Drivers in Malaysia, after passing their practical tests conducted by the J.P.J. authorities, are given “P” licenses. The new drivers have to affix “P” stickers on their motorcycles or cars for 2 years.

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 This can easily cause one’s license to be withdrawn by the J.P.J.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.

There are various rules and regulations for one to secure a driving license in Malaysia.

Therefore, not everyone can apply to get a license to drive in this country.

Malaysians obviously can apply. Students who come to our country to study at colleges, universities and schools can likewise take up a driving course with driving schools and institutes should they desire to get a driving license. Those who come here to work as professionals, should have no problem getting a license to drive if they want to.

However, there are those who wrote in to this blog asking, “can I attempt to secure a Malaysian driving license if I’m visiting Malaysia on a social permit or as a tourist?”. For this group of people, unfortunately, the answer seems to be a big No!

Before you decide to get a license in this country, as I mentioned much earlier, see to it that you qualify. In short, you should meet certain rules and regulations.

What are these rules and regulations you might with to know?

Two requirements seem to be age and health factor. Basically, according to the type of vehicle you wish to drive are:

i) 16 years for Class A, B, C. A is for disabled person. B is for motorcycle while C is for motorcycle carriage vehicles.

ii) 17 years if you intend to drive cars.

iii) 21 years if you wish to achieve a Class E to I category of driving license.

For lorry licenses Class E, E1 and E2, one should possess a Class D (car) license for at least a year if he wishes to apply.

Of course, besides all the stated requirements above, a potential student wishing to get a driving license in our country is the ability or be competent in either Bahasa Malaysia or English language.

Don’t forget, one has to get through the Highway Code test which is a 50 question computer test. However, those attempting to get an E (lorry) license would be exempted from the above mentioned exam, as they already possess a car license previously.

The requirements of health are very simple. A person should be able to hear rather distinctly. Those who are hard of hearing are ideally recommended to get the assistance of a hearing aid.

Drivers should be able to hear cars or vehicles coming from behind, policemen blowing whistles and vehicles passing by. The ability to hear tyre sound and sound from an engine are extremely important. Early detection of sounds coming from the engine compartment can sometimes assist in preventing costly repairs.

A potential driver is ideally expected to be able to see a minimum distance of some 23 meters. Preferably a driver should also be not colour blind. One other health requirement is the ability to be able to see a distance of 100 meters of cars approaching ahead.

Pertaining to the question of health also is that potential drivers are not suffering from epilepsy. Regarding colour blind, a student has to undergo a short test of 8 questions. You are required to secure an 8/8 result to be considered having passed this examination. Those who fail this test will be asked to visit the J.P.J. office, whose officers then direct you to the nearest health clinic or hospital for an eye test.

One more important requirement of health that is needed of a potential student who aspires to secure a driving license in Malaysia is that one has to be able bodied. Ensure that you are not suffering from any physical abnormalities.

Should you unfortunately be handicapped in any way, you should see an orthopedic surgeon at the General Hospital. Get his to certify that you are fit to driver. However, should you be found unfit to drive a manual car, the orthopedic surgeon will then deem it fit that you use an automatic vehicle.

In short, a student wanting to take up driving course must obtain a doctor’s certification that he or she is fit to drive. He or she should not pose any danger not only to himself or herself, but also to other road users as well.

Talking about the subject of driving licenses, one further aspect should able be addressed here. This pertains to the question of can a “P” license holder of a Malaysian license, be permitted to drive, say in the United States of America.

While the USA is a signatory to the Geneva Conference 1949 and 1968, and as such is bound to accept our Malaysian license to use in the country, nevertheless, a small problem however exists.

What is the problem, you may wish to ask?

Malaysian “P” license is in fact not a full fledge license. It’s in reality a “provisional” license. Being such, it is probable that the USA authorities, might not accept this license for use in the USA.

Anyway, should you be visiting the above country and you wish to drive there, you are advised to ask around if the Malaysian “P” is valid for use over there.

Failing to do this, you might find yourself contravening the laws and most probably you might even find yourselves being fined by the authorities there.

Malaysians must surely have observed numerous vehicles from neighboring countries such as Thailand entering rather freely into our country.

Likewise, in the south, Singapore registered cars and drivers frequently drive across Johore Causeway into Malaysia, especially during the weekends.

Do Thais or Singaporeans who drive into Malaysia possess Malaysian licenses? If not, why is it the Malaysian authorities do not seem to take action against them?

In case you don’t know, according to the 1949 and 1968 Geneva Conference, all signatory nations agree to accept each other domestic driving licenses in each other territories.

This agreement is intended to make it easier for citizens who travel to a foreign country less hassle especially when it comes to finding transport is concerned.

How does one ensure his or her country’s license is accepted by the authorities of the nation in which he is visiting?

First of all, especially where the Malaysian authorities are concerned, foreign drivers visiting Malaysia should make sure their licenses are translated either into the English language or Bahasa Malaysia. This is to enable the authorities such as Police, J.P.J, and other relevant authorities to conduct their duties effectively.

Foreign drivers visiting our country should make certain that their licenses are genuine and not fraudulent. In other words, they are not false ones.

Those holding fraudulent licenses without doubt, will get into mess of trouble when accidents occur. As you well aware, insurance companies tend not to honour insurance policies of drivers who hold fraudulent licenses.

As mentioned earlier, even our neighbor Singapore accepts Malaysian driving into their territory. However, those who intend to work in Singapore, for longer than usual periods, they are advised to get a special driving license issued by the Singapore government.

All Malaysians who hold the C.D.L. driving license are in fact authorized to apply for one such license.

For the above purpose, Malaysians can get a copy of their license at any J.P.J. offices. A payment of RM10 is charged by the authorities for the above purpose.

The requirements to get the said license are:
i) Original driving license
ii) Necessary photos
iii) Identification papers

and most certainly, the Singapore authorities will surely process your application speedily.

It should however be reiterated, that upon issuance of a new Singapore license, you old Malaysian license will become null and void.

As in most countries, the law in Malaysia does not permit one to hold 2 licenses. It is in fact an offense. Section 29 (b) of the Road Transport Act 1987 states very clearly that it is not allowed.

What happens then when a person working or living in Singapore has finished his contract of work in that country?

Not to worry actually, as there are provisions which allows a driver, using a Singapore certified document, request that Malaysian authorities to be issue Malaysian drivers with their former licenses.

While holding the above special Singapore driving licenses, drivers can drive vehicles registered in Singapore or even those registered in Malaysia as well without any problem at all. Well. That’s what neighbors are for, as the saying goes.

For those holding C.D.L., in reality a Malaysian visiting Singapore or even Thailand for that matter, can drive their vehicles into the two countries mentioned above without any problem at all. Your domestic licenses issued by the J.P.J. here are acceptable to the transport authorities over there.

For those who do are not aware, the Geneva Conference 1949 and 1968, signatories to this agreement accepts each other’s driving licenses! Like U.S. dollar, which is legal currency in Malaysia, Malaysian driving licenses are accepted worldwide.

To my knowledge, there are one or two countries whose license Malaysia does not recognize. Israel is one of them, as we do not have bilateral relations with that country concerned. As for the other countries, Malaysian authorities accept their driving license to be used in our country. But there are certain rules and regulations to be followed. These have already been mentioned earlier.

In fact, licenses from other countries or nations can even be converted into Malaysian driving licenses. This subject, I believe, have even be broached in earlier post. As such, it will not be brought up this time around.

For those visiting our country, and if you feel like seeing our all the lovely places more extensively, go ahead, if you own a valid driving license from your country, rent a car by all means. And have a wonderful time.

And why not? Driving licenses are meant to take you everywhere, isn’t it?