Guide to Obtain an International Driving License for Malaysian
International Driving License for Malaysian
The same applies to those who work overseas for a short period. Those going to neighboring countries like Thailand and Singapore should have no fear of driving there.
As long as the licenses are valid, meaning it has been renewed (not expired) and the vehicle driven be it cars or motorcycles have the required insurance coverage, there should exist no problem at all.
Readers should bear in mind that the above amenities are made possible where most countries of the present world have agreed to extend this important service to its citizens, thus making it much easier for them to travel around.
Nevertheless, it should be remembered that there are a few countries which still do not have bi-lateral relations, thus not enabling their citizens this privilege.
One can apply to the International Driving License from Road Transport Office (J.P.J) all over the country. The rules and regulations are as follows, including the necessary documents required:
a) Domestic license which is still valid for at least a year and its photostat copy.
b) Identity card (original) and 1 copy photostat
c) 2 copies coloured photo, passport size
d) Application form JPJL1
e) International Driving License fee for 1 year (RM150)
To my knowledge, you have to surrender your Domestic Malaysian License in place of your International Driving License. As no one is permitted to posses 2 driving licenses in Malaysia.
If in the later stages, you no longer require usage of this said license (which is rather costly anyway) you could then surrender it for your C.D.L (Competent Driver’s License) domestic license later.
Other than J.P.J offices, this license is attainable from the Automobile Association Of Malaysia (A.A.M) office also.
Now that you know how to obtain the International Driving License, what are you waiting for. Apply for it now and Happy Driving.
I used to have a Malaysian License which was allowed to expire by my relative while I went to live in the UK in the early 70s .Shortly after that I aquired a British License and have held it since 1975.
Can I get my Malaysian license back ?I plan to stay longer periods in Malaysia now that I am retired, perhaps up to a period of 6-7 months at a time.
Dear Ethic Malaysian,
1) Your former Malaysian license is null and void.
2) As you now own a British license, it can be converted into a Malaysian “P” license.
3) The conversion steps are:
a) Get your license certified by the issuing authority.
b) Go to bigger J.P.J. office i.e Putrajaya to get the above done.
Best of luck! Happy and save driving.
‘Cikgu Yap
I have a malaysian driving license. I’ll be going to germany by next year and will be staying there up to 5 years. Can i use the international license up to 5 years in germany? Or does it valid for a year? If i have to sit the driving class there, it will cost me lots. Is there any good solution for me?
Dear Alia,
Since you’ll be staying 5 years in Germany, you’re advised to take out an International Driving License.
The above license has to be renewed yearly back in Malaysia.
‘Cikgu Yap
What do you think? Hieee,
so im just an international student here in malaysia…so im not malaysia resident or anything of a sort.i have had some driving lessons but never really finished because then i had to come here and study.so im asking where can i go for driving lessons? and will i be given an international driving license,?..and what are usually the range of costs so as to tale the lessons,tests everything included…because im just here for 3yrs.Thankin u in advance.
Dear Eunice Joseph,
Yes, you can get a driving license in Malaysia. You will be given a Malaysian license.
You can later change it into your country driving license.
The range of costs differ from place to place.
‘Cikgu Yap
I am Malaysian Resident working in Canada. I wish to take Canadian’s driving license but I have to show my Malaysian driving license. However, they do not understand Malay. Where do you think I can get the translation? Does JPJ provide this service?
Thank you.
Dear Wai Leong,
Your Malaysian Driving license should be acceptable for use in Canada, which is a Commonwealth country.
As such, I see no necessity for you to get a Canadian license at all.
As a Malaysian, you can translate your license yourself.
Why not try the Malaysian Consulate at Ottawa of Toronto?
‘Cikgu Yap
Dear Cikgu Yap,
What do you mean by saying we can translate the license ourselves? Wouldn’t the commonwealth country require a legal document with an official stamp as such to verify that the license have been officially translated? I’m asking because I want to get my license translated to be used in New Zealand. Thank you in advance, Cikgu Yap.
If you wish legal document with regards to your translation, you can affix a RM10 stamp and have it stamped at any stamp office.
Hi. I am Malaysian citizen but went to New Zealand when I was young. Now I have a full New Zealand driver licence and plan to convert that licence to Malaysia full driver licence. Is that possible?
Thanks.
Dear Steve,
New Zealand license can be converted to Malaysian license. First, get the New Zealand license certified by the issuing authorities. Next, go to J.P.J. office preferable in Putrajaya for conversion.
Do bring all documents such as MyKad, 1 piece colour photograph, your New Zealand licence etc.
I foresee you” not entail any problems.
Dear Cikgu Yap,
Do I need to go to the JPJ office personally or can I apply from New Zealand via mail?
Thanks
Steve
Dear Steve,
You’ve got to personally go to J.P.J. You can’t apply from N.Z.
Thanks for the reply.
Once the foreign driver licence being converted to Malaysia driver licence, how long the Malaysia driver licence valid for?
Steve
Dear Steve,
Malaysia license is renewable for 1 year to 5 years.
Thanks for the reply.
How long it normally take for this kind of conversion?
Thanks
Dear Steve,
Conversion to Malaysian licence can be proceed the very day itself.
Thanks for your advice
Thank you for the advice. I’ll come back to you if got any question. Thanks
I will be in Germany Berlin for 3 weeks, can i just drive with my malaysian driving license? or do need to apply international license at least?
Thanks,
Eric
Dear Eric,
You can use your Malaysian driving license in Germany. Ensure your license is Valid.
Oh I see, good then. Thanks for clarrifying.
Hi there,
im just an international student here in malaysia…so im not malaysian resident. im asking where can i go for driving lessons which provide international license instead of just malaysian? and what are usually the range of costs so as to tale the lessons,tests everything included…and how long will it take time to get international license if i apply for it now because i need to get international license asap b4 this summer.Thankin u in advance.
Dear Aika,
You can get Malaysian license. International licenses only for Malaysian. Sorry to disappoint you.
Hi Cikgu Yap,
I will be flying off to australia as a full time student. I will study there for around 2or 3 year. So i was wondering if it is better for me to apply for international licence before i leave? In case i want to drive over there. I know that our Malaysian licence is not acceptable over there..
Thanks for your help.
Dear Swee,
You need not get an international license. Just get a Malaysian license. You can use it in Australia.
Hi, I am currently studying in Japan. I would like to know if Malaysian Driving License is valid in Japan or do I need to have International Driving License?
Malaysian license is acceptable in Japan. Make sure it is valid.
Thanks for your reply. It may sounds rude but I would like to have a source that can prove Malaysian Driving License is valid in Japan because I heard from people that Malaysian Driving License cant drive in Japan without having International Driving License.
I feel you have not heard of the United Nations or its history. For your information, signatories of the Geneva Conference 1949 and 1968 have agreed that licenses from member countries can be used in each other’s country.
Sorry, I never heard before.Could you explain more or is there any website which have the agreement for my reading?
Please read the following article ==> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit
If you are still uncertain, make a trip to the Japan Transport Authority for confirmation.
Ok, many thanks for the info
Malaysian driving license need to be converted to Japanese driving license. You need to take tests (theory and practical). If you are lucky you will be through after taking once. However according to my experience and other talking to other expatriates here, expect failing the first test. BTW my wife got her Japanese license after 6 times, I got after taking the test twice.
If you are on a short stay (less than a year), then you can use an Malaysian international driving license.
Dear cikgu Yap
i would b appreciate if you can clear my doubt . I have a few queries.
1. since Malaysian driving license is valid in Australia, when do we need to apply for international driving license?
2. if it happen that i want to use my domestic license at Australia, do i need any supportive document since it is in BM.
3. any insurance we need to pay?What are the procedure?
thank
Malaysian CDL can be used in Australia. It would be best if you could convert your CDL to International Driving License. If you are planning to use your domestic license, best if you can have it translated.
In regards to insurance, cars which are rented should have coverage for any driver possessing valid license. “P” license from Malaysia however, may not be allowed to drive in Australia. It all depends whether the Australian authorities accept our “P” license there.
I am Malaysian with a valid Malaysian Driving License. I would like to visit New Zealand as a tourist and to rent a car.
I read from the New Zealand tourist and car rental website, understand that those foreign driving license in foreign language (BM) should have their driving license to be translated in English by the foreign issuing office (means JPJ). I do not think I need to obtain the International Driving License for tourist purpose, how do I obtain this translation from JPJ? Please advise.
J.P.J. should, I presume have a standarised translation of a Malaysian license. Try approaching the above authorities.
Yes, you’re correct. You do no need an International Driver’s License. You can also translate your driving license, give all relevant particulars. Affix a RM10 stamp by going to the Stamp Office to have it stamped, making it a legal document.
I will be in Greece for tour. Thinking to rent a car there. Is Malaysian Licence acceptable in Greece?
Thanks!
Renting a car in Greece is a good idea. Yes, Malaysian license is acceptable in Greece.
My aunt is a Malaysian, she has been living in USA for many years. She has an international driver license but not Malaysian driver license. She enters Malaysia with Malaysia passport. So can she drive with the international driver license in Malaysia?
Thank you!
Your aunt from America can use her International Driving License in Malaysia.
Hey,i’ve afew question . Its Urgent!
1. I’ll be going to fresno california in a month. But i’m holding a malaysian P license. would i be able to drive there?
2. I’m studying in canada, could i convert my P license into international license n drive here? or do i need to wait until i finish my P
3. can i convert the malaysian license into a canadian license?
thanks alot
In my opinion, you shouldn’t face nay problems using your “P” license in California.
No, “P” cannot be converted to International Driving License.
I am uncertain, but I think you can’t convert Malaysian license into a Canadian one.
So I could drive there, and if a police stops me i’ll be fine?
I am going to Korea. Do I need to convert my Malaysian driving licenses to International Driving Licenses? How long is the JPJ will be approved for the conversion? What about if I want to drive scooter / motobike in korea, do I need to do the conversion?
Thanks.
Malaysian license can be used in South Korea. Like wise motor license too.
Is that mean I do not need to apply international driving license?
Yes, unnecessary to get the International Driving License.
I am studying in the UK for 3 years now but I have a full Malaysian License. Am I allowed to use my license to rent a car ?
Thanks.
The Geneva Conference 1949 & 1968, permits Malaysian license to be used in the U.K. You can certainly rent a car there.
Oh Cikgu Yap, Just one more quick question. when you say , i could drive with P in the california are you sure about that? because i know they say we could drive with foreign license., but i also have read that people got finned , when the police stop them. hows that?
Because i want to drive there, but i jst don’t want to get into any trouble.
And do i need to translate my P license, as they don’t understand malay.
thanks alot
If you read my answer carefully, I reiterated “in my opinion”. Malaysian C.D.L. can be used in the US, that is for sure. As to whether “P” is acceptable, is a slightly different question.
Anyway, “P” license is also a full passed license. Based on the above premise, a “P” license therefore should be acceptable for use too. Good idea to translate it into English.
Hi Cikgu Yap, does a “P” license holder able to apply international license in order to travel in Australia?
“P” cannot be converted into International Driving license.
Cikgu Yap
I’m currently in australia… if i translated my malaysian driving license into english…. then the license can be use in australia for how long?
As long as the license is valid.
Hi Cikgu Yap,
Can my “P” licence be used in New Zealand, or do I have to convert or do anything? Thanks.
“P” is not a full license. It is “probationary”. It’s up to the New Zealand authorities to accept our P or not.
I’m a Malaysian and I have a Malaysian Driving License. I’m planning to stay in South Africa for good. Do I need to obtain an International Driving License to drive there? Or can I just use my local driving license?
Thank You.
If you plan to stay for long in South Africa, try seeing if your Malaysian license can be converted into South Africa license. Failing which, the International Driving License is your only choice.
dear cikgu yap,
just wondering if it’s a must to have my malaysian driving license translated in order to rent a car to drive in new zealand?
thank you.
It might be a regulation for renting car in New Zealand. However, since you can speak English, the above might not be a necessity.
Hello,
I plan to visit Medan Indonesia on May just for holiday (4 days) and am plan to drive my own.. By the way my Malaysian Driving License valid till January 2013, do i need an Internationa License in Indonesia?
Malaysian license can be used in Indonesia. Unnecessary to get an international driving license.
Hello Cikgu Yap,
Did you have a list that show those country that accepted with our Malaysian Driving License only ?
Thank you,
Countries signatories to Geneva Conference 1949 & 1968 are involved. Sorry, the list is too long to be published.
Can I ask if I need an international driving licence if i’m a malaysian living in the UK? I’m planning to buy a car. Can i use my old licence or do i have to convert it to the international licence? thanks
If staying rather permanently in U.K, it would be better to attempt getting British license. If it is not possible, getting international driving license is the next alternative.
Hello there,
Elaborating on Eve’s question, my brother’s going over to uk for 2 weeks holiday. does he need an international driving licence if he wants to drive or will he be fine with a malaysian one?
and if i wanna drive in the uk for one year plus do i need to get an international licence, get a british one, or just use my malaysian one? can i renew my international licence over there or online cos i wont’ be coming back for one year plus.
thanks cikgu!
Your brother can use our Malaysian license when he’s on holiday. As for yourself, the duration of 1 year is rather long. Ideally, get an international driving license.
You can try the MyEG web site to renew your license. Have someone send it over to you.
Hello Cikgu Yap,
I am planning to renew my driving license for 5 years this May and I will be going to UK this September. My question is, if my Malaysian driving license is valid for 5 years. Can i drive in UK for 5 years with just using my Malaysian driving license or do i need to get an international driving license?
5 years in UK in too long a time. You should get an international driving license.
i read from this website http://www.lbp.police.uk/information/driving_uk/index.asp
It says that
“Visitor or Resident (including as a student) and non E.U. License Holders
If you are the holder of an ordinary driving licence or international driving permit (car, moped, motorcycle entitlement) and provided your licence or permit remains valid, you can drive any category of small vehicle shown on your licence for up to 12 months from the time you became resident. To ensure continuous driving entitlement a provisional GB licence must have been obtained and a driving test(s) passed before the 12-month period elapses.”
Does it mean that no matter whether i have malaysian driving license or international driving license, i can only drive up to 12 months if i do not have a british license?
Thanks for the enlightening web site article. Our domestic license is meant for use in foreign countries during social visits only. Those who plan to stay for a longer period are advised to get International Driving License or domestic license i.e U.K.
Regarding your question, it looks as it your Malaysian I.D.L. can only be used for 12 months only. After expiring the above period, you have to obtain a provisional British followed by a full British license.
Licenses from some countries, like Singapore can apply to convert into British license. Unfortunately, Malaysian license is not one the countries for conversion. Reason being, our license is not of a standard the British the authorities accept.
i see…
thank you for the reply Cikgu Yap!!
Hi,
I have a Malaysian licence and a PR, but I often travel to England (I’m English), how can I drive in UK, what do I need, how long would it last and can I apply for an International Driving Licence
On social visits, you can use your Malaysian license. If going to U.K. frequently, ideally apply for an international driving license. Normally, in U.K., you can drive up to 120 days. Same applies to Germany too. However, rules and regulations might differ.
i have been in netherlands for almost two months, may i know for how long i can use my Malaysian Driving licence for. And its also valid in Germany?
Thanks in advance
The rules and regulation may be different for every country. Ask around friends, Road Transport Department, the Police etc in Netherlands. You may find your answer there.
I’m currently posted out to Middle east to work, n i just retake my driving license, can a P license convert to the driving license in middle east?
Remember, “P” is not a full license yet. I don’t think your “P” can be converted. Anyway, ask around. No harm trying.
Hello,
I’m foriegner and currently studying in Cyberjaya, Malaysia.
I want to get a driving licene (first study, then go to get a licene), in or around Cyberjaya (maybe Puchong, SK, Putrajaya, Dengkil…)
But I dont know anyone to contact to help me. or any drving school nearby here,
can help me to find one?
Thanks you first
I am unable currently to assist you.
Hello,
1) Going to NZ under Holiday Working Visa, for 1 year, do I need to convert to Int’l Driving License if I do drive there?
2) Where can you recommend for translation service for the Driving Licence from Malay to English? It’s the requirement for applying an IRD number in NZ. Of course I can explain to them in English from the few Malay words in Driving License. If unnecessary would be good, as it would be costly for the translation services.
Thank u.
As you will be in NZ for nearly a year, the best advice that could be given to you would be to get an IDL. Translation can be done by anyone competent in Bahasa Malaysia.
Hi Cikgu Yap,
I will be going to America this November for a month and my PDL is expiring in August. After getting my CDL, can i drive in America? Do i need to apply with AA? or get an international licence? or translate the licence?
Thanks!
Leave your P behind. Supply your family photostat copies of your MyKad and 1 copy colour photo of yourself. Family members / runners can change your P for you. They can then send it to you in America. Your CDL can be used in America. No need to get IDL.
i’m leaving for a short trip to japan and the car rental companies in japan specifically ask for my international driving license in order for them to rent a car to me. i currently have a malaysian driving license but they say they cannot accept it. pls confirm do i need an malaysian international driving license to drive in japan.
tks
Japan requires a Malaysian driver to possess an IDL. Yes, the above requirement is absolutely required.
HI, My sis is going to US for 3month. Does she need the International Driving Permit? As what I know is short term trip is not required the IDP, but how bout 3months?
Thanks.
Best for your sis to get an IDL if possible.
Hi there Cikgu Yap. I am a Malaysian but holds an Australian Driving License. I am back in Malaysia for holiday now and I am just wondering if I could use my Australian Driving License.
If coming back from Australia for holiday, yes, you can use it. If back permanently, convert to Malaysian license.
Greeting,
My wife is a Malaysian and she need to convert her Malaysia Driving Licence to Singapore Driving Licence. She required to proceed to JPJ to obtain her Malaysia Driving record for her conversion.
To my understanding once she apply for Malaysia Driving record, her Malaysia Driving licence will be revoke ( am I correct?). Hence our main concern is: Can my wife drive Malaysia Registered Car in Malaysia while possess of S’pore Driving Licence?
Thanks.
Yes, your wife can convert her license to Singapore driving license. Correct, her Malaysian driving license will be revoked. Yes, she can still drive a Malaysian registered vehicle.
Hi, I currently hold a Malaysian P License and i’m going to Bali on holiday next month. Can I use my license to drive a rented car in Bali?
If Indonesia requires a Malaysian to possess on IDL, then you cannot drive with a “P” license there.
Dear Cikgu Yap, I am about to apply for a International licence. Tried to ring the JPJ Branch situated at Cawangan Maju Junction tel : 03 26989572 a number of times. No one picked up the phone. I was enquiring whether this branch issues the licence as I was made to understand NOT all branches offer this service. Can you please help ? Many thanks Ken
Finally got through to Maju Junction. Yes, they do. KT
All’s well, that ends well.
Hi Cikgu Yap
I am gg to NZ for working holiday visa
Do I need to convert to IDL ? or can use my current Malaysia DL?
By ta way, if I do convert to IDL,
is the fee for IDL RM 150 annually? or it is a one time payment ?
Do I need to take any test to convert to IDL?
Thanks
Best if you convert to IDL. RM150 per year. No test required.
Hi,I am Malaysian citizen and I have a Malaysian Driving License. I am going to NZ for parent visa. do i need to convert to IDL if i do drive there ?
Thank you very much.
Malaysians going overseas are ideally advised to secure an IDL.
Hye, I am currently student at USA. I’m planning to take motorcycle license which is the same as ‘B Full’ license here in Malaysia. So my question is can I change my license to ‘B Full’ when I’m back at Malaysia? And if there is any chance for me to do that, what is the procedure?
Thanks in advance!
Regarding charge of foreign licenses into Malaysian driving licenses, the authorities frequently change its rules and regulations. As such, you are advised to personally go to JPJ Putrajaya to get the correct procedures.
Dear Cikgu Yap,
I’m currently in Melbourne , Australia . May I know whether my CDL listing is valid to drive in Australia ? Do I news to translate to English version or just use the license ?
Can you tell me where can I translate my license in Melbourne ?
Thanks
Your Malaysian CDL can be used in Australia. Get an IDL become crossing over there. Preferably, get your license translated in English. Anyone competent in B.M. and English can do the translation.
Do you mean that anyone can do the translation as long as he or she is competent in B.M. and English ?
That means I can do my own translation since I know B.M and English. Am I right ?
There is no law to say that you can’t do your own translation, it there?
I am leaving this week-end for Tasmania for a holiday and propose to rent a car to drive around. Can I just use my Malaysian driving licence expiring in 2011? I did that on several occasions when in Perth and Melbourne on holiday but now from the comments above, I am confused.
If it needs translation and I can do that myself, where would be the nearest stamp office in PJ and how long would it take. Need help please.
Thanks
In fact, you should have no problem using Malaysian license in Tasmania. Do you own translation. If you want to make it legal, stamp it. The fee is RM10.
As your yourself said, you have done it many times renting a car there. Continue doing it. Enjoy yourself.
I will be in US Texas for 2 weeks, can i just drive with my malaysian driving license? or do need to apply international license at least?
Thanks,
Roslan
Although Malaysian license can be used in USA, but it’s always better to get IDL before going there.
I will be in NZ for a year and i have a valid Malaysian license throughout the period, do you think i should apply an international driving license before going?
Always better to get IDL.