Renewing A Malaysian International Driving License

Getting married in Malaysia is not a problem really.

Find 2 witnesses and go to the Registry of Marriages.

One to act as witness for the gentleman.

The other for the lady.

And “bingo”, you’re married.

But has anyone ever contemplated the “hassle” a couple has to go through in a “Divorce”?

By now you might be wondering how the question of marriage and divorce ever come to be involved with Driving School related blog of all things.

Read on. Permit me to explain.

In the end, you’ll surely understand.

You see, recently the blog received a poser.

A lady driver, from somewhere overseas asked: “My international driving license is getting expired soon. How do I go about renewing it?”

To be frank with you, over the years involved in the driving school business, I have yet to lay eyes on a Malaysian International Driving license.

I only know it costs a “whopping” sum RM150 per year.

As to the question the above lady asked, how am I to know?

Well, as they say, all questions asked, should be answered, right?

Asking around for assistance, some old instructor friends said this and that.

In fact, the more I asked, the more perplexed I became.

Finally, luckily, an ex J.P.J. friend provided me the answer.

But the question given really sets me thinking.

Please read on. I assure you, you’ll eventually agree with me.

So, how do I go about renewing my Malaysian International License?

Firstly, you can’t renew it overseas.

Not at the Malaysian Embassy definitely, or the Malaysian Consulate.

The required procedure is:

i) You can only renew it back home, in Malaysia.

ii) Must one come home personally? I am yet unsure about this.

iii) Can one renew the license on our behalf? Also unsure.

iv) Supply 2 coloured photographs (passport size).

v) A RM150 renewal fee (for 1 year).

vi) Obviously a few forms have to be filled.

vii) Come home a little earlier before your license expires.

As for item (ii) and (iii), no affirmative answer could be given.

The prerogative to permit another person to act on the owner’s behalf lies with the Department’s officers.

It must also be noted that a “new” copy of the International Driving License will be issued.

Secondly, thinking about how difficult it is to renew our Malaysian International Driving License when it “expires”, the question asked is “Is it worthwhile to get it at all?”

What happens if your International License expires while you’re say in Australia or England?

Then you obviously can’t drive.

At the end of the day, think about it carefully.

The authorities should also contemplate about this problem seriously.

Anyway, I hope the lady succeeds in getting her license renewed.

So before you rush into getting your International Driving License, think over carefully too.

How do you renew it?

I maybe right by saying “getting married” in Malaysia is easier, after all.


By | 2017-04-26T00:55:33+08:00 July 15th, 2009|International License|17 Comments

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17 Comments

  1. Phang Siew Yin August 19, 2009 at 12:26 am - Reply

    I believe that all International Drivers Licence r not supposed to be renewed. It is intended for temporary use for travelling purposes, usually valid for 3 months use only. If u intend to be driving for much longer, u r supposed to get a more permanent driving licence in the country u r driving in.

    • admin August 22, 2009 at 1:44 pm - Reply

      Dear Phang Siew Yin,

      Thank you for your comment regarding the international driving license. Your other recommendations are also noted. Thanks.

      ‘Cikgu Yap

  2. Ron February 10, 2010 at 5:49 pm - Reply

    FYI – the IDP link for Italy is now:

    http://www.roninrome.com/%20transportation/the-idp-question

    Thanks,
    Ron

    • Cikgu Yap February 12, 2010 at 2:30 pm - Reply

      Dear Ron,

      Thanks for providing the link.

  3. VIJI May 4, 2010 at 3:27 pm - Reply

    I m MALAYSIAN citizen, i want to stay for sometimes at India, So can i use my Malaysian Driving License at India…Or do i need to change my license to International License…… Please advice,

    Thank you,

    VIJI

    • Cikgu Yap May 4, 2010 at 7:52 pm - Reply

      If staying long, international driving license is better. For only short visits, Malaysian license should be okay.

  4. sayam May 6, 2010 at 1:44 pm - Reply

    hi i am from bangladesh,a student.
    already i have my Bangladeshi local driving license, which is in english.
    now what the procedure to GET Malaysian loca; license..
    thank you

    • Cikgu Yap May 10, 2010 at 11:32 am - Reply

      Latest regulations demand you sit for the entire test to secure a Malaysian driving license.

  5. Jaws June 4, 2010 at 9:54 am - Reply

    Hello, :)

    I am going to the Netherlands this November for a 3 week vacation and would like to drive there as my girlfriend’s dad has a car there. Is it feasible that I get an International Driver’s Permit?

    • Cikgu Yap June 4, 2010 at 10:24 pm - Reply

      Your Malaysian driving license permits you to drive in Netherlands. Unnecessary to secure I.D.L.

  6. Mark July 15, 2010 at 10:17 am - Reply

    Hi Cikgu,

    I’m currently in the US but I need an international driving from Malaysia. Is it possible to apply for one through relatives because I am not able to do it in person…

    Thank you!

    • Cikgu Yap July 16, 2010 at 10:04 pm - Reply

      According to the regulations, you have to personally present to apply the IDL. However, you could try to get a representative to go it for you.

  7. speedbullet November 30, 2010 at 1:15 pm - Reply

    Cikgu, I m MALAYSIAN citizen, i want to stay for 4 days in taiwan,my Malaysian Driving License permits to drive in taiwan or i need getting international driving license ? ? ?

    • Cikgu Yap December 1, 2010 at 12:58 pm - Reply

      For a short period, Malaysian driving license can be used there.

  8. marwan February 20, 2011 at 4:12 pm - Reply

    Dear Mr. Yap,

    I just wanted to thank you for all the help you have provided me through your blog. I have passed the jpj test, and I will get the P license next week.

    I just have a question:

    – I’m going to my country after 4 months, so i it possible to convert the P Malaysian license to international license? and how long will it be valid? and how can i renew it later on?

    – is it possible to convert the Malaysian license to my country license (Saudi Arabia)? where to check?

    willing to hear from you soon.

    Regards
    Marwan Noman

    • Cikgu Yap February 22, 2011 at 3:20 pm - Reply

      I am unsure if foreigners can change to I.D.L. You should have no problem converting Malaysian license to Saudi Arabian license.

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