accepted for use overseas. The only other problem which troubles Malaysian drivers driving overseas, is the question of “for how long can a Malaysian license holder be allowed to drive in a foreign country?”

Whenever I receive queries from readers pertaining to this question of what “reasonable period” is, in most of the answers that I give to my readers no mention of period is given. Unfortunately, I am unable to quote or say what reasonable time limit actually is.

“Reasonable” is something subjective. Each country has its own rules and regulations when allowing foreign licenses to be used in their country. For example, in the United Kingdom, a foreign driver is permitted to drive for a period of 120 days. After that, ideally, a driver should make plans to procure a British driving license should he or she intend to stay in the country longer.

But, if you like a lady driver, who wrote in to this blog recently informing that she had been detained in South Africa for driving there for approximately 7 years, I was shocked! Definitely, 7 years is not a reasonable period at all.

Foreign authorities, I believe, accept use of foreign licenses in their countries. They may even, I believe, accept some “leeway” if a foreign driver should contravene the laws. As a driver, especially in another country we should behave “reasonably”.

Finally, we proceed on to another frequently asked question, which is, “can a foreign driver” exchange his or her license into Malaysian domestic licenses?

As per regulations, foreign licenses can be converted into Malaysian licenses. But of late, the authorities have tightened or rather streamlined the ability to convert foreign licenses into Malaysian domestic licenses.

For example, Indian nationals who wish to convert their licenses now face some problems. It seems Putrajaya, where the Malaysian Transport Authorities are located, will only allow selected categories of professionals, such as doctors and engineers to convert Indian licenses into Malaysian domestic Malaysian licenses. That is the regulation which exists today.

So, if you are a foreigner, say from Indonesia or Australia, who intends to change your country’s domestic license into Malaysian ones, you are advised to seek the Road Transport Authorities help in Putrajaya. Only they can inform you whether you are allowed to convert your license or otherwise.

Best of luck to you in your attempt. If however, for whatever reasons, you are unable to get a Malaysian license via conversion, then the only alternative for you to secure a Malaysian license is by testing for it.

For this, those interested can easily obtain advice through driving schools or institutes that are available throughout the entire country.

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Not only Malaysians, especially those who have reached the age of 17, are allowed to secure a driving license for cars (class D) and if they are 16, a B2 motorcycle license, even foreigners, such as Bangladeshis, Vietnamese, Indonesians and even foreign students from Nigeria, Sudan etc can infact secure a Malaysian driving license.

Besides students, I have frequently been asked by Malaysians, who have married ladies from mainland China, whether or not their “spouse” can indeed be allowed to secure a Malaysian driving license.

Just a few days ago, while busy painting the grille of my fence, a young Vietnamese girl aged about 25 years or so, inquired of me if I was indeed a driving” instructor. Upon my letting the Vietnamese lady know the fact that I was indeed a driving instructor, she went to relate to me that she wants to secure a Malaysian driving license. Is it possible, she wanted to know.

Further investigations into her background revealed a few astonishing things, albeit sad. The Vietnamese girl informed me that:
1. She was married to a Vietnamese man who is working here.

2. She has the proper documents such as a marriage certificate and the necessary visa documents too.

3. The Vietnamese lady is infact working as a waitress at one large restaurant in Jalan Meru, Klang.

The Vietnamese girl, who talked to me about her intention and desire to get a Malaysian driving license, in reality, had all the qualifications necessary to secure a Malaysian driving license indeed.

But what the above foreign lady related to me further shocked and saddened me. She told me that she had been cheated by no less than 3 unscrupulous driving school instructors, Malays, Chinese and Indians as well. The Vietnamese girl had lost quite a large sum of money to them.

I then went on to advise her that today’s world is full of cheats, unscrupulous, and bad people, who will not fail to make a fast buck, especially upon foreigners like her.

How did the foreign Vietnamese girl come into such a dire predicament? Driving school operators had infact promised to help her pass the Highway Code. You see, foreigners working in this country usually come from poor financial standings back home in their native country.

In our country, Malaysia, they may very well be married to a fellow countryman. They usually rent rooms here and as far as I know, live a very frugal and difficult life. Their salaries, as a matter of fact, are not high.

But I believe, many of them work hard and long hours trying to etch out a decent livelihood here in Malaysia. But these foreigners can easily be cheated by Malaysian businessmen.

If foreigners are lucky, they will end up making a small fortune from their hard toil they undergo here in Malaysia. Eventually, some of them might be able to take home a small fortune after spending a few hard years of work in this “land of promise”, Malaysia.

Vietnamese, like all normal human beings, would also like to enjoy a little bit while they are here in our country. They, I believe, would like to visit supermarkets, to go shopping, visit malls, our beaches like Morib Gold Coast, visit Genting Highlamds, the island of the Pearl of Orient(Pulau Pinang) and even Cemeron Highlands to enjoy its cool and beautiful atmosphere, if they can!

But in order to do the above things that I have suggested, foreigners must first of all have access to cars. They cannot possibly depend on our notorious public transport which is most unsatisfactory. And to own cars, foreigners, especially a Vietnamese for example, must possess Malaysian driving licenses, first of all.

To buy a new or second hand car here in Malaysia, it is my belief is not beyond the reach of most foreign workers here in Malaysia. A good and reliable second hand car, for example a 5 year old Kancil cost only around RM12,000 – RM15,000. A 5 year old reliable second hand Proton car can be available at around RM15,000 – RM20,000.

Now let us come back to the questions of “can a foreigner working here in our country attempt to secure a Malaysian driving license?” As I reiterated earlier on, the answer is indeed yes! But do tarry a while longer. Allow me to finish my explanation first.

A foreigner, especially a Vietnamese for example, must be able to pass the Highway Code or “undang-undang” test in English or in Bahasa Malaysia. The Highway Code is actually part I of our driving test conducted by the Road Transport Department. Part II is incidentally, “going up the slope”, “side parking” and “3 point turn” maneuvers. Part III is the “road test”.

The Vietnamese lady, who asked of me if she could learn to drive and secure a Malaysian driving license, a few days ago, while I was busy painting my garden fence, had wanted to know, if there were ways and means of helping her pass the Highway Code test.

I shall not proceed on to explain what the above statement means. In driving school circles, this is indeed a “sensitive issue”. It shall therefore not be broached here.

Not wanting to disappoint the Vietnamese lady about her request, I decided to give her my handphone number. I infact asked her to call me a day later for my answer.

Without fail, the lady did call me one day later to get my reply. I understood her anxiety and I would like to assist her if I could. But in reality, my hands are tied.

Asking for advice from friends involved in this industry, I finally gathered information that a foreigner who wishes to secure a Malaysian driving license should ideally brush up his or her prowess in English and Bahasa Malaysia so as to enable them to pass the “Highway Code” test.

The answer which I eventually gave to the young Vietnamese girl who had the intent to secure a Malaysian driving license was, “do not use hanky-panky means”, as it would not be worth the while.

If checks should eventually be made into the manner in which a license holder has fraudulently obtained his driving license, stern actions will be taken against the wrongdoers by the authorities concerned.

I am uncertain as to whether the advice given to the Vietnamese foreigner will be heeded or otherwise. In my heart of hearts, I hope it is taken heed of to avoid any unforeseen developments later on!

As such, I hope all foreign workers currently working in Malaysia, will take special heed of this article’s warning and refrain from attempting to secure a Malaysian driving license via “fraudulent” means!

Currently, I am tutoring an Indonesian Chinese lady how to drive. The above lady already possesses an Indonesian driving license. But due to reasons known only to the authorities alone, she cannot convert her license into Malaysian license.

And so, she has to attend the 5 hours Kursus Pendidikan Pemandu (K.P.P.), the 6 hours theory class, then do her Highway Code and take up practical driving classes all over again in order to get her Malaysian driving license.

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A person who intends to secure a driving license in Malaysia, should go through a few stages. In most cases, those who attempt to get a Class D (car) and a Class B2 (motorcycle -250c.c.) normally has to pass, through the Learner Driver’s License(L.D.L.) stage, then followed by the “P”(probational license) stage and eventually arriving at the Competent Driver’s License (C.D.L.) stage, to become a full fledged experienced driver. The above stages a driver has to go through, is a long and tedious one.

The “P” or “probational license” stage above lasts for 2 years. After completion of the 2 years probational or provisional period, as reiterated earlier above, a “P” driver will then be given his “real” or “passed” license.

Our country, Malaysia, follows Australia’s defensive system of driving. Prior to this, Malaysia, which was ruled by England until 1957, driving schools and the Road Transport Department, adhered to the British method of driving.

British method of driving instruction and method of driving, although good, has since gone out of date. Most countries in our modern world today, prefer to adopt Australia’s method of driving, which is known as “Defensive Driving”. For readers’ information, “Defensive Driving” method has resulted in reducing the rate of accidents, especially in Australia itself.

A foreigner, say a Bangladeshi or an Australian, who arrives in our country, Malaysia, to either stay here for quite a long while or to work here, may need to drive a vehicle while they are here. International rules and regulations laid down by United Nations agreement signed in 1949 and 1968 under the Geneva Convention, allows a foreigner holding his or her country’s domestic license, to convert their licenses into Malaysian driving license.

However, it should be reminded though, that foreigners who convert their driving licenses into Malaysia’s, have to follow “P” regulations as required to be followed by Malaysian drivers who have just achieved their driving licenses.

As said earlier, the process of getting a Malaysian driving license is a rather long and tedious one. As such, holders of “P” licenses and other types of licenses such as C.D.L. should treasure their driving licenses well. They should in short, not allow them to be either “suspended” or “banned”, so to say.

A person whose driving license is suspended or banned, will have to go through a “retest”, which involves much financial strain besides tremendous hassle and time wasting procedures.

This article is therefore written to highlight some of the important things and steps which “P” drivers in this country has to adopt, so as to prevent their driving licenses being taken action by the authorities, that is, the Road Transport Department.

“P” license holders face some restrictive measures as they edge towards gaining experience and expertise in driving. Which groups of drivers have to follow the “P” requirements? Those who have to adhere to the above requirements are those who obtain their first license only.

Readers might wish to inquire; does every class of driving license in Malaysia have to follow the “P” requirements? Only license for classes A, B, B1, B2, C, D, F, G, H and I are involved. E, E1, and E2, which incidentally are for “lorries”, are not involved.

What is the “probational” period required for holders of “P” licenses? According to the “Defensive system” of driving, a new driver has to undergo a 2 year period of probation.

Do “P” drivers have to follow some rules and regulations while undergoing a “P” period? As a matter of fact, “P” holders are subjected to adhere to some basic requirements.

Amongst them, “P” drivers have to:-
1. Ensure that they bring along their driving license whilst they are driving.

2. “P” holders should see to it that they affix the P plates in front and at the rear of their vehicles.

3. A driver in Malaysia is disallowed to use alcohol, therefore, they should ensure that their breath, blood and urine has a 0.00 content of alcohol.

Probational “P” holders, who transgress the above rules and regulations, will be said to have broken the rules. Under section 119, of the Road Transport Ordinance 1987, a person can be fined a sum of RM1000 or a 3 months jail sentence upon the first conviction, while the second conviction will get a driver a fine of RM2000 or 6 months jail sentence or both of the above fines.

Besides the above fines, a “P” driver will be given a 10 point demerit deduction and this will automatically cause the “P” license to be suspended right away. A “P” driver who ignores a traffic light, will also be given a 10 point demerit point deduction. Furthermore, a “P” driver who exceeds a 40km/h in a designated area will also be slapped with a 10 demerit point deduction.

The above 3 deductions of “demerit” points will automatically cause a “P” driver’s driving license to be suspended. “P” drivers may wish to know, what will happen should one’s “P” license be suspended or withdrawn by the authorities?

A person, whose license is banned or suspended, is prohibited from driving, to hold any class of driving license for a period of 12 months. Upon completion of the suspension period, a candidate has to repeat the process of learning how to ride or drive and then sit for a retest in order to obtain his new driving license.

A “P” holder also has to affix P plates on the front and the rear of a vehicle. P plates have specific measurements. They are:

• P plates for cars: 15cm X 15cm
• P plates for motorcycles: 10cm X 10cm

 

For motorcycles, owners of bikes should see to it that “P” plates be affixed as follows:

• Affix P plates above or below the head lamp.
• Also affix a P plates above or below the registration plate of the motorcycle.

 

Upon completion of a 2 year probational period, a “P” owner has to convert his “P” license into Competent Driver’s License. The above application has to be made within 1 year of the “P” license expiring. A failure to convert the “P” license into C.D.L. will cause the “P” license to become null or void.

How does a “P” driver go on to convert his “P” into C.D.L.? Documents that are required are as follows:-
1. Original driver’s license.

2. 1 copy colour photo measuring 25mm X 32mm.

3. Payment of RM30 per year for cars. For motorcycles, the payment is RM2 per year.

A driving license can be paid for 1 year (RM30), 2 years (RM60), 3 years (RM90) and 5 years (RM150). Whereas for motorcycles, the rate of payment is RM2 for one year.

There are some “P” holders who would like to know, can a “P” license be converted into a C.D.L before its due date? A “P” license can be converted into a C.D.L. at least 7 days before the “P” period ends. However, the C.D.L can only be allowed to be paid for a period of 1 year only. Besides that, the newly issued license will be monitored automatically by the authorities via their computer system.

Can “P” licenses which have become null and void, its owners make a appeal for it to be reinstated? The answer to the above question is an affirmative “yes”. A “P” license that has expired its 1 year period, can appeal for it to be reinstated by the J.P.J or Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan authorities. Only certain provisions and criteria will be accepted.

Amongst some of the required criteria are:-
1. Provide good criteria and sound basic reasons for consideration.

2. Those making an appeal should ensure that the “P” license has not exceeded the 3 year period as per section 29(1)(b) APJ 1987.

3. The “P” holder has been in a foreign country. Provide evidence that the “P” owner has been outside the country with documents of departure/entry into the country concerned.

4. Failure to, convert “P” into C.D.L due to serious sickness. In this case, medical evidences should be made available.

5. At times, a “P” holder is unable to convert his “P” into C.D.L because the person concerned was behind bars, making it impossible for the owner to convert his “P” license into C.D.L.

6. Inability to convert one’s “P” into C.D.L due to specific reasons. For this, the Pengarah is allowed to weigh the pros and cons whether to allow a “P” license to be reinstated or otherwise. The Pengarah’s decision is final. And finally, it should be borne in mind that the Ketua Pengarah or the Director General, has the right to either Reject or approve a certain appeal.