The Malaysian Probationary Drivers’ License

Posted on June 19th, 2009

If prior to the pre-Merdeka days, we used to follow the British style when providing driving tuition to potential drivers. Today, the industry and its “curriculum” tend to follow the Australian method.

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.

Driving A Manual Car Guide

Do you want to know how to drive a manual car even if you have never driven a vehicle before? Get a free copy of “Driving A Manual Car For Beginners” e-book for more information.

==> Click here for free download!

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

43 Comments • Posted in Driving License

Comments

  1. P Driver

    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!

  2. Audrey

    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!

    • admin

      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

  3. Zen

    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

    • admin

      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

  4. jason tang

    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

    • admin

      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

  5. Lyn

    Dear Cikgu Yap, if I lost my P license, how am I going to change it to a CDL license?

    • admin

      Dear Lyn,

      Firstly, get a new “P”. Then only apply for the C.D.L. (Competent Driver’s License).

      ‘Cikgu Yap

  6. San

    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?

    • admin

      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

  7. Kumar

    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

  8. Geneve

    How to “rayu” License “p” online? I was studied at oversea for 3 years.

    • Cikgu Yap

      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.

  9. Darren

    Can i use my currenlty P license photo to renew? Can they cut out my P license photo to replace my new license?

    • Cikgu Yap

      Dear Darren,

      The answer to your question is “No”.

  10. William

    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 .

    • Cikgu Yap

      Dear William,

      Yes, you have broke the law.

  11. Maryam

    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..

    • Cikgu Yap

      Dear Maryam,

      For “P”, RM30 (1 year). Max is RM150 (5 years). Bring along photostat of your MyKad, and also 1 colour photograph.

  12. John

    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.

    • Cikgu Yap

      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.

  13. Jenny

    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

    • Cikgu Yap

      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)

  14. Adeline

    Cikgu Yap,

    I wold like to know how can i renew my license oversea. Because im in the UK at the moment. Thank you. =)

  15. Jay

    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?

    • Cikgu Yap

      You’re correct. But make sure you get a reliable driving school operator.

  16. Deric

    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? :)

    • Cikgu Yap

      Yes, you’re right. No “P” needed.

  17. Jamie

    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

    • Cikgu Yap

      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.

  18. jen

    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?

    • Cikgu Yap

      You can change it into CDL due date. In your case, it is 1st Jan 2011.

      • jen

        can I change before that date?

        • Cikgu Yap

          No Jen, you can’t.

          • jen

            What about after it?

  19. CL

    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’?

    • Cikgu Yap

      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.

  20. nuramadana

    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?

    • Cikgu Yap

      First of all, is your”P” expired more than a year? If it isn’t, you could still convert it to C.D.L.

  21. nuramadana

    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?

    • Cikgu Yap

      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.

Leave a Comment...

Blog Search
Free E-book
Free Ebook
"Driving a Manual Car For Beginners"
>> Click here for instant download!
Recent Comments
  • Mus: Salam, yang dihormati cikgu yap, saya ingin bertanya, saya ada lesen kereta (D) ambil pada tahun 2004 dan masih...
  • soring: My license has expired 10 years ago. Any idea what is the procedure like to re-avtivate it? I am staying in...
  • James: Thanks for the reply. But you seem to be of the opinion that the police is the judge, jury and executioner. I...
  • Jovenia Elvira: Hi, Sir. i would like to ask about the license ‘P’. Can I do the license ‘P’...
  • Aaron Thorn: Need some help here, i was a student abroad (Australia) for 4 years and i manage to obtain my Australian...
  • James: Good write up but I do not necessarily agree with your opinion that we should just pay up and forget about the...
  • Jasmine: Although I pass my QTI test,but I still cannot remember bhg 3 d.On the road.Can I ask the pegawai about the...
  • Prasad: Can you please let me know if there any driving schools in Cyberjaya or Putrajaya area wit their contact nos.
  • Foo: I am Malaysian with a valid Malaysian Driving License. I would like to visit New Zealand as a tourist and to...
  • Judith: Hello Sir, I’m 17 years old and from Germany. I already stayed in Malaysia for a studentexchange...
  • tante josdiana: hi! i hav a prob. need solution. i m a malaysian. i hav been working abroad 8yrs. i used 2 hav a...
  • fuma: I m planning to take undang test soon. Is there any way to find the tool to practise undang test (English) like...
  • Johann: My Grandma and Grandpa are still driving and i feel its not safe for them to drive cause firstly. My Grandma...
  • Johann: Dear Cikgu Yap, i am Now 15…i was born at 14 december, 1995 and i am wondering i am going to be 17 in...
  • yinsyn: Thank you for the tips… Sorry if I’ve let you busy about my questions.
  • skid: Saya nak bertanya…apa cara terbaik untuk lulus ujian bukit?dah 2 3 kali x lulus2…;(
  • P V Rao: Safety first…speed next. A good driver not only saves himself but also saves others.
Recent Readers
Add to Technorati 

FavoritesEducation and 

Training Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog 

Directory