This guide reflects the current policies as confirmed by JPJ Wangsa Maju in person in May 2025 and is intended to support expats in understanding and navigating the updated driving licence requirements in Malaysia but may be subject to change without prior notice. Limited official information is currently available online as of early June.

As of May 19, 2025, Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) stopped accepting applications to convert foreign driving licenses to Malaysian ones. Foreign nationals now must undergo the same procedures as Malaysian citizens to obtain a local driving licence, with a few exemptions. This policy change aims to enhance road safety and governance under the Madani government’s initiatives. Foreigners who relocate to Malaysia may drive for the first 12 months using their International Driving Permit (IDP) after which time they will be required to obtain a Malaysian license, unless exempted. It is advisable to start the process 6 months early to avoid any delay in permission to drive.

An official driving license translation will be required if the original driving license is not in English.

Exemptions

All foreign nationals must now undergo the same licensing process as Malaysian citizens, including theory and practical tests, unless they fall under one of the below exemption categories. Only the following groups may still convert their licenses:

• Diplomats
• Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) participants
• Malaysians who held foreign licences before obtaining a Malaysian one.
• Foreigners staying under 12 months may still drive with an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their country is part of the 1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention.
• For nationals of Asean countries, individuals may use their respective nations’ driving licence, in accordance with the 1985 Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences Issued by ASEAN Countries.

Process for Obtaining a Malaysian Driving Licence

1. Attend briefing session: Before enrolling in classes, foreign applicants must attend a mandatory safety briefing at the driving centre. This session typically lasts up to eight hours and is a prerequisite for registration. The briefing will be arranged by the driving school.

2. Driving school registration: The appointed driving school should be able to handle the full process, including assistance with the Learner’s Licence application. Not all driving schools are the same as some do not have full-time instructors, and not all offer instruction in English. It is advisable to begin this process by the sixth month of stay to allow ample time for completion. Ideally, a reputable school should be selected that has its own driving circuit to minimise travel between different sites, suggested schools include those below.

3. Take theory test: After registration, the theory course must be completed, followed by the computerised theory exam. This test is available in English or Bahasa Malaysia.

4. Take practical driving lessons: Regardless of previous driving experience, the applicant must complete a minimum of 5.5 hours of driving circuit training and 10 hours of practical driving lessons with a certified instructor. Upon passing, the applicant will be issued a Probationary Driving Licence (PDL).

5. Take practical driving exam: Following the lessons, the individual must sit for the JPJ practical driving test to complete the two required components. If both the theory and practical components are passed, a Probationary Driving Licence (PDL) valid for two years will be issued. Should the applicant fail one part, only that part needs to be retaken. Note that if the test is taken using a manual transmission vehicle, the licence will permit driving both manual and automatic cars. If the test is taken using an automatic car, the licence will be limited to automatic vehicles only.

6. Once the driving tests are passed, the individual can apply for the official Malaysian driving licence by submitting Form JPJL1 to the JPJ office. The same process applies for motorcycle licences.

Delays may be expected at testing centres, especially on peak days, and the entire test process may take a full day. Experienced drivers should be prepared for a process that may feel slow and bureaucratic. Queues at the JPJ and driving centres, often in non-airconditioned areas are to be anticipated.

Notes
• Once both tests are completed, the driving school typically handles the application for the Probationary Driving licence (PDL) on behalf of the applicant. This PDL is required to be converted to a full license after two years.
• Applicants should ensure that their visa is valid and that their passport has sufficient validity throughout the process. They must also confirm that their home country licence remains valid for at least 12 months from their arrival in Malaysia.

• There is a dress code when attending the driving centre. Men should wear long pants and covered shoes, while women are expected to dress modestly in covered clothing and wear closed footwear. This is because attending the driving school or other official process is considered a formal activity related to government requirements in Malaysia.
• No medical checkup is required.
• Same requirement exists for applicants for motorbikes as per cars.

JPJ-Registered Driving Schools in Kuala Lumpur

We have identified and visited 3 JPJ-registered schools operating in and around Kuala Lumpur which are conveniently located, and whi

ct Driving Academy: https://perfectdriving.com.my
• Nation Drive Wilayah Sdn Bhd: https://www.jpj.my/driving_schools/kuala_lumpur/nation_drive_wilayah.htm
• Metro Driving Academy, Subang Campus: https://metrodriving.com.my

ch operate a professional and expat-friendly service. The fees, facilities and additional services vary significantly between schools and due diligence is advised before engaging in any services.
• Perfe

It is advisable to visit or contact selected schools in advance to confirm instructor availability, English-language support, and whether they provide assistance with the full licensing process. Where possible, a local representative (destination consultant) with authorized program time may be engaged to help with driving school selection or to accompany the applicant to the centre for the first visit.

FAQ

1. Has there been a change in the policy for foreign licenses?
Yes. As of May 19, 2025, Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) has officially ceased accepting applications to convert foreign driving licences to Malaysian ones. This marks a significant policy shift aimed at enhancing road safety and ensuring that all drivers, regardless of origin, meet local competency standards.

2. Why the change?
Previously, expats from selected countries could convert their home country driving licence without taking local tests. This streamlined process has now ended. Moving forward, all expats must follow the same procedures as Malaysian citizens to obtain a driving licence, which includes:
• Attending a driving school
• Passing a computerised theory test
• Completing a practical driving test

3. Can expats still drive in Malaysia with a foreign license if they already live there?
Yes, but only if you:
• Are staying in Malaysia for less than 12 months, and
• Hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the Geneva or Vienna Convention, for the first 12 months only or
• Are from an ASEAN country and possess a valid licence under the 1985 ASEAN regional agreement.

After this period, all drivers except for driving license holders from ASEAN countries, must obtain a Malaysian driving license.

4. Can I drive using a license I previously converted to a Malaysian license?
Yes, according to information currently available. Checking with the JPJ regarding your current license status is recommended. For those who are in process with the old conversion method, the new Malaysian license application will apply instead, unless you are exempted.

5. What should expats do now?
If you are staying in Malaysia long-term and not exempt under the new rules, you must:
• Enrol in a certified driving school
• Attend a safety briefing session
• Complete the required theory and practical tests
• Upon passing, apply for a Malaysian driving licence

6. What are the estimated costs to comply with the new licensing requirements?
Driving school packages start from RM 2,100, and typically include:
• Registration
• Briefing
• Theory test
• Practical training
• Final test

Note: Prices may vary depending on the school selected, this information is subject to further verification.

IMPORTANT NOTE
The information provided above reflects the current understanding of procedures as of June 2025. Please note that regulations surrounding foreign nationals obtaining a Malaysian driving license were recently updated and remain subject to change without extensive public notice.

There is currently limited official information available online, with few formal announcements from the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ), and English-language resources are scarce. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult directly with local authorities, trusted driving schools, or a relocation specialist for the most up-to-date guidance.