The Malaysian Probationary Drivers’ License
The “Defensive Driving” or “Panduan Berhemat” in reality is an Australian concept of driving. It has proven to be an effective method in curbing accidents, especially in its country of origin.
Amongst the many rules and regulations of defensive driving is the use of the “P” stickers. But Malaysian “P” drivers are actually a lucky lot compared to Australian ones.
Australian “P” drivers, amongst other things are not allowed to:
i) Drive alone – During the probation period (2 years). They must be an experienced driver beside them.
ii) Drive at night.
iii) Must undergo another practical test after 1 year to ascertain their capability to drive.
iv) The necessity to stick “P” stickers in front and at the rear remains.
“P” probation period is 2 years. Newly “passed” drivers for Class B2 (Motorcycle) and D (Cars) have to have the “P” emblem displayed in front and at the rear of their vehicles.
Failure to do so might result in the authorities giving you a “Summon”. Getting such a summon is getting 10 Demerit Points, resulting in your license being suspended.
What is the colour of the “P” Sticker, one may ask. Car “P” stickers are slightly larger compared to motorcycle “P” stickers, where are smaller. Use the correct sized stickers or you will end up in trouble with the authorities. “P” stickers have the alphabet “P” in White with a Red background.
What must “P” drivers do during the 2 years probationary period?
a) Maintain a 0.00 alcohol content in their blood / urine / breath.
b) Have their “P” license along while driving.
c) Ensure “P” plates / sticker are affixed in front and at the rear of their vehicle.
What happens if your car has only 1 “P” sticker and you are unlucky to be stopped by the Police , J.P.J. or other authorities? Well, its still an Offense. Believe me. I know because a “P” student of mine got a summon for it. He failed to realize the rear “P” of his vehicle had dropped off. The maxim seem to be – “Ignorance Is No Excuse”.
Use the “P” sticker till your probationary period is over (2 years). Then convert your “P” license into C.D.L. (Competent Drivers’ License) within 1 year.
Some students ask: “What happens if I’m using a motorcycle “P” for 6 months and then I get a car license?” Well, you will have put the “P” on for another 1 1/2 years (18 months).
What happens if a person has been using a “P” license for motorcycle for already 2 years and then get a D or car license? In this case, you need not drive a car with a “P”. Your “P” days are over.
There are some who find it difficult to get the “P” stickers. Actually, you can get them from:
i) Motorcycle shops.
ii) Spare parts shops.
iii) Bookshops even;
iv) From your Instructor himself.
v) From van selling “Driving School” material which comes on Test day.
And I might even chip in to help you. Click on the Contact the Author link above. Seeing you getting your “P” is better than seeing you get into trouble with the law.
To those of you who wish to know how to change your “P” license to C.D.L. (Competent Drivers’ License), the things required are:
i) Bring your MyKad.
ii) Supply 1 colour photo.
iii) Bring your “P” original license.
iv) 1 year renewal (RM30). Renewal can be made for up to 5 years.
v) Go to the nearest J.P.J. office to do the above.
vi) Your “P” license Cannot be done at the Post Office nor the MyEg agency.
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Other related web sites:
1) The New Practical Driving Test
2) 120 Hours: Is The Message Getting Through?
3) For under 21s – Extra probationary license stage means 2 P plates
VERY useful information. Can’t say the same for the JPJ site – spent more than a good hour navigating through each link, tab & button to figure out how one goes from PDL to CDL! Thanks very much, i’ll try their office in PJ!
found this site while trying to figure out where I’m supposed to place my P stickers – upper left corner on the front and back windscreens?
Am impressed by this blog – really informative and much more helpful than ‘official’ sources :-)
Also, very impressive effort by ‘the son’! Hats off to you, and to your dad!
Dear Audrey,
Thank you for your positive comment.
As for your question, the “P” stickers are to be affixed on the “Left” hand corner of the front windscreen and rear windscreen also “Left” hand corner.
By putting the “P” stickers on the top left position, it will not “block” the driver’s view.
‘Cikgu Yap
Dear Cikgu Yap,
I find your blog very helpful.
I’m a foreigner. During the time that studying in Malaysia, I got my “P” driving licence and it’s going to be expired by 5/11/09. Currently, I’m staying in Australia. I want to ask if it’s possible to ask my Malaysian friend help me convert my “p” licence to “C” licence ? What documents are needed in my case? And can I have the “C” licence on the same day I go to convert it.
Thank you for your great work!
Cheers,
Zen
Dear Zen,
Your “P” can be converted by either a friend, a runner or by a driving school.
The documents required are:
1) 1 copy of colour photograph.
2) 1 copy of identity card or passport.
3) The original “P”.
4) Payment of RM30 for 1 year renewal. Payment can be made for maximum of 5 year (RM150).
And Yes, your C.D.L. (passed license) can be ready in 1 day if you go personally.
‘Cikgu Yap
Dear cikgu yap
Currently i am studying at Singapore and my “p” is going to expired on the 18 oct 2009. my question is what is the earliest and latest date i can change to “c”?
Is it possible i can change my licence at johor jpj since i am from sarawak.
regards
jason
Dear Jason Tang,
The earliest date you can change your “P” license to a C.D.L. (Competent Driver’s License) is 18 Oct 2009. The latest is 1 year later which is 17 Oct 2010.
Yes, you can change your license at Johor JPJ office.
‘Cikgu Yap
Dear Cikgu Yap, if I lost my P license, how am I going to change it to a CDL license?
Dear Lyn,
Firstly, get a new “P”. Then only apply for the C.D.L. (Competent Driver’s License).
‘Cikgu Yap
I’ve already lost my P licence, and the P already expired, what should I do?
How to apply for new P, and how much would it cost?
Dear San,
Firstly, get a new “P”. No Police report needed.
“P” can be done at J.P.J. branches. Go yourself to J.P.J. office if possible. “Runner” or driving schools might face some problems.
Bring along 1 coloured photo and your original MyKad.
‘Cikgu Yap
Hi This this site is very much help ful, I am expat, I have P driving license and it is going to expire next month.
Do I need clear summons if I have any before applying for CDL?, will it be a problem If I go for CDL without clearing summons?
How can I check that?
TQ
How to “rayu” License “p” online? I was studied at oversea for 3 years.
Dear Geneve,
Please read the article How To Reinstate A Malaysian “P” Or C.D.L. License posted on 29th July 2009.
Among proof o studying overseas include:
a) Airplane tickets
b) College registration particulars.
c) Certificate / degree.
Bring the above to see the officials at J.P.J. Putrajaya. Hopefully you could get your “P” reinstated.
Can i use my currenlty P license photo to renew? Can they cut out my P license photo to replace my new license?
Dear Darren,
The answer to your question is “No”.
hi got a question here ,im local , do i against the rule when im driving with an expires 4 months P license ? the police just had fined me during a road block just now .
Dear William,
Yes, you have broke the law.
hi,
just a quick question, what do i need to bring to the jpj office to apply for a P license, and how much does it cost? thanks in advance..
Dear Maryam,
For “P”, RM30 (1 year). Max is RM150 (5 years). Bring along photostat of your MyKad, and also 1 colour photograph.
Hello,
If I want to change my “P” to C.D.L., do I need to fill up a form first or I can just go to the JPJ counter and asked for the change? Thanks in advance.
Dear John,
Go to J.P.J. office. You will be given a Form (JPJ Borang 1). Do bring your MyKad, colour photo and original “P” along too.
i’m currently studying overseas. but my “P” license is going to expire at the end of this month. Can my family members help me to convert my license to a CDL?? What documentation they need from me??
Thank you
Dear Jenny,
You family members can help you get your C.D.L. Supply the following item:
a) Fotocopy of your MyKad
b) Original P
c) 1 colour photo
d) Payment RM30 per year. Maximum RM150 (5 years)
Cikgu Yap,
I wold like to know how can i renew my license oversea. Because im in the UK at the moment. Thank you. =)
You can renew your license by using the MyEG portal.
http://www.myeg.com.my/
Cikgu,
I heard that it’s possible for driving schools to handle conversion of P license to CDL. My P lisence will be expiring within a week, can i go to any driving school and let them handle this for me?
You’re correct. But make sure you get a reliable driving school operator.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but if I already finished my ‘P’ license a long time ago for car, and now I plan to take a motorcycle license, I don’t need to be on ‘P’ anymore? :)
Yes, you’re right. No “P” needed.
Hmm… Useful information. I just passed my driving license recently (January to be exact), so my P license duration is from 1/2010 to 1/2012. Do I have to wait till it expire before I can convert it into an Australian one? How do I convert it? It sucks for not being able to drive in Australia…my P is a Malaysian P and I’m now studying in Australia
Not all countries accept our license for conversion. To my knowledge, Australia and England are 2 of the countries that do not accept conversions.
As for your “P” license, I doubt very much if you can be allowed to drive in Australia. The “P” system in Australia differs from Malaysia.
about the expiry date of my P license.Do I have to change it on exactly the expiry date or before the expiry date or after it?For example if my expiry date is 1 Jan 2011,then which is the most suitable date for me to change?before or after?
You can change it into CDL due date. In your case, it is 1st Jan 2011.
can I change before that date?
No Jen, you can’t.
What about after it?
ive been studying overseas for 3 years and now im going back to m’sia
however ive lost my P license, and could not convert it to CDL…
do i need to resit the whole driving test to obtain my ‘P’?
You could approach J.P.J. in Putrajaya to seek their advice. Cite your studying oversea for not renewing your “P” into C.D.L. Hopefully the authorities will listen to your explanation.
dear Mr Yap,
i was just wondering what i should do because i just lost my P license and im going back to Malaysia this May and i wanted to change my P to CDL. is there anyway i can still get my CDL without my P drivers license?
First of all, is your”P” expired more than a year? If it isn’t, you could still convert it to C.D.L.
my P expired on 2/1/2010
i only have a photocopy of my P. can i still convert it to C.D.L even if I have lost my original P?
Your “P” can be used still. You have to get a duplicate “P” first. Then only can your “P” be converted to C.D.L.