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 solved 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 III (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.


By | 2017-04-26T00:45:17+08:00 June 5th, 2009|International License|128 Comments

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128 Comments

  1. cherrie October 2, 2009 at 1:06 pm - Reply

    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.

    • admin October 7, 2009 at 9:50 am - Reply

      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

  2. Yap November 2, 2009 at 1:41 pm - Reply

    Hi, how long does it take to convert US driving license to Malaysia driving license?

    • admin November 4, 2009 at 5:23 pm - Reply

      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

      • Pierre August 3, 2010 at 4:37 pm - Reply

        I just tried to convert my California Driver License to Malaysian one. It was rejected because I do not hold a “critical profession” they told me I had to go to driving school and take all the tests….
        According to them a “critical profession” is doctor or the like…
        Way to go!!!!!

        • Cikgu Yap August 4, 2010 at 6:46 pm - Reply

          Of late, Malaysian authorities will only convert license based on critical cases. As you said, you have to be a doctor for your license to be converted.

          • US license November 2, 2010 at 12:21 pm

            I got my P license before before I left for the US and currently Im holding a MA drivers license. Do I have to take the entire driving test when I go back to Malaysia?

          • Cikgu Yap November 4, 2010 at 1:12 pm

            If your P has been converted to CDL, then you need not test again.

        • Dennis July 28, 2011 at 10:36 pm - Reply

          I’ve been living in Malaysia for a while now and had been using my American (NJ) license without any problems, but about three years ago when my license was about to expire, I decided to convert to a Malaysian one.

          It took me two tries, however. I applied to Putrajaya, but after my first try, I received a letter in the mail stating that I couldn’t have my license converted because ‘I was not enrolled in a doctoral program’. This reply was completely against all procedural advice given to me, so I just waited a couple of months, applied again and succeeded!!

          Malaysia Boleh!!!!! (Malaysia Idiocracy)

  3. Khaled Ismail November 16, 2009 at 8:54 am - Reply

    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

    • admin November 17, 2009 at 8:35 pm - Reply

      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

  4. Lee November 19, 2009 at 10:08 am - Reply

    Is it true that our foreign licence will be invalidated if we convert it to a Malaysian license.

    Can somebody confirm this info.

    Thanks!

    • admin November 21, 2009 at 8:56 pm - Reply

      Dear Lee,

      Foreign license, when converted to Malaysia will be null and void.

      ‘Cikgu Yap

      • Lee December 4, 2009 at 12:37 am - Reply

        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!

        • admin December 6, 2009 at 9:27 pm - Reply

          Dear Lee,

          In most countries, a person cannot hold 2 licenses.

          ‘Cikgu Yap

  5. Ahmad November 29, 2009 at 3:08 am - Reply

    Do i need a license for scooter, which is less than 60 km/h?

    • admin November 29, 2009 at 9:56 pm - Reply

      Dear Ahmad,

      Any motorised vehicle requires a license.

      ‘Cikgu Yap

  6. Subuk January 26, 2010 at 6:46 pm - Reply

    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?

    • Cikgu Yap January 28, 2010 at 12:20 am - Reply

      Dear Subuk,

      Any Pakistani can convert his driving license to Malaysian driving license.

  7. Reddy January 28, 2010 at 7:32 pm - Reply

    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

    • Cikgu Yap January 30, 2010 at 11:51 am - Reply

      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

  8. MM2H Holder April 9, 2010 at 2:11 pm - Reply

    Dear Season Drivers,
    I’m a China PRC citizen living in Singapore participating in the MM2H (Malaysia my second home) program wishing to convert my valid China Driving licence to either Malaysian licence if possible or International licence to be used in Malaysia. I searched for information online but not sure where to go to apply any one can help? Providing the address and phone number would perfect.

    • Cikgu Yap April 11, 2010 at 11:43 pm - Reply

      China license can be converted to Malaysian license. Usually, international driving licenses are issued only by domestic country.

  9. Raju April 28, 2010 at 2:54 pm - Reply

    I have Indian Driving license. I want to know that is it necessary to convert it to Malaysian Driving license to drive in Malaysia ?

    If no then can I buy a car in Malaysia and get car insurance on my name based on my Indian Driving license ?

    Thanks & Regards,
    Raju

    • Cikgu Yap April 29, 2010 at 1:24 am - Reply

      If planning to stay long in Malaysia, best to convert your Indian license into Malaysia license. As far as I’m aware, there’s nothing to stop you buying a car and getting insurance for it.

  10. Raju April 29, 2010 at 9:07 am - Reply

    Yes I am planning to stay long but can’t I drive based on my Indian Driving License ?

    Why it is good to have local Malaysian Driving License ? Is it something that I can’t drive based on Indian DL after some specified time of period ? or just good to have Malaysian DL so doesn’t happen any issue if COP catches ?

    Actually I applied for DL conversion at JPJ Putrajaya but they rejected the application saying rule has been changed and now they don’t convert for IT Professionals (Engineers) from India and if want local DL then go through normal procedure which is through DL schools. They said now onward they only allow Doctors and Lecturers from India.

    Regards,
    Raju

    • Cikgu Yap May 1, 2010 at 6:35 am - Reply

      If planning to stay long in Malaysia, get an International Driving License preferably. Due to ficticious license in the market, Malaysian authorities have recently stop conversion of licenses.

      Therefore, if you want to get a Malaysian license, you have to test for it. As you yourself said, only doctors and lecturers are accepted.

  11. Fahad May 21, 2010 at 1:55 pm - Reply

    Dear Sir
    I am Pakistani Citizen and would be coming to Malaysia on work permit from August 2010 to work as Manager in an IT Company.
    Currently, I possess a Pakistan Driving License. Can you kindly guide me whether I should apply for an International Driving License here in Pakistan. Will it be valid in Malaysia and for how long?
    Alternatively, should I not apply for international driving license in Pakistan and get my regular driving license converted to Malaysia Driving License.
    Your help would be much appreciated.

    • Cikgu Yap May 22, 2010 at 4:35 am - Reply

      Yes, you can do 2 things:
      1) Get an international driving license issued by your country.
      2) IDL are normally allowed to drive for a reasonable period.

      As of late, I can’t verify if foreign license can still be converted into Malaysian licenses. I suggest you visit any state JPJ office to inquire. Visit JPJ headquarters in Putrajaya would be the best.

      • Fahad May 25, 2010 at 12:25 pm - Reply

        Thanks Cikgu
        Will get the IDL before coming to Malaysia as suggested.

  12. maha May 25, 2010 at 2:10 pm - Reply

    i am not having any license, can i apply direct to international license in Malaysia? My visa is tourist visa. every month i need to exit from Malaysia and comeback. i am in some official trip in malaysia. I will be here for a year.

    • Cikgu Yap May 26, 2010 at 6:43 am - Reply

      International driving licenses are issued only to Malaysian who have the Competent Driver’s License (C.D.L.)

  13. Alex June 4, 2010 at 3:12 pm - Reply

    hi, I am an international student, I’m from Philippines. I have a professional driver’s licence in Phils but I forgot to apply for International license. I googled on the internet, only PHD student can convert their license. Do you think I can convert my license to malaysian license? I plan to buy a motorbike for easy travelling from home to college and around KL. thanks for the help

    • Cikgu Yap June 5, 2010 at 5:05 am - Reply

      As per internet, only Phd students can convert their licenses. Car license cannot be used to ride motorcycles.

  14. jalal June 30, 2010 at 5:06 pm - Reply

    hello, I’m Iraqi PhD. student in malaysia , I have domastic expire driving license from my country.I want to get Malaysian driving license .what i must to do to get it without enter driving school.
    thanks

    • Cikgu Yap July 5, 2010 at 2:51 pm - Reply

      Expired Indon license cannot be used. To get Malaysian license, you have to go through a driving school.

  15. ashwin July 1, 2010 at 8:50 pm - Reply

    Hi cikgu yap,

    Im an Indonesian that work in malaysia
    i heard that i can use indonesian driving licence in malaysia as long as accompanied by a certified translation from my embassy is this true?

    thanks

    • Cikgu Yap July 5, 2010 at 2:52 pm - Reply

      Yes, you should have no problem using Indonesia driving license in Malaysia. Better to have translation into English.

  16. Ming July 8, 2010 at 1:14 pm - Reply

    HI Mr Yap,

    I’m a Malaysian citizen and currently in Brunei for a short term period. What if i take the license in Brunei and return back? Do i need to retake the whole test back? Can the license be converted to Malaysia driving license?

    • Cikgu Yap July 10, 2010 at 11:44 am - Reply

      Brunei is not part of Malaysia. You may encounter problems when wishing to convert it to Malaysian license. I’ll advise you to get a Malaysian license in Sabah or Sarawak instead.

  17. vince July 15, 2010 at 8:44 pm - Reply

    dear cikgu yap,,

    im from philippines holding a drivers license professioanl one and an international drivers license and currently working for petronas in another 2 years so total its gonna be 4 years. my question is can i drive a scooter using this licenses in malaysia or need to have it converted to malysian one.DL.thanks..

    • Cikgu Yap July 16, 2010 at 10:07 pm - Reply

      If you driving license is for cars, you cannot drive a motorcycle.

  18. Alia July 17, 2010 at 4:08 pm - Reply

    Will an international driver’s license issued in Philippines be recognized in Malaysia? Or do i need to convert it to a Malaysian driver’s license for me to be able to drive around Malaysia? My international license is for cars. By the way, i will be driving car too in Malaysia.

    • Cikgu Yap July 20, 2010 at 3:57 pm - Reply

      Yes, IDL from Philippines can be used in Malaysia.

  19. Anne July 29, 2010 at 6:38 am - Reply

    Hi, I wish to apply for an internation license in Malaysia. I am a Malaysian and hold a valid driver’s license.
    I am currently in NZ. Can I do it online or get one of my family members to do it for me? Am i required to a practical test?
    When i check in NZ, I am required to sit for teory and practical test here.
    Hope you can help me.

    • Cikgu Yap July 31, 2010 at 12:05 pm - Reply

      IDL can only be issued to CDL holders here in Malaysia. To get IDL, no practical test needed. Whether family members are allowed to apply on your behalf is not certain. You could however make an attempt.

  20. awanken August 22, 2010 at 11:45 am - Reply

    Hi,

    I am Indonesian have Temporary Work Permit in Malaysia. My background is IT expert. But JPJ refuse to convert my driving license due my permit is only Temp.

    I already got my driving certified by embassy. And I have 3 times experience stopped (road block) by police. First two experience, Police release me after see my license. But the third time, Police denied my license. And I got saman RM600. Is it true? Can I get discount for this summon?

    Because I cant convert my DL. So what is your advice? How much to get Malaysian DL for foreigner if I go to Driving School/test? For how long periode? Any recommendation school, my position is in shah alam?

    Thank you very much cikgu

    • Cikgu Yap August 24, 2010 at 3:18 pm - Reply

      Work permit sementara tidak bolah di guna bagi convert lesen. Lesen negara lain kini payah di tukar ke lesen Malaysia. RM600 yang anda di denda, mungkin RM300 untuk tiada lesen sah, RM300 lagi untuk tiada insurans. Anda nampaknya harus mengambil lesen Malaysia semula. Untuk mengambil lesen, harus fasih daman Bahasa Inggeris atau Bahasa Malaysia.

  21. Krupa August 27, 2010 at 10:23 am - Reply

    Hi,
    My husband and I are American citizens and will be living in Malaysia for 4 years. We have valid US driving licenses. Can we drive with that for more than 3 months? Do we have to get Malaysian driving license? What is the process for doing so.

    Thanks.

    • Cikgu Yap September 1, 2010 at 11:20 am - Reply

      There should be no problem using your US license here for a reasonable period.

  22. Jane November 10, 2010 at 7:54 am - Reply

    Hi, I am Malaysia and my malaysia Driver license already expired 7 years ago. I am currently live in California USA and holding the valid USA driver license. This year I am planning to go back to Malaysia.
    How can I convert the USA driver license to Malaysia driver license?
    I heard that I need to have the current USA driver license certified by the issuing authority and can you explain this?.
    Thanks, Jane

    • Cikgu Yap November 12, 2010 at 4:28 pm - Reply

      First, get the issuing authority in America to certify the authenticity of your license. To convert, go to any JPJ office.

  23. Eunice November 10, 2010 at 12:12 pm - Reply

    Hi Cikgu,

    I’m a Bruneian and holding Brunei driving license.
    Every two-three months I will come visit my friends in West Malaysia about 3days to a week.
    I’m not sure if I can apply for permit or need to convert my driving license, or apply an international license.
    If converted to Malaysia license, will my Brunei license become invalid??
    And, when should i do for the application? Malaysia or Brunei.
    Thank you~

    • Cikgu Yap November 12, 2010 at 4:30 pm - Reply

      As you seem to be coming overt to Malaysia rather frequently, ideally you should get an International Driving License. If however you wish to convert your Brunei license into Malaysian driving license, yes, your Brunei license will become null and void temporarily.

  24. Joyce December 16, 2010 at 10:02 am - Reply

    Hi Cikgu,

    My USA driver license has expired and I cannot return to the US to renew it. Can I still convert the expired license to Malaysia one? Thank you~

    • Cikgu Yap December 21, 2010 at 4:08 pm - Reply

      It’ll take some time. You will have to get the US issuing authority to confirm your US license. Then go to any JPJ to do convert. Hopefully you’ll not meet any problems.

  25. Nuala February 25, 2011 at 5:01 pm - Reply

    Hi Cikgu,

    First of all, thank you for providing this excellent website.

    I would like to ask your help with a problem which seems to be the reverse of most comments here. I’m a French citizen who lived in Malaysia up until last year. I sat my driving test there and I hold a valid P license. I have to convert it to a CDL by this June or I will lose it. I’m currently living in China but sometime in the future I will return to France where I can convert my Malaysian license to a French one.

    My question is: what address do I provide to convert my license? Can I give a foreign address? As a foreigner, do I have to show a valid residence permit? I still have friends in Malaysia who would allow me to use their address but I won’t be able to produce an electric or phone bill with my name on it. Is this a problem?

    Thank you for your help,
    Nuala

    • Cikgu Yap March 2, 2011 at 2:52 pm - Reply

      If I’m not mistaken, the P license must be converted to CDL here in Malaysia. Then only can it be converted into French license by the French authorities. Regarding address, I suggest you use a good friend’s address. It shouldn’t be a problem.

  26. Lin Ali March 10, 2011 at 11:50 am - Reply

    Hi cikgu. I am a Malaysian student in Bangalore doing my MBBS course and will be back for good by the end of this year. I got my driver’s licence recently. Let say if I manage to convert my driving licence to Malaysian licence this Dec, will I be granted the CDL or P-licence (since it’ll be less than a year from the date I received the licence)? There is no probationary (P-licence) in Indian system so I already got a competent licence.

    • Cikgu Yap March 11, 2011 at 8:36 pm - Reply

      If certified by the Indian authorities, you should be able to convert your license into Malaysian driving license.

  27. Kehn March 21, 2011 at 10:20 pm - Reply

    I am a filipino citizen and I am currently employed here in malaysia as lecturer in a university. I own a professional license from my origin and i am wondering if i can convert my license without paying anything to JPJ.

    Thanks

    • Cikgu Yap March 24, 2011 at 9:24 am - Reply

      Have your license certified. You should have no problem converting Filipino license to Malaysian.

  28. jay July 26, 2011 at 7:44 pm - Reply

    Hi!very informative site you have here.I would like to know if I convert my License to a Malaysian license since i have always been stopped by the cops and they insist on seeing my Malaysian License.
    I am currently holding a professional License from South Africa,and I am a BSc student. Please advise.

    • Cikgu Yap August 1, 2011 at 3:10 pm - Reply

      Under international rules and regulations, you should be able to use S. African license here. To convert, please confirm with JPJ at Putrajaya. The rules and regulations differ from time to time.

  29. sunit August 10, 2011 at 7:24 pm - Reply

    Hi Cikgu,

    I am an IT professional and working in Kuala Lumpur. i have employment pass valid till july 2012 and indian driving license.

    am i able to convert my driving license here in malaysia. somebody told me now they reject the application. but as per JPJ website its possbile to convert your foreign driving license to malaysian license.

    Please give me some idea if you have latest update on this.

    Thanks

    • Cikgu Yap August 16, 2011 at 3:24 pm - Reply

      JPJ has its own rules and regulations to accept conversion of licenses from other countries. Please check with JPJ in Putrajaya.

  30. Faye August 19, 2011 at 9:08 pm - Reply

    Hi, thanks for your website, it’s very informative.

    I have been in US for the past 5 years and hold a valid US drivers license. I recently returned and found out my Malaysian license has been ‘batal-ed’ because it has been expired for over 3 years.

    They gave me two options at the local JPJ office. Retest or Convert. I intend to go to Putrajaya to attempt to convert it, however I’m wondering what do you mean by ”getting the US license certified?” Will the US embassy offer such services? Also, do you think that because my Malaysian drivers license has been ‘batal-ed’, converting won’t be an option?

    Thanks for your help !

    • Cikgu Yap August 22, 2011 at 1:07 pm - Reply

      Forget about your Malaysian license which has been cancelled. You can attempt getting your Embassy’s letter of certification and present it to our JPJ authorities. Hopefully they will see it fit to replace it and allow conversion of your US license.

  31. maxandco November 21, 2011 at 1:34 pm - Reply

    Saya Indonesian, teringin untuk beli kereta di Malaysia. Selepas saya tanya ke kedai. Untuk apply loan, maka saya perlukan local license. Kedai itu bagi cadangan untuk saya buat IDL, lalu pergi ke JPJ putrajaya untuk dapatkan surat kebenaran untuk terus practical ke driving school. Kemudian baru test kelulusan license.

    Maknanya, saya lompat kelas teori, undang-undang, dan jumlah jam praktikal yang lebih sedikit.

    betulkah ada cara seperti ini?

    Agaknya berapa bayaran untuk ikut kelas normal, dan cara yang seperti kedai itu cadangkan?

    Terima kasih

    • Cikgu Yap November 22, 2011 at 3:29 pm - Reply

      IDL from Malaysia is for Malaysian only. To secure a Malaysian driving license, take up driving course and practical test here.

      • maxandco November 23, 2011 at 3:46 pm - Reply

        IDL dari negara asal maksudnyer cikgu dan terus lompat ke practical, kelas teori takyah buat. Tapi takpelah… mungkin saya ambik kelas secara normal sahaja.

  32. Chiz November 29, 2011 at 11:29 pm - Reply

    Hi Cikgu,

    I’m working here in Malaysia, can I used my domestic non-professional driving license to drive a car or do I need to go to JPJ to convert? I also got my certification from my embassy just in case need to convert. I just worried after conversion I cannot drive my car when I come home to Philippines for vacation this December.

    At the moment. my friends drive me home to my apartment but most of the time I used taxi. Not really convenient.

    Thanks,
    Chiz

    • Cikgu Yap December 1, 2011 at 10:58 pm - Reply

      Ideally, try to get an IDL from Philippines if you wish to drive in Malaysia.It is more convenient.

  33. niruboisch December 1, 2011 at 4:35 pm - Reply

    Hi

    Thanks for this informative post.

    I am from India and I have Indian Domestic Driving licence.
    If I obtain International driving licence from my issuing authority in India.

    Am I eligible to drive in Malaysia or I need to take stamping from JPJ

    • Cikgu Yap December 2, 2011 at 8:17 pm - Reply

      IDL from India can be used in Malaysia.

  34. tanawan December 6, 2011 at 9:10 pm - Reply

    I’m going to get marry with my bf in kuala lumper.He’s malasian and I’m thai citizen. I’ve got a car in thailand. I would like to ask whether I can bring my car for using in malaysia. if can, what should I do and what things do I need to pay? thank you in advance.

    • Cikgu Yap December 7, 2011 at 9:27 pm - Reply

      Yes, you can bring your vehicle into Malaysia. Ensure your license is valid. Your car insurance should be in order too.

  35. Amber January 18, 2012 at 1:34 pm - Reply

    Hi Cikgu Yap,

    I’m a Malaysian, and I recently returned from completing my studies in the United States. I hold a valid US driver’s license. I’m aiming to work soon, and so I want to avoid redoing the entire testing process, if possible.

    1. I’ve read previous comments, and is it still true that the Director General of JPJ will only approve my application if I’m a Doctor or a Lecturer? I will try and apply anyway, but in the mean time, I am allowed to drive with my US DL, is that correct?

    2. I was able to find instructions for converting foreign DLs online (http://mm2h.gov.my/pdf/mm2h11.pdf). The guide does not mention having the issuing authority certify my DL. I hope that is true, because I’m already back here in Malaysia.

    3. You mentioned that converting to a Malaysian license will render my US license null and void. Does that mean they will cut/take away my US license?

    Thank you so much in advance for answering my questions. It has been a big headache to me.

    • Cikgu Yap January 18, 2012 at 10:01 pm - Reply

      As a Malaysian, your US license should be easily converted into Malaysian license. Those holding Indian licenses, our authorities insist they should either be doctors or lecturers. Your US license will be returned back to you after you’ve converted your license into Malaysia’s.

  36. Joulyn Yeap February 17, 2012 at 12:07 pm - Reply

    I wish to enquire if the above stated requirements are meant for foreign to apply for Malaysian license? Requirements are not clear and no procedure stated!!
    Can a company he works for apply for him? Or
    He has to apply it himself at JPJ?
    Please help.
    Thnak you

    • Cikgu Yap February 19, 2012 at 9:03 am - Reply

      The answers have already been highlighted in the article above.

  37. JOEABY March 3, 2012 at 6:01 pm - Reply

    i am a mm2h holder holding a dubai driving license still employed in the middle east. can i convert my l DUBAI icense to malaysian or can i use my dubai license when on holidays back in malaysia to drive private cars?

    • Cikgu Yap March 5, 2012 at 11:59 pm - Reply

      Not necessary to convert your Dubai license while in Malaysia. Your domestic license from Dubai can be used to drive in Malaysia for a reasonable period of time.

  38. temuched March 6, 2012 at 8:41 pm - Reply

    Dear Cikgu,

    Firstly first, thank you so much for making this website as it is very helpful and informative for dimwits like me. I didn’t even realise that my international drivers license was no longer valid here!

    Anyway, I was wondering if you have a list of countries which allow Malaysian licenses to be converted into the respected local drivers licenses? I know that it would be very helpful for a lot of us here reading this. Thanks so much!

    Cheers
    Tem

    • Cikgu Yap March 9, 2012 at 8:11 pm - Reply

      Unable to meet your request because the list is too long.

  39. lina marlina siregar April 18, 2012 at 5:15 pm - Reply

    Hai, I’m indonesian, I married with malaysian people and I stay here for 7 years. I already have Indonesia international license . So, can I use my license in malaysia

    • Cikgu Yap April 20, 2012 at 7:23 pm - Reply

      Indonesian international driving license can be used to drive here. Follow rules and regulations here though.

  40. Nick June 6, 2012 at 1:29 pm - Reply

    Dear Yap,

    Is there a letter of translation I need to convert my license prior to arrival from the US to Malaysia to translate the purpose of my license? Thank you very much for you time.

    • Cikgu Yap June 7, 2012 at 1:48 pm - Reply

      As English is quite widely used in Malaysia, I believe you’ll have few problems using your license here.

  41. Nick June 8, 2012 at 10:19 pm - Reply

    What you advise me to do since I might encounter problems?

    • Cikgu Yap June 11, 2012 at 2:24 pm - Reply

      For conversion purposes, it all depends what language you are referring to. For example, French or Spanish? Get your license translated into English or B. Malaysia for our officers’ usage. Your Embassy or Consulate people should be able to assist you.

  42. Nick June 12, 2012 at 9:52 am - Reply

    Dear Yap,

    License is in English. So no need to translate correct?

  43. Jess October 19, 2012 at 7:31 am - Reply

    Dear Cikgu Yap,

    thanks for the website, you’re probably more informative than the jpj website itself. I wanted to know because I have a non-professional driving license from the Philippines but I am currently not in the Philippines and I will be moving to Malaysia on a Professional Visit Pass. Unfortunately, I may have the need to drive to my workplace and considering that I will not be in the Philippines anytime soon, is there anyway I could drive with my domestic Philippine license in Malaysia? Will it even be possible to convert it considering my type of visa?

    I read that you can temporarily drive in the country with your domestic license is that correct? I also read on the website for the ASEAN Economic Community that in 1985 ASEAN nations signed the “AGREEMENT ON THE RECOGNITION OF DOMESTIC DRIVING LICENCES ISSUED BY ASEAN COUNTRIES” which states in Article 2 that holders of the licences issued in any one of the ASEAN countries and intending to take only a temporary stay in the territory of any of the other ASEAN countries may drive therein the classes or types of vehicles the licences permit them to drive.

    Given these considerations I would like your professional advice and experience on the matter. I highly appreciate it!

    • Cikgu Yap October 20, 2012 at 12:17 pm - Reply

      JPJ is the official web site of the Road Transport Department. It’s the authority for all motorists to abide and follow. A valid domestic license can be used in Malaysia. if you can obtain an IDL, it would be best.

  44. Yong November 2, 2012 at 6:28 pm - Reply

    I’m Malaysian but I holding Singapore driving license, so when I back to my hometown can I drive Malaysia car??

    • Cikgu Yap November 6, 2012 at 4:48 pm - Reply

      Singapore driving license can be used while you’re back in Malaysia.

      • vynny November 28, 2014 at 11:42 pm - Reply

        hi, may i know hw to convert licence from Singapore to Malaysia?
        i am person who bankrupt cant out overseas, so can i authorize anybody to help me proceed it? thanks so much

        • Cikgu Yap November 29, 2014 at 10:52 pm - Reply

          Try getting a friend to convert on your behalf.

  45. Jehan November 6, 2012 at 7:27 am - Reply

    HI Cikgu Yap,

    I’m sorry but the JPJ site is really not that friendly though that is the very legal way.. Anyways I possess a valid Dubai driving license, Can I drive now by that or need to convert to local DL or apply it for IDL before able to drive?

    Thanks

    • Cikgu Yap November 10, 2012 at 11:42 am - Reply

      Dubai license should be acceptable for use in Malaysia. See to it that it’s valid. Get a translation in English or Bahasa .Malaysia. You can drive here for approximately 120 days.

  46. Karib May 22, 2014 at 3:36 pm - Reply

    Hi,
    Sorry If I am in the wrong section.
    I am a french man, coming in malaysia for 6 months for an internship.
    I was wondering if some drinving schools offer english tests and english courses?

    Thank a lot !

    • Cikgu Yap May 27, 2014 at 8:49 pm - Reply

      Yes they do.

  47. Praveen July 4, 2014 at 10:04 am - Reply

    Hi
    i have valid Indian driving license, can use it same in Malaysia,
    if i want convert into Malaysia license what is the process

    • Cikgu Yap July 4, 2014 at 11:47 am - Reply

      You can use your Indian license in Malaysia for a reasonable period of time. To convert your license to Malaysian driving license, please visit the nearest JPJ office. They have certain criteria you have to fulfill.

  48. J.Thiru July 4, 2014 at 4:10 pm - Reply

    Hi, I have valid Indian driving license. I have visited JPJ to confirm can i drive a car with Indian license. They recommended that I should not drive car with Indian license and i need to apply Malaysian license.
    Please confirm.

    Thank you

    • Cikgu Yap July 7, 2014 at 3:59 pm - Reply

      Dear J Thiru, It’s always better to apply for a local licence. However, international rules and regulations allows foreigners to drive here temporarily! This is my personal opinion.

      Yap

  49. Welson Kang July 31, 2014 at 12:01 am - Reply

    Dear Cikgu, i dunno if this is the correct place to ask questions. I am a singaporean staying in jb but working in singapore.First question, Can i buy a car in jb and drive in jb? Do i still need to do a license conversion since it’s a international driving license? Second question, my license is only for driving cars and lorries. Can i take a motor license in jb or do i have to take in sg then convert it. Please advice. Thanks

    • Cikgu Yap August 2, 2014 at 10:55 am - Reply

      With your IDL, you can buy a Malaysian car and drive it here. B2 license can either be obtained here or Singapore.

  50. Izzat September 6, 2014 at 11:36 pm - Reply

    Hi Cikgu Yap. I have a friend who possesses a Dubai driving license. He is a student and will be studying in Malaysia for the next 3 years. Can he convert his license to a Malaysian license? I was looking through the JPJ website and Dubai is neither in Appendix A or B.

  51. Arun December 14, 2014 at 4:58 pm - Reply

    Hi, I am a PhD student at the uni. of nottingham. I have a valid Sri lankan license. I wish to convert it to a malaysian licence. After the process of conversion will they keep back my sri lankan license and issue a new driving document(license)? Or will i be returned the original license along with a new malaysian license
    I am concerned about this, because I regularly go back to vacation in my country and the regulations there prefer sri lankan license since I am a Sri Lankan.

  52. Abubaker sithik January 28, 2015 at 8:46 am - Reply

    My kind wish you and asking you that, I have a india international driving license also Bahrain driving license( it is exp by 2014). In this way can i get the driving license at sabah in malaysia?

    • Cikgu Yap January 29, 2015 at 8:47 am - Reply

      Try converting both your licences at JPJ offices.

  53. Ong April 14, 2015 at 9:44 am - Reply

    I’m Malaysian, if I convert my driving license to Singapore license, can I converted it back to Malaysia driving license after maybe a few years?

    • Cikgu Yap April 20, 2015 at 4:46 pm - Reply

      Convert Malaysian license when you no longer need it.

  54. Loukman May 8, 2015 at 6:02 pm - Reply

    hi,
    am from Ghana and my name is loukman, i would like to know is there any law saying that a person should convert his driving license before driving in Malaysia?

    I have my Ghana driving license can i use it to drive in Malaysia or i must convert? My embassy told me that even if the issue me a letter Malaysia would not convert for me as for now.

    • Cikgu Yap May 9, 2015 at 1:52 pm - Reply

      Use Ghanaian license temporarily here. You have to ask your authorities if they can convert your license.

  55. Dr Saurabh Prakash June 8, 2015 at 9:15 am - Reply

    Hi, I’m an Indian National residing in Malaysia currently. I need to get my Indian DL converted to Malaysian DL all my documentation is attested and ready., but recently i was informed that the JPJ Putrajaya address has been changed could you please kindly update me with the current address to where I can send my documents. Thank you.

    • Cikgu Yap June 8, 2015 at 4:45 pm - Reply

      Thanks for writing in. I would just Google for the address. If you can’t locate the address, please contact JPJ.

  56. Kumar July 20, 2015 at 1:38 pm - Reply

    Hi, I am from India and I have Indian Driving License.
    I am planning to buy a car and when I apply for loan in bank, they asked me to get consent letter form JPJ stating that I can drive car using Indian Driving License.
    So Could you help me whether I can get the consent letter or do I need to convert to malaysian driving license.

    • Cikgu Yap July 21, 2015 at 1:55 pm - Reply

      Whether your Indian driving license can be converted to a Malaysian driving license is up to JPJ to decided. Would suggest you visit JPJ office to get their feedback.

  57. Umar July 24, 2015 at 8:48 pm - Reply

    Hi Cikgu,

    Found your website useful. I need to convert my Indian driving license to Malaysian license. My wife is a Malaysian & I am in spouse visa .I am working as an Engineer (non-IT) in a private firm. I have been hearing that some applications are rejected by JPJ authorities. Could this applicable even to spouse visa holders? Can i get my indian license converted to malaysian one? I got it attested by Indian embassy already. I will be applying at JPJ HQ next week. Thanks in advance.

    • Cikgu Yap July 25, 2015 at 10:13 am - Reply

      JPJ has its own rules and regulation when it comes to converting foreign driving license to Malaysian driving licence. The best option is to visit the JPJ HQ and get their feedback there.

  58. Umar July 25, 2015 at 1:25 pm - Reply

    Hi Cikgu,

    Thanks for your prompt reply. I will check with HQ and will post their feedback here. Meanwhile how long I can drive with my Indian license? I got it attested with my embassy. Is that enough to drive here ? Or do I need any letter from JPJ additionally?

  59. Lau May 16, 2016 at 6:19 pm - Reply

    I check http://www.jpj.gov.my/ . There is no mention about endorsement. But at Putrajaya today, they tell me I need a Driving License Record.

    In the California DMV website, I can get a unofficial copy. Will they accept it?

    I know results may vary. I went to JPJ Petaling who told me to go to JPJ Putrajaya. At Putrajaya, they told me it can be done in JPJ Petaling. I will also produce my resume so that they cannot claim I do not have a professional job. Anything else I need?

  60. Praveen May 20, 2016 at 3:14 pm - Reply

    Hi Cikgu,

    I hold an Indian domestic driving license. I went to JPJ in Putrajaya to convert it to Malaysia driving license. However they rejected saying they convert only for govt linked companies. But the officer over there told me that I can use my Indian driving license in Malaysia without converting it, provided the license is in English.

    But I am still under confusion as I don’t have anything in writing on this. Can I use it? I will be staying in Malaysia for another 2 years.

    Regards,
    Praveen

  61. Jamy June 23, 2016 at 2:33 pm - Reply

    Hi,

    Does this mean malaysian driving license (without paying $150 to get the international drivine license) is accepted in most countries?

    Is it the same list as per this link ? http://www.jpj.gov.my/web/eng/acceptance-of-foreign-driving-license

    Also, without the international driving license, our license is recognized in USA, Korea, Norway and Iceland?

    Thanks
    Jamy

  62. Raza eBworx October 23, 2017 at 12:41 pm - Reply

    Hi All Pakistani Bro/Sis,

    JPJ Malaysia is not more converting the Pakistani Driving License into Malaysian Driving License. They have Stop the Conversion Since After Mid 2014 Somewhere. They only allow Conversion to those Pakistani people who are under MM2H program. Rest even Married not allowed to convert Driving License.

    As i speak to one of the Officer in JPJ Putra Jaya, they said we Still can use our Pakistani Driving License in Malaysia until unless it is Valid.

    Hope it will Help the people on this Forum.

    Thanks.

  63. Abid October 18, 2018 at 4:20 pm - Reply

    Can I convert UAE (Abu Dhabi) driving license to Malaysian driving license?
    Please give me procedure

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