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.

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.

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.

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.

I have been imparting the knowledge of driving to students for over 41 years now. However, besides driving, people also seek my assistance for a few other things as well. For instance, there are some who seek my help for renewing road tax and insurance too. And yet, there are those who request my assistance for transferring ownership of vehicles.

For those who may not be aware, the above requires the vehicle mentioned above first of all undergo an inspection exercise by the Puspakom authorities. Without the inspection certificate B5, no transfer can be done! Many people, including friends and relative approach me to do a few of the abovementioned items such as changing road tax, buying insurance coverage and inspection of vehicles.

There are also those who contact me because they have to secure a duplicate copy of their “P” license or Passed license (CDL) which they have inadvertently lost. Recently, a neighbor of mine came to seek my help. It appears Mr. Singh, who works for Tenaga Nasional in Klang had a problem. His daughter, who is currently attending classes at Inti College, recently lost her driving license.

To get Mr. Singh’s daughter her duplicate driving license, I had first of all, to locate a runner friend, Bala, to assist me. You see, Bala has been in this line for years now and he is rather competent with regards to costs and all the requirements needed to secure a duplicate license.

Basically, a person who has lost his or her driving license cannot drive temporarily. If however, a person finds that he or she has no alternative but to drive, as a seasoned instructor, I would suggest one way out of this predicament.

A person who has lost his or her driving license, be it a CDL or “P”, a police report has to be made. With a police report, which costs only RM2 a copy, a motorist can this be permitted to drive for the time being. A police report permits a motorist to drive for a reasonable length of time, say one to two weeks. This allows you, in the meantime, to attempt getting a duplicate license out.

At times, when you meet with law enforcement officers, such as the police or even the JPJ, some can be rather intimidating. I would like to advise that a motorist should stand his or her ground proving that he or she knows his or her rights and the prevailing laws as well. It this happens, I believe you will then probably not be confronted with any problem at all.

For those who have lost their driving license and find there is no necessity to drive for the time being, JPJ rules and regulations does not require a police report to be made. A person can either engage a driving school instructor or runner to facilitate a duplicate driving license be obtained from any branch office of the JPJ.

What are the things required to get your duplicate license out, you may well ask?

The things you’ll need will be amongst other things are:
i) Your MyKad.

ii) Colour photograph (license size).

iii) A copy of either a TNB or Telekom bill, if you intend to change your latest address.

iv) A RM20 fine will be imposed on all driving license lost.

If however your driving license is about to expire soon, you can very well opt for it to be renewed for a few more years. This will eliminate the problem of having to renew your license in the near future.

If a person who has lost his or her driving license is quite free or is able to get a day off from work, they are advised to visit one of the many JPJ offices to get the duplicate license out themselves. Service at the branch offices of JPJ nowadays is rather fast. You should not encounter any problem at all. I’m sure you’ll be able to get your license out within less than half an hour at the most.

Many young people, especially those who have hardly turned 17, yet feel that there is no better birthday present in the world than to get a driving license.

To these young people, a driving license seems to be the gateway to many things in life.

A driving license ends your having to travel on buses or cycling around the entire town on bicycles. You can get to go places you like, to the cinemas, beaches, to the nearby mamak stalls with your classmates and friends until the wee hours of the morning. Life to these youngsters would indeed be a dream.

To be able to drive a car at only 17 years old is everything a youth of today wish for. I have frequently been asked by readers, hardly 15 or 16 years of age, if they are old enough to learn how to drive.

As a driving instructor for many years now, I have come across many students who even are ready to appear for practical tests, inspite of their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination approaching barely a few days away.

Is one should ask any 17 years old student today, the choice of either optioning to go for further tuition to better his or her weak subjects prior to the potential public exam approaching, or to take up a driving course in order to get a driving license, let me tell you, 9 out of 10 students, believe me, would opt for the second option without a doubt.

But unfortunately, what most young drivers of today do not realise it, although it’s true, a driving license is a gateway to many interesting things in life, it can sometimes be a source of much miseries too. That is, if it is used wrongly.

Why do I hold on to such a belief? For reader’s information, the Kursus Pendidikan Pemandu (KPP) is a compulsory 5 hour course for all potential driving students before they are allowed to sit for the Highway Code computer test. The above course basically teaches potential driving students how to prevent road accidents.

According to the Road Transport Ordinance 1987 which in fact should be known by all potential students aspiring how to drive. Section 41 (1) of the above act reiterates, “a motorist causing deaths by reckless or dangerous driving will face amongst other things:
i) A mandatory jail sentence of 2 to 10 years imprisonment.

ii) A fine of RM500 – RM2000 according to the old charges. It is believed, the above figures have undergone a revamp lately. It is now believed to amount has been changed from RM5000 to RM15,000 as of late.

iii) The license of a driver involved in such an accident can have his driving license suspended from the date of the commencement of the court case until the sentence of imprisonment is discharged.

Young drivers holding licenses to drive should therefore study the above punishment very carefully.

If you are an avid student of history, you would have learnt that the world has seen 2 major wars, the 1st World War (1919) and the 2nd World War (1939 – 1945).

The League of Nations ended the first one. While the Geneva Conference 1949, the second one. A revamp of the Geneva Conference was made in 1968.

Under the Geneva Conference, countries signatory to this agreement have agreed to allow drivers of each other country to use their domestic licenses when they visit the countries concerned.

Malaysian’s domestic licenses for instance, could be used in Singapore without any problem at all. Likewise, when a Malaysian should visit neighboring Thailand, he is allowed to drive his Malaysian registered vehicle into Thailand fairly easily. Malaysian licenses for your information are acceptable for use by the Thai authorities.

The only reminder to Malaysian citizens who wish to drive down there is to remember that their licenses are valid, meaning it is not expired and secondly, have the license you own ideally translated into the local language to facilitate the authorities’ work there.

When my son-in-law, Kin, visited Australia with his wife for a holiday, he rented a car and traveled around the entire continent extensively. With his domestic Malaysian license, he had no trouble especially with the road transport authorities and police people there.

The same also applied to my brother-in-law, Mr. Ooi, and my sister when they visited the United Kingdom a few years ago. The above couple, I was told rented a car also and traveled extensively around England rather cheaply.

Readers of this blog have time and again inquired of me, can Malaysian domestic licenses be used to drive in foreign countries?

As I have explained earlier, the answer to the above question frequently asked is certainly “Yes”!

In providing such an answer, I base my answer on my vast experience in the driving industry, which has spanned over 40 years or so. Besides that, I also base my answer on text books and resources that I possess. It sould also be reminded that I have been involved in lecturing defensive driving courses at a fairly large institute for many years now.

Pertaining to questions which I am unable to answer, I will normally approach the assistant manager of the institute to which I am currently attached to seek an answer from him.

But at times, the answer given to blog readers, I have to admit are not 100 percent correct all the time. One should remember that answers given to blog readers may at times be incorrect. In fact, the question of opinion should always be taken into consideration.

Recently, some readers of this blog posed a query to me, can Malaysian license be used in Japan?

Straight away, as per the Geneva Conference 1949, I have my opinion as yes. The above conference provides for the usage of domestic licenses.

To further question as to whether a Malaysian driving in Japan should change his license in to International Driving License (I.D.L) or otherwise, I have normally advised that such licenses can be used in most countries, including Japan.

My recent reading regarding driving conditions which Japan imposes on foreign nationals should in fact be an I.D.L. is required by the Japanese authorities there.

With this in mind, I am from now onwards, will advise readers to ideally procure an I.D.L. prior to visiting Japan is they should intent to drive there. Because that’s what the Japanese authorities insist upon.

Japan, it is said, has concluded some 20 or more agreements with many nations pertaining to use of licenses. I believe, in order to streamline driving rules and regulations, this requirement is indeed a good move.

With the conclusion of this article, the question of using Malaysian driving license in Japan has therefore been put to rest. By reading this article carefully, readers will find that it would be unnecessary for them to inquire me for an answer.

Once and for all, I wish to reiterate again, the answer to the above question is Yes. Malaysian licenses can very well be used over there.

However, readers are advised to ensure a few things are in proper order. Amongst the few things that you have to make sure are:

i) That your driving license is valid and not expired.

ii) That the license that you possess is a real license and not a fraudulently obtained one. I’m sure you must be aware what is meant as a license that has obtained via fraudulent means.

iii) As you will be visiting a foreign country, make sure that your license is translated into the language of that country.

In most countries, I’m sure English would be understood by the authorities there. Policemen, transport authorities personnel and so forth will obviously understand the English language. Therefore, you are advised to have your license translated into English before your going there.

Another frequently asked question that readers ask of me must surely be, “For how long can my Malaysian license be used when I’m in that particular country?”

For this, it is of my opinion that you are allowed to driver in a foreign country for a reasonable period of time.

Taking England as an example, Malaysians going to the United Kingdom, the rules and regulations there say that you can be allowed to drive in that country for as long as 120 days. After that, a foreign driver has to take steps to secure a domestic license by first of all securing a provisional or “L” (learner’s license) and eventually going for his real practical test.

We can safely then assume that Malaysian, be it in South Africa, Australia or Germany can therefore drive there for a reasonable period of time.

It might differ slightly from country to country. I’m certain that when the time comes for that particular country’s officials to take action against you for driving in that country, the time will then be up for you to leave that country after all.

Having answered the question of can Malaysian driving licenses be used to drive in a foreign country, we arrive next to the question of, do we have to convert our domestic license or Competent Driver’s License (C.D.L.) at all.

Some drivers would like to convert their domestic licenses into International Driver License (I.D.L) prior to their going over to a foreign country,

To secure an I.D.L, which is obtained from any state J.P.J. office of J.P.J. Headquarters at Putrajaya, one has to pay a sum of RM150. The above license can even be obtained at Automobile Association Malaysia ( A.A.M.) offices throughout the country also.

In actual fact, a Malaysian who wishes to drive in another country need not have to go through all the hassle of securing an I.D.L. at all. Just our ordinary Malaysian license will suffice.

There are a small group of drivers from our country, who after going over to say, United Kingdom, and after staying over there for a short period of time, then decides to convert our domestic driving license into U.K. driving licenses.

Many drivers have in fact written in to ask about this. Can Malaysian convert their driving licenses into U.K. driving licenses?

The answer to the above question is unfortunately No.

The United Kingdom permits only certain countries like Singapore, Australia, Germany etc to convert their driving license into British licenses.

But unfortunately, sad to say, the British authorities have a rather low opinion of our local licenses. Malaysia, which possesses one of the world’s highest accident rate is not a license that is acceptable by the U.K. authorities.

To end this article on the question of using Malaysian driving license overseas, a word of advice before I penned off. If you are planning to rent a car or a caravan to go sightseeing the country you are visiting, you are advised to secure the necessary insurance coverage required to protect yourself and your family.

Car rental enterprises should be aware of all these requirements. Leave it to them to take care of whatever you might need. Happy sightseeing and enjoy yourselves.

i) “P” or new drivers who have just received their licenses.

ii) Competent Driver Licenses (C.D.L.) or passed drivers.

Learners Driver License or “L” drivers, being temporary license holders are not involved in this system at all.

In an earlier article on the Kejara System, I have promised to talk about traffic offenses and the demerit points which are accorded to drivers.

All in all, 18 important offenses are involved. I believe drivers would be rather eager to know what these offenses are. The offenses together with the demerit points, which would be awarded are as follows:

1) 15 demerit points.

5 traffic offences are accorded for various traffic offences. Amongst them are:

a) Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

b) Dangerous and careless driving.

c) Driving with undue care and in inconsiderate manner.

d) Speeding or road testing activities.

e) Without due good reasons, refusal to provide specimens of breath, urine and blood to the police when requested to do so.

2) 10 demerit points.

For this, 10 demerit points are involved. Basically, it involves 3 main traffic offences. They are:

a) Failure to obey traffic lights.

b) Failure to install P stickers both front and back of one’s vehicles.

c) Exceeding a speed limit of more than 40 km/h in a designated road.

3) 8 demerit points.

Next under the Kejara System, offences which are deemed as important and therefore should not be violated by a driver are given 8 demerit points. What are the offences are we talking about? They are:

a) Speeding exceeding 26 km/h – 40 km/h at a designated place.

b) Offences involving overtaking and obstruction whilst in the process of overtaking.

c) Not giving way to ambulances, fire brigade, customs, police and J.P.J. vehicles.

d) Offences by drivers at zebra or pedestrian crossing areas.

e) Offences which involves non adherence to driving on the left hand side of the road.

f) Failure to stop at junctions.

g) Careless and not giving due care to the control of vehicles.

The above are 7 traffic offences which drivers are advised to keep a look out for.

4) 6 demerit points.

Exceeding speed limit at certain designated areas of speed of between 1 km/h – 25 km/h will get you a 6 point penalty.

5) 5 demerit points.

I can think of 6 offences which carries 5 demerit points. They are:

a) Using a motor vehicle at road block areas.

b) Disobeying directions and traffic signs.

c) Using worn out tyres.

d) Overtaking at double lines.

e) Failure to adhere to rules and regulations pertaining to P drivers under Kaedah 15A (Kaedah-kaedah Kenderaan Motor (lesen Memandu) 1992.

f) Failure to bring along one’s driving license while driving.

g) Failure to adhere to the requirement of alcohol content of breath, urine and blood being at 0.00 level.

Keeping an eye on the above important traffic offenses will g along way to prevent drivers getting demerit points.

In the process, you wouldn’t have to worry about your driving licenses getting black listed by the J.P.J. authorities. And you will have no problems at all getting your driving licenses renewed or your road tax issued when the time comes.

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There are certain countries in the world which adheres to strict norms or standards of driving.

United Kingdom, Germany, Australia even our neighboring country, Singapore, expect very high standards and discipline from its drivers. If they could, the United Kingdom and Australia, would not accept Malaysian drivers driving in their countries.

The reason for the above being, Malaysia, unfortunately are considered as one of the worst drivers in the world, so to say. Malaysia, even though a small country with a population of only about 30 million, which includes Sabah and Sarawak, has an accident rate the 3rd highest in the world.

The nation considered as possessing the highest accident rate is China, with India coming behind a close second.

As reiterated earlier, Australia and the U.K., due to its close political relationship with Malaysia, have little choice but to accept the use of Malaysian driving licenses in their countries.

Under the Geneva Conference of 1949 and 1968, the United Nations make it compulsory for all signatory countries to accept each other countries licenses for the sake of convenience to its people.

As such, people especially tourists, students and those coming over to countries like England, Australia, Germany and so forth, are permitted to drive, using their domestic licenses. But it should not be forgotten however, certain rules and regulations are imposed by the host nation.

Some countries even go to the extent of allowing certain countries to convert its licenses into their countries full license automatically.

Singapore drivers can convert their licenses into British full licenses. However, it is believed Malaysian drivers cannot have their licenses converted in this manner.

The British authorities, it is said, are not ready to accept Malaysian licenses for conversions. Malaysian licenses are considered not up to the standard by our British counterparts.

Whatever it is, Malaysians who come over or visit the United Kingdom as students or tourists can use their domestic licenses to drive in the United Kingdom if they so desire.

However, as the famous saying goes, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. This essentially means that Malaysians should follow the rules and regulations that are imposed by the British authorities. For example, Malaysian should see to it that:

i) Their domestic licenses should be valid, that is not expired.

ii) That they should ideally possess International Driving Licenses (I.D.L.).

This license is normally issued by the country of origin, that in this case, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

As far as I am concerned, and according to a blog site which I read, Malaysian should remember that their domestic driving licenses and I.D.L. mentioned earlier can only be used for a period of not more than 120 days in the U.K. only.

Should a Malaysia driver in the United Kingdom wish to continue to drive in the country, then he or she should contemplate getting a full British license instead before the expiry of the 120 days permitted.

Driving after the above period will obviously land him in hot soup with the British authorities.

The procedures towards obtaining a full British license are:

i) Secure a provisional or “L” driving license first.

ii) Sit for the full British license later.

Malaysian should however realize that to get a full British license takes time. Unlike in Malaysia, getting such a license is no easy task!

Any foreigners, who is capable of securing a British driving license will obviously end up a good and better driver all round.

One in fact should feel immensely proud to be able to secure a U.K. driving license while he or she is on a social visit or on a student mission while in the United Kingdom. It is in fact an achievement in itself!

I will continue later to write upon in more detail on the procedure of getting a full British license in my forthcoming articles.

Suffice that this blog advises Malaysians driving in the United Kingdom to drive on the left, give way to traffic on the right always and also to remember to wear your seat belts, both front and rear passengers, and most important of all, have insurance coverage while you are driving there.

As a matter of fact, Malaysia’s method of driving follows very closely Australia’s defensive form of driving. However, whereas Australia “P” system appears to be very strict, in Malaysia, “P” drivers are allowed to do a few things our Australian counterparts cannot.

“P” drivers in Australia, I understand are not allow to driving at night alone.

Now, let’s study the rational why new passed license holders should be forced to affix “P” stickers on their vehicles.

The first reason for using “P” stickers is to permit new and inexperienced drivers an opportunity to get experience. It also gives them an opportunity to gain knowledge to become a better driver eventually. As a result, they will become a competent driver eventually.

Who among new drivers have to use the “P” stickers? Those who have to use “P” stickers are essentially those who obtained driving licenses for the first time only.

Before we continue, permit me to explain the of the “P” stickers use in Malaysia today. Sizes of “P” come in 2 categories. For cars, the measurements are 15 cm x 15 cm. For motorcycles, “P” are smaller, measuring 10 cm x 10 cm.

For your information, not affixing “P” stickers in front and at the back of your vehicle is an offense. Under the Demerit System of points, a motorist can be given 10 points. This can easily cause one’s license to be withdrawn by the J.P.J.

What classes of new drivers have to use these “P” stickers?

Only A, B, B1, B2, C, D, F, G, H, and I classes of licenses need to use “P” stickers.

Lorry drivers, which are of Class E1, E2 and E, are exempted from usage of “P” stickers. Potential E license holders have to possess a D license (cars) before they can apply for lorry license.

For how long must “P” stickers be used? The answer is 2 years!

What conditions are imposed upon “P” users? Users of “P” stickers must observe a few rules and regulations. Amongst them, they must:

i) Bring along their “P” license while they drive.

ii) Affix “P” stickers both in front and at the back of their vehicles.

iii) Ensure that alcohol content in their blood, breath and urine remain at 0.00.

The law that exists in Malaysia today’s appear to be very strict with “P” drivers regarding these conditions. Contravening any of the above stated conditions, a “P” driver faces Section 119 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

For this, a 1st time offender is liable to be charged RM1000 or a 3 months prison sentence or both. A 2nd time offender can be fined RM2000 and a 6 months prison sentence or both.

On top of that, as stated much earlier, a driver can be expected to be given 5 or 10 demerit points under the Demerit System currently used by Putrajaya today.

Holders of “P” licenses who have achieved 10 demerit points or more can have their driving licenses withdrawn by the Director of J.P.J. Department.

Drivers who have completed their 2 years “P” period can apply for a Competent Driver’s License (C.D.L.) within 1 year of the “P” expiring.

To apply for the C.D.L., a driver should submit the followings:

i) “P” original.

ii) 1 coloured photo (25mm x 32mm).

iii) Payment RM20 for licenses A, B and C. RM30 for Classes D, E, F, G, H and I.

iv) Payment for licenses can be made for 1 to 5 years and 10 years.

Can a “P” license be converted into a C.D.L. earlier than its expiry date? The answer to this question is Yes!

A “P” license can be submitted to the authorities 7 days earlier than the stipulated expiry of 2 years. However, it should be reminded that renewal of such licenses is permissible for 1 year only. Such licenses with then undergo automatic supervision by J.P.J. computer system.

A lot of facts and figures regarding the “P” license have been given in this article. Read it carefully and you will then have no more reason to write to this blog regarding it.