Converting Foreign Driving Licenses To Malaysian Driving Licenses
Can Foreign Driving Licenses Be Converted Into Malaysian Driving Licenses?
A person goes to another country namely for 2 reasons. One is to work there. The other is to visit that foreign country as a tourist. Whichever maybe the reason of visit, the problem of transport will always be a major one.
Unlike in certain countries, like Singapore, Hong Kong and countries which are renown for their good transportation facilities, the rest of the countries will always pose as a problem to many. This problem could be overcomed if only domestic foreign licenses could be converted to Malaysian domestic license.
First and foremost, do understand that domestic foreign licenses can be used in Malaysia. Those holding Singapore licenses or Thai licenses can very well drive here when they visit Malaysia.
But the question many foreigners frequently inquire or ask is: Can foreign licenses be converted into Malaysian licenses?
Before it is forgotten, foreign domestic license can be used in Malaysia provided it has not expired. The driver should also ensure he or she has an English or Bahasa Malaysia translation of the license used. The assumption for this requirement being it would assist the authorities in their work.
To what I know, there is no test required. To my personal knowledge, I have came across the case of a Bangladeshi whose license was converted to Malaysian “P” License (Probationary Drivers’ License) status.
For your information, the above conversion was accompanied by all the requirements as had to be followed by Malaysian “P” holders.
As the above case took place some many years ago. I am unable to quote exactly the section under which the conversion was done. But vaguely, I think it was Section 5. Further reference will be conducted to rectify the mistake if need be.
What documents are necessary for conversion purposes? As usual, they are:
i) Use JPJ Form B-2.
ii) Foreign country domestic license which has been certified.
iii) Translation of the license in either Bahasa Malaysia or English.
iv) Embassy or authority which issued the license.
Some driving schools even Institutes when asked by foreigners if their domestic license can be converted into Malaysian license are unable to give a correct answer.
Misleading or vague answers are sometimes given. To prevent time wasting, most foreigners, who already have domestic licenses, prefer to take the entire test all over again, doing:
a) The Highway Code in English.
b) Practical Test Part II (Slope, Side Parking, 3 Point Turn).
c) Part II (Road Test).
The distance of the transport Headquarters in Putrajaya, the necessity of having to meet the correct officials to seek permission to convert their license to Malaysian one, are some of the reasons which lead foreigners opting to do their test all over.
This is most unfortunate – as by the Geneva Conference (1949) and 1968, signing nations have agreed “domestic” license can be used in each other country.
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1) International Driving Permit
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3) Guides to Obtain an International Driving License for Malaysian
4) The “IDP” Question – Driving in Italy…
5) How to Apply for your Australian Driving License
Hi there, thank you for the information. I would like to ask you more information. Do you know where I can certify my Hong Kong driving license in Malaysia? As I want to convert my Hong Kong license to Malaysia Driving license. my Hong Kong license is already written in English, do I still need a translation?
Look forward to your reply.
Thanks.
Dear Cherrie,
To convert Hong Kong driving license, go to J.P.J. Headquarters at Putrajaya. As your license is in English, obviously no translation is needed.
Get the issuing authority in Hong Kong to endorse your license. You can try asking if the endorsement of Hong Kong Embassy is accepted or otherwise.
‘Cikgu Yap
Hi, how long does it take to convert US driving license to Malaysia driving license?
Dear Yap,
Get the issuing authority to certify your US license. Go to any J.P.J. office.
If all is in order, you’ll be able to get your US license converted the same day itself.
‘Cikgu Yap
Actually I have a scooter and I have a license from my country it’s not international, sometimes the polis stoped me asking about the license and ask me to cliam malaysian license.
In fact I need the license only to my scooter moreover I’m not planing to drive anything else. That’s why I need any license just to show it for the polis in case they stop me.
Thank you very much
Dear Khaled Ismail,
Get the issuing authority of your license to certify your motor license.
Next, go to any J.P.J. office to have it converted.
‘Cikgu Yap
Is it true that our foreign licence will be invalidated if we convert it to a Malaysian license.
Can somebody confirm this info.
Thanks!
Dear Lee,
Foreign license, when converted to Malaysia will be null and void.
‘Cikgu Yap
Thank you for the reply.
If null and void, they have to show the Malaysian license in their own country, say S’pore or Thailand? Any reason to null and void the foreign license? Thanks!
Dear Lee,
In most countries, a person cannot hold 2 licenses.
‘Cikgu Yap
Do i need a license for scooter, which is less than 60 km/h?
Dear Ahmad,
Any motorised vehicle requires a license.
‘Cikgu Yap
I am a international student studying Degree course in Malaysia and I have Pakistani driving license, I want to confirm is it that only PhD students can convert their local driving license to Malaysian driving license?
Dear Subuk,
Any Pakistani can convert his driving license to Malaysian driving license.
I need to convert my expired florida state, USA licence to Malaysian licence.
Mine expired on 30th August 2008, and I want to convert it to Malaysian one
I am an Indian citizen
Dear Reddy,
Your Florida (USA) driving license has expired. Get it renewed and certified by the issuing authority. After which, you can convert it into Malaysian driving license at any J.P.J. offices