How to Get a Driving License in Malaysia for Foreigners: 2026 Complete Guide

Which rules apply to you? (Quick reference)

What are the new 2025 rules for foreign driving licenses in Malaysia?

As of May 19, 2025, Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) has stopped converting all foreign driving licenses to Malaysian ones. This means you can no longer convert your foreign license as you previously could. 

To drive long-term in Malaysia as a foreigner, you must now follow the same licensing process as locals. This includes enrolling in a driving school and passing the theory and practical tests, unless you fall under specific exemptions. 

The only groups still eligible for conversion are diplomats, participants in the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, and Malaysian citizens who held a foreign license before getting their Malaysian license. 

This does not affect foreigners coming into Malaysia temporarily. If you’re on a short stay, you can drive with your foreign driving license alongside your International Driving Permit (IDP).

If you’re from the Maldives, you can drive without an IDP, thanks to the special Mutual Recognition Agreement between the two countries. 

Driving in Malaysia with a foreign license

Generally, you can drive in Malaysia with a foreign license for up to 90 days, alongside your International Driving Permit (IDP) recognised under the 1949 or 1968 road traffic conventions. But the rules don’t apply to everyone. 

• ASEAN visitors:

If you’re from an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) country (e.g., from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia), you can use your national license without an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1985 ASEAN Agreement. This is valid for short-term visits.

• Non-ASEAN visitors:

If you’re from a non-ASEAN country, you’ll need an IDP or a license in English. If your license isn’t in English, you must carry a certified translation. In all cases, make sure to have your license, passport, and insurance documents with you whenever you’re driving.

Recommended Reading

How to Get an International Driving License in Thailand 

Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Malaysia?

Absolutely! You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an International Driving License to drive in Malaysia if you’re a foreigner.

An IDP is an official translation of your driving license, and you must carry it alongside your driving license. This is especially important if your license is not in English or Malay. 

Malaysia accepts IDPs issued under both the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. If your IDP complies with either of these conventions, you can drive in Malaysia for up to 90 days. 

Typically, IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention are valid for one year, while those issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention may be valid for up to three years, depending on the regulations in your home country.

While you may need an IDP in Malaysia, you cannot get an international driving license in Malaysia as a foreigner. You must get your IDP in your country of residence before arriving in Malaysia. 

Most countries issue IDPs through authorised automobile associations or transport authorities. For example, you can get your IDP in the UK at the Post Office. In the US, it’s available through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).

Since Malaysia does not allow you to apply for or renew an IDP within its borders, it’s crucial to get one before your trip if you plan to drive during your stay.

ASEAN countries that do not need an IDP in Malaysia

Under the 1985 ASEAN Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences, nationals of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam can drive in Malaysia on their national licence alone for short stays:

How do Malaysian citizens get an IDP for overseas travel?

Malaysian licence holders who need an IDP for travel abroad must apply in person at a JPJ state/branch office or Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) office. 

Required documents:

• Valid Malaysian driving licence (minimum 1 year remaining validity)

• IC (identification card) or passport

• 1 passport-sized colour photo

• Completed Form JPJL1

• Fee: RM 150–180

The IDP is valid for 1 year and is ready within 1-2 working days. 

Documents required: Visitor vs long-term resident

When do you need a certified translation of your driving licence in Malaysia?

You’ll need a certified translation in the following situations:

• Situation 1 — Driving as a visitor: If your home country licence is not in English or Malay, you must carry a certified translation alongside the original licence and your IDP. Driving with an untranslated non-English licence is non-compliant with JPJ requirements and can result in issues during police checks or at car rental counters.

• Situation 2 — Applying for a Malaysian driving licence: When registering with a JPJ-certified driving school, a certified translation of your foreign licence is required as part of your application documents.

The translation must include your full name as it appears on your licence, licence number, vehicle category / licence class, issue date and expiry date, issuing country and authority, any restrictions or endorsements.

This is a compulsory requirement set by the Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan, or JPJ), and it applies whether you’re applying for a local license or simply driving as a visitor.

The translation must be completed by a certified translator recognised by Malaysian authorities. Unofficial or self-translated documents will not be accepted, and submitting the wrong type of translation can delay your application or even lead to rejection.

Platforms like Translayte offer certified translations in English and Malay to help you meet the official JPJ requirements. Our translations are officially accepted in Malaysia, and we deliver them digitally, within 12 hours, and by post, so you can get your documents wherever you are. 

We also offer this service if you need a foreign license conversion in Singapore or a Malaysian birth certificate translation, ensuring your documents are valid for both local and cross-border legal use.

customer-review-from-using-translayte-for-driving-license-translation

How can foreigners get a Malaysian driving license?

If you’re a foreigner working in Malaysia, you cannot directly convert your license in Malaysia unless you are under special exemptions. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get a Malaysian driving license. 

sample-of-a-malaysian-driving-license

Step 1: Prepare your documents

Before registering with a driving school, gather the following documents:

• Copy of your passport (including the visa page)

• Copy of your foreign driving license

• Certified translation of your license (if not in English or Malay)

• International Driving Permit (IDP) (if applicable)

• Two passport-sized photographs

• Copy of your visa or long-term stay permit (e.g. employment pass, MM2H visa, student visa)

Some driving schools may request additional documents, so it’s a good idea to check beforehand.

Step 2: Register with a certified Malaysian driving school

Choose a driving school licensed by the Road Transport Department (JPJ). You’ll need to register for the full driving course for foreigners, which includes both theory and practical components. Typical school registration fee is RM 1,500–2,500 depending on the school and licence category. Some schools offer combo deals that include both theory and practical lessons.

Step 3: Attend a Malaysian driving class

You must complete a five-hour course that covers Malaysian road rules, traffic signs, and basic vehicle safety. These are usually delivered in person and can be completed in a day. It is also conducted in Malay and English. Afterwards, you will be given a handbook on driving in Malaysia. You can complete the mandatory 5-hour theory course in one day and it is conducted in Malay and English. 

Step 4: Sit for the JPJ computer test

Once you’ve finished your theory classes, you’ll take the JPJ law test, also known as the Highway Code Exam, a computer-based multiple-choice exam. It covers 50 questions from the handbook and has a pass mark of 42 out of 50 (84%). The test is available in several languages, including English. Passing this test qualifies you to receive a Learner’s Driving License (LDL). If you fail, you can retake the test.

Step 5: Begin practical driving lessons

With your LDL, you can now begin on-the-road training. You’ll be required to complete a minimum of 16 hours of practical driving under the supervision of a certified instructor. This includes both circuit and public road training. It should last for 1-4 weeks depending on the schedule. 

Step 6: Take the JPJ practical driving test

Once your instructor feels you're ready, you’ll sit for the JPJ practical test, which evaluates your driving skills, parking, hill starts, and road awareness. If you pass, you’ll be issued a Probationary Driving License (PDL). If you fail, you can retake it. The test date is scheduled through your driving school.

Step 7: Hold a Probationary Driving License (PDL) for two years

The PDL is valid for two years. During this probation period, you will undergo a strict demerit point system. Any serious violations could delay your upgrade to a full license. During the 2-year Probationary Driving Licence (PDL) period, a demerit point system applies. Accumulating 10 or more demerit points may result in suspension.

Step 8: Upgrade to a Competent Driving License (CDL)

After successfully completing the two-year probation period, you can upgrade to a Competent Driving license (CDL), which is Malaysia’s full driving license. This process may take several months, but it's the standard and legal way for long-term foreign residents to drive in Malaysia. Note that you must apply to upgrade to a Competent Driving Licence (CDL) at a JPJ office.

Car rental requirements for foreigners in Malaysia

If you plan on renting a car in Malaysia, there are a few essential requirements you’ll need to meet. They include;

• You must be between 23 and 65 years old. Some companies allow drivers from age 21 but with a young driver surcharge. 

• Have a valid driving license (alongside your IDP or certified translation)

• A credit card

• Insurance coverage. Basic third-party liability insurance is usually included in the rental rate. Always verify this. Nonetheless, a comprehensive coverage for collision damage (CDW) is available as an add-on.

What to carry in the vehicle at all times: 

You must carry your home country driving licence, IDP (if applicable), certified translation (if applicable), passport/visa, vehicle registration documents, and insurance certificate. Malaysian traffic police may request any of these during a road check.

Pro tip: Rental companies at major airports (KLIA, Penang, KK) and city centres have English-speaking staff. Book in advance during public holidays (Hari Raya, Chinese New Year) as availability drops significantly.

Mandatory insurance and road rules in Malaysia

Before driving in Malaysia, it's important to understand the local road rules and insurance requirements. These laws apply to both locals and foreigners, and breaking them can result in fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment. 

The mandatory road rules in Malaysia include; 

• Drive on the left-hand side of the road.

• Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers.

• Speed limits are 110 km/h on highways, 80–90 km/h on major roads, and 50 km/h in urban or residential areas.

• Drink-driving is strictly prohibited. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, but enforcement is strict, and penalties are severe.

• Driving without valid insurance is illegal in Malaysia. All vehicles must be covered by at least third-party liability insurance, which protects against damage or injury caused to others.

• While driving, you must carry your driving license (plus IDP or certified translation if applicable), a copy of your passport or visa, vehicle registration documents, and an insurance certificate.

Speed limits in Malaysia 

What are the road rules foreigners must follow in Malaysia?

Driving in Malaysia can be a convenient way to get around, but road conditions and driver behaviour may be quite different from what you're used to. 

Understanding local road rules and road culture can help you stay safe and avoid unwanted surprises.

Local road behaviours

• Frequent horn use: Honking is common in heavy traffic and not necessarily aggressive. It’s often used to signal presence or alert other drivers.

• Motorbikes everywhere: Motorcycles move through traffic frequently, especially during rush hours. Always check your blind spots before changing lanes.

• Sudden lane changes: Be prepared for unexpected lane switches and minimal signal use, particularly in congested areas.

Tip: You’ll need a lot of patience and defensive driving when driving in Malaysia. 

Navigation tips

• Use apps like Waze or Google Maps for real-time directions, traffic updates, and road closures.

Weather awareness

• During the monsoon season (usually November to March on the east coast and May to September in the west), avoid driving in flood-prone areas. Heavy rain can cause flash floods and poor visibility, especially in urban low-lying zones.

Key traffic offences and penalties for foreigners

• Speeding: The fine for speeding ranges from RM 300 to RM 1,000 depending on the severity. There are speed cameras on the highways to catch you. 

• Drink-driving: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and licence disqualification. Enforcement is strict and roadblocks are common on weekends and public holidays. 

• Using mobile phone while driving: If caught, you are subject to on-the-spot fines. 

• Failure to wear a seatbelt: It is mandatory for the driver and all passengers. If caught doing otherwise, on-the-spot fine applies.

• Driving without insurance: It is Illegal and subject to heavy fines. All vehicles must carry at least third-party liability insurance.

 Note: Traffic fines can be issued on the spot or by post. If you are driving a rental car and receive a fine by post, the rental company may charge the fine to your credit card plus an administration fee.

How much does it cost to get a Malaysian driving licence as a foreigner?

Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved; 

Order your certified translation from Translayte today!

If you’re applying for a Malaysian driving license as a foreigner, you’ll often need certified translations of your original license and other documents. 

At Translayte, we provide fast, accurate, and officially recognised translations accepted by Malaysian authorities. Our team works with qualified human translators to ensure your documents meet all legal and formatting requirements.

Start your application with confidence and order your certified translation from Translayte today.