How to Get a Driving License in Malaysia for Foreigners
Sophia Orji
This post is also available in:English /
Published:
Aug 15, 2025
If you just moved to Malaysia and plan to drive long-term, the rules have changed. You can no longer convert your foreign license directly, regardless of your country of origin.
To get a driving license in Malaysia, you will need to complete the full Malaysian licensing process, which involves going to a driving school and taking the driving exams.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about driving legally in Malaysia and how to start applying for a Malaysian driving license.
Table of Contents
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.
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.
When you need a certified translation
If your driving license is not in English or Malay, you’ll need a certified translation to use it legally in Malaysia.
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.
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.
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.
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. The test is available in several languages, including English. Passing this test qualifies you to receive a Learner’s Driving License (LDL).
Step 5: Begin practical driving lessons
With your LDL, you can now begin on-the-road training. You’ll be required to complete a set number of driving hours under the supervision of a certified instructor. This includes both circuit and public road training.
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).
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.
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.
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;
Must be at least 23 years old
Have a valid driving license (alongside your IDP or certified translation)
A credit card
Insurance coverage
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.
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.
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.
If you’re not part of the exempt category, such as a diplomat, you must go through the full Malaysian licensing process to get a Malaysian driving license. This involves registering with a certified driving school, attending theory classes, passing the JPJ computer-based law test, obtaining a Learner’s Driving License (LDL), completing the required practical training hours, and passing the JPJ practical driving test. If you’re successful, you will first receive the Probationary Driving license (PDL), which you must hold for two years before it can be upgraded to a Competent Driving license (CDL).
Malaysian citizens and permanent residents can convert their local license into an International Driving Permit (IDP) through the Road Transport Department (JPJ) or the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM). To do so, you must hold a valid Malaysian driving license and submit the original along with a copy, a recent passport-sized photograph, and payment of the applicable fee. The IDP is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
To drive in Singapore long-term, you must convert your license through the Singapore Traffic Police Department. The process requires presenting the original and a photocopy of your Malaysian license, an official translation, proof of residency in Singapore, and passing the Basic Theory Test (BTT).
Licenses from countries that are part of the 1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention are valid for short-term driving in Malaysia (up to 90 days), provided they are in English or Malay, or accompanied by an IDP. Such countries include: the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, and Japan. For the 1968 Vienna Convention, examples include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.
