Driving in Malaysia: JPJ Driving Test for foreign licence holders

**UPDATE January 2021**

More classes of visa holders are now allowed to convert their licences. See: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2016/05/driving-in-malaysia-do-you-need-to-ask.html

JPJ Driving Test for foreign licence holders

Changes by JPJ in 2019 mean that a foreign driving licence can no longer be converted to a Malaysian driving licence (except for a few specific cases such as people holding MM2H visas). 

The changes also mean that many foreign driving licences now need to be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, getting an IDP from your home country each year may be challenging, as they have to be applied for in person. 

If you have a UK licence but don't reside in the UK, you're not allowed to renew the 10-year photocard when it expires. Some people claim to have renewed their photocard while living abroad, which if true is a criminal offence, and DVLA can cross-check applications against tax and other records. Even if individuals manage to renew the photocard, their UK licence would not be valid. Consequently, their insurance would be invalid and it's possible that insurers in the UK and abroad could deny any insurance claim.

This is an extract from the DVLA explanatory notes:

and this is an extract from the DVLA photocard/licence application form:

I decided to take the JPJ driving test, which can be done in English (although some BM is still useful). It is not difficult to pass, but you will need to spend some time and money on the process. You must take lessons through an approved instructor/school.

From my experience I think that the minimum time needed is as follows:

1. Theory Class (6 hours, done in 1 day).
2. Theory computer test (around 10 minutes, but needs to be taken on a separate day).
3. Lessons on a closed circuit test track (6 hours, can be done in 1 day but some schools insist on 3 lessons in 2 hour blocks).
4. Lessons on road (If you have previous driving experience you may not need to do much of this, but it can take up to 10 hours with some schools insisting on 5 lessons in 2 hour blocks).
5. Qualifying Test at Institute (QTI) (1 hour, this is for your instructor to check you are ready for the test).
6. Driving Test (took around 3.5 hours, including a lot of waiting time).

There are compulsory waiting times between some of the stages, but if you already have driving experience then I think the process could be done in about 3 months.

Cost:

There are a wide variety of charges by different driving schools, which seem to range from RM1,500 to RM2,500 for a manual driving licence, with the most expensive including services such as free pick up and drop off and no fee to re-sit in case you fail the test. 

Check where your instructor/school carries out the mandatory circuit lessons, as the circuits can be in places such as Subang, Gombak, PJ etc. You may want to choose an instructor/school where lessons take place near you.

The Driving Test:
From my experience, the driving schools aim is to get you to pass your test, rather than creating a good driver. Some of the driving standards I saw from learner drivers on the day of their test (i.e. after their instructor deemed them to be good enough to sit the test!) were not very good.

There are 3 elements to the Driving Test. Part I is done in advance of the practical driving test, whilst Parts II and III are done on the same day at the driving school:

Part I (Highway Rules Test)

This is the KPP01 theory computer test, which can only be done after attending the theory class. There are some apps on Apple Store and Google Play Store which are helpful for revising for the test.

Part II (Slope & Parking Test - on a closed circuit test track)

The driving elements are done on your own whilst being observed by examiners around the circuit:

• RPK (Vehicle Inspection Routine):Carry out visual checks under bonnet, of road tax, windscreen, tyres, any damage, boot for spare tyre/warning triangle/jack.
• RSM (Routine Before Driving): Check handbrake, gear is in neutral, seat, seat belt, rear view mirror, side mirror, indicators, wipers, hazard lights and horn.
• Slope Test: Stop on a slope with front wheel on yellow line, and then move away when asked to do so by examiner.
• Zeds & Esses: Manoeuvrability test through a zig zag and curved road layout.
• Side Parking: Reverse parking into marked box.
• 3 Point Turn: Reverse/turn around in 3 smooth movements.

Part III (Road Test - on public roads)

If you pass Part II then you will carry out the Road Test with a JPJ examiner. The requirements of this will depend on where you take your test, but generally it is a drive of 3km or 5km during which the examiner will assess your road driving skills.

After the Test:

Once you have finished your test you will be given a test results certificate:

If you passed you can then apply for a Probationary Driving Licence (PDL) at JPJ and must display 'P' stickers on your car. The cost of a 2 year PDL is RM120. Once you have held a PDL for 2 years you can convert it to a full Competent Driving Licence (CDL).

Links to some driving schools (prices as at Oct 2019):

https://www.facebook.com/onestopdrivingcentre/ (RM1,500. Fast process. Lessons in Gombak)

http://www.sdc.com.my/ (RM2,059. Process seems slow. Lessons in PJ)

https://metrodriving.com.my/en/ (RM2,500. Claim to be the fastest! Lessons in Subang or Puchong)

There are other instructors/schools available. Check online reviews before signing up with a school!