International Driving License Malaysia – Application Requirement
International Driving License for Malaysian
Malaysian who travel abroad to other countries as tourists can use their domestic license to drive rented car or caravan especially in countries like Australia or New Zealand.
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.
Hi Cikgu Yap, just to clarify again, cos there are contradictory answers by your goodself previously regarding Malaysian driving license holder wanting to drive in Indonesia. Which is it? Do we need IDP in Indo or our DL is valid in Indo. Thanks Cikgu.
A Malaysian license can be used in Indonesia. However, if time permits, ideally it is better to secure an IDL. Hope this clarifies the previous misunderstanding.
Dear Cikgu Yap,
Thank you for your very informative explanation on the above subject.
2. I have a question: I have just obtained a PDL a day ago, and wanted to change my PDL to an IDL, as I would be leaving for Geneva next week for a 3 year assignment. As I understand it, a PDL is not entitled for an IDL unless one has obtained a CDL. However, if I am a holder of a diplomatic passport, would it be possible for me to change my PDL to IDL? Or would it be okay if I only use my just-obtained PDL in Geneva, as stipulated in Geneva Declaration, without having to apply for an IDL from JPJ?
Thank you in advance Sir.
Rin
In my opinion, PDL should be usable in Switzerland for a reasonable length of time. PDL cannot be changed to IDL.
I am currently in Australia. Does anyone know to get the international driving permit from JPJ on my behalf or not?
Malaysian IDLs are normally for Malaysians only. If you are a foreigner, I believe you are not entitled to apply for it. Nevertheless, an IDL must be applied for in person.
I’m going to South Korea in 2 weeks’ time, is there a need for me to get an international driving license in order to drive a car there?
Always best to get an IDL. But Malaysian license can very well be used there.
Hi,
I will visit South Korea during end of September. I’m a Malaysian citizen who is working in Beijing right now. Is there any way to apply an IDL in Beijing without back Malaysia? Then regarding the previous comment, u said that “Malaysian license can very well be used there”, what do u mean by that? means no need get an IDL and straight away use our Malaysian Driving license at South Korea?
Though Malaysian license can be used in South Korea, it’s always best to get IDL to be on the safe side.
Most countries accept our license. But some countries, like Japan, insists on an IDL. Therefore always better to have IDL.
Hi Cikgu, I am a Malaysian with valid drivers license. I wlll be traveling to Spain for a holiday for 3 days and I intend to drive there.Do I need an IDL? Tq in advance …
Through Malaysian driving license can be used, but it’s better to get IDL.
Hi, this is really useful information you have here. :) I would like to know that how long does it take for them to process IDL?
Getting IDL should take no more than an hour.
hi, I’m a Malaysian who’s constantly going back Brunei for holiday. I just got my PDL last few weeks. Is it okay for me to drive a Brunei car in Brunei with my pdl?or I need to wait for 2 years after I got my cdl?
PDL only for learning purposes. After getting CDL, you can drive immediately with it.
Hi there, thanks for your previous info..it did help out a lot on my process of converting my license..
Hi, I have got the IDL, do i need to bring the Malaysia driving license along where ever i travel? Is the IDL sufficient? Thanks for your advice.
Your IDL can be used overseas. Domestic license not necessary.
Hi,
Do car rental companies in Australia accept Malaysian driving license (not the IDL)?
Thanks.
They do. But better to get the IDL before leaving for Australis would be my advice.
hi, i’m got the P driving license, can i drive in Australia?
if if can, do i need to put P plates because their website did’nt mention it.
As Australia also practices P system, no harm of you using it there.
Hi Cikgu Yap,
I’m a little confused – I thought that the IDP was only valid abroad when accompanied by a valid driver’s licence. But if you have to surrender your domestic driving licence, then what happens? Are you left with only the IDP? Or do you have an international driving licence too?
Thanks in advance.
Hannah
Irregardless whether your domestic license is taken back by the authorities or not, your IDL is valid to be used overseas in most countries.
Hello cikgu yap,
i will need to drive a car in italy for 1 day, getting an IDP/IDL would be costly and impractical for me. i have gotten a license translation letter from JPJ (to english), is this good enough to drive in italy
many thanks
You should have no problem driving in Italy. Bring along English translation of your driving license.
Hi Cikgu Yap!
I think this is very informative and pretty much clarifies things up for us Malaysians. I thought it was complicated before, but after reading this post of yours, I’m glad it’s actually that easy, thank you sir.
By the way I was just wondering though, in our license there are these classes/types/catagories that enable us to handle particular vehicles/machines right? Lets say in my domestic driving license I had class E full and H, would I be permited internationaly to drive/handle those vehicles/machines as stated in my domestic driving license after I’ve surrender and convert it to IDL? Also how about those GDL and PSV licenses? Would it all be compile in the IDL?
Thanks in advance for your respon sir.
Usually, IDL will indicate driving and riding licences which you possess. FOr GDL and PSV license, bring along your domestic licenses. For all you know, the overseas authorities may permit you to handle tractors and lorries there. In Malaysia for instance, goods ferrying and transport vehicles can only be permitted for the local people only. Foreigners are disallowed.
Hi Cikgu Yap,
If we surrender our domestic license in order to convert to IDP, could we still use the IDP in Malaysia?
Thanks.
Your IDL can be used locally.
Hi Cikgu Yap,
I am a Malaysian currently working in Australia and will be there for at least another 2 years. Do i need to apply for IDL for 2 years and this will allow me to drive in Australia? Also, do i still need or dont need to sit for Australia road regulation test before i could drive using the IDL that i obtained?
Please advise.
Thank you.
As you’ll be quite a while there, ideally get an IDL.
Can I drive in Canada use my Malaysia driver’s licence? Thanks,
If unable to get IDL, your Malaysian driver’s license should be usable in Canada.