Requirements For Malaysians Driving In United Kingdom

Basically, there are 3 types of visitors who land up in the United Kingdom (U.K.). They are:

i) Those who come to U.K. on social visit staying on for a short period of time only.

ii) Students who arrive in the U.K. to attend some courses in universities or colleges.

iii) Those who visit U.K. for a longer period of time, say a year or so.

All 3 categories of Malaysian drivers at times require to drive in the U.K.

This is because transport will be a major problem for them. To be able to drive oneself around, will not only be cheaper and less hassle is involved, it is more convenient in the long run.

As a reminder, Malaysians who wish to drive in the U.K. should ensure their licenses are:

i) Valid, meaning not expired.

ii) Have their licenses translated into English. As our Malaysian licenses are normally in Bahasa Malaysia, a translated license would assist the British authorities and the police tremendously.

iii) See to it that you are covered with a minimum 3rd party insurance.

As mentioned earlier on, those going over to the United Kingdom as students or on social visits can continue using their Malaysian driving licenses.

However, those categories of people, assuming that a person has been posted in the U.K. to work will obviously be there for a longer period of time. In this case, a Malaysian would therefore ideally be advised to obtain an International Driving License (I.D.L.) issued normally by the Road Transport Department in Kuala Lumpur.

In normal circumstances, a Malaysian driver arriving in the U.K. can drive with his Malaysian license without much problems. The police and transport authorities will pose no problems.

According to the Department of Vehicle Licensing Authorities (D.V.L.A.) Swansea, United Kingdom advised a foreign visitor can drive for a period of 12 months.

Malaysians who stay in U.K. longer than the stipulated period of time mentioned above are advised to then attempt to secure a full British license. Obviously, to do this, one has first to attempt getting a provisional or learner’s license.

By | 2010-10-16T10:31:15+08:00 June 8th, 2010|Driving Tips|15 Comments

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15 Comments

  1. jacqueline June 9, 2010 at 1:41 pm - Reply

    How do i get a license which i legally drive Singapore car in spore and also spore car in msia? currently i holding msia license.

  2. Michael June 18, 2010 at 9:46 pm - Reply

    Hi Cikgu Yap,

    I have a valid Malaysian driving license. Does Italy needs an IDL for me to drive there?
    Thank you.

    • Cikgu Yap June 20, 2010 at 11:58 pm - Reply

      You only need your Malaysian license to drive in Italy.

  3. lee October 7, 2010 at 10:39 am - Reply

    if i wish to drive in usa for 3 months, do i need to apply IDP or international driving license? Or using my malaysia driving license is sufficient?

    • Cikgu Yap October 12, 2010 at 1:15 pm - Reply

      As you plan to drive in USA for only a short period of 3 months, not necessary to convert license to IDL. Use your Malaysian driving license.

  4. Jenny February 24, 2012 at 10:57 pm - Reply

    Hi Cikgu Yap,

    Is that true that a foreigner must possess a valid visa for at least 6 months before he can learn driving in Malaysia? Note: This person has no driving license from his country – Bulgaria.

    Thanks =)

    • Cikgu Yap February 26, 2012 at 8:29 am - Reply

      As per my knowledge, visitor’s visa not permitted to secure a Malaysian driving license.

  5. Sandra March 15, 2012 at 11:15 am - Reply

    Hi Cikgu Yap,

    If I wish to drive in France and Italy, understand that I only require a Malaysian License?
    Do I have to get it translated to French or Italian?

    If planning to use IDP, any translation needed?

    Thanks.

    • Cikgu Yap March 18, 2012 at 10:10 am - Reply

      Malaysian driving license can well be used in France and Italy. Using an IDP would be a better option.

  6. Chris July 22, 2012 at 12:27 am - Reply

    Hello Cikgu Yap,

    I am a student in UK since september 2010.

    can i apply IDP now so that i can drive in uk for a year from sept 2012 to sept 2013?

    thank you!

    • Cikgu Yap July 24, 2012 at 1:13 pm - Reply

      IDP for non P holders only.

  7. elise September 24, 2012 at 6:02 pm - Reply

    I got my driving licence in Malaysia beginning of this year so i have the P licence. Im now studying in the uk and willing to stay there to work later on. Can i drive with a P licence in the uk or do i have to wait two years?

  8. Michelle October 14, 2016 at 3:47 am - Reply

    Hi Cikgu Yap

    I am just got my permit resident in uk from last month and I back to UK now. I was wondering can I drive in UK with my Malaysia driving license?

    • Cikgu Yap November 1, 2016 at 10:48 am - Reply

      For the time being, yes. Later, you have to undergo the UK test.

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