Driving overseas with a Malaysian Licence: Getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) from JPJ

**UPDATE May 2026**

I went to JPJ Wangsa Maju to apply for a new International Driving Permit (IDP). I arrived at 10 a.m on a Wednesday and was pleased to see that there was no queue. I received a ticket number almost immediately, was called to the counter within minutes, paid the RM150 fee and had my IDP issued quickly. The whole process took under 10 minutes and was very efficient.

However, when I checked the IDP, I noticed that my Place of Birth was incorrectly listed as “Malaysia.” I returned to the counter, but the officer insisted that this referred to the licence issuing country and not my birthplace, despite the IDP clearly labeling it as “Tempat Lahir/Place of Birth” and my previous IDP showing the correct country. I asked at the information desk, but was referred back to the counter, so I politely escalated the issue to a supervisor, who explained it away as a “system glitch”, assured me it wouldn’t cause problems and that the IDP was still valid.

My concern was that I’d only discover whether it was a problem when overseas, for example a car rental company could refuse to accept the IDP, or in the event of an accident an insurance company could argue that the IDP was not valid. I therefore returned to the counter and insisted that the IDP was re-issued with the correct information. This was begrudgingly done, although by this time it had taken another 30 minutes, so the process was not quite as efficient as it had initially seemed.

A few things I learned from this experience:

• Always check the IDP before leaving JPJ
• If a mistake has been made insist that the IDP is re-issued. It is not cheap at RM150, and the details need to be correct
• Bring extra passport photos, in case an incorrect IDP needs to be re-issued

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To drive overseas using a Malaysian driving licence, some countries require the driver to hold an International Driving Permit as well as the Malaysian domestic licence. 

This article shows some commonly visited countries and the requirements for a Malaysian driving licence holder:

https://says.com/my/lifestyle/which-country-accepts-malaysian-driving-licence

Note: Many websites offer an "International Driving Licence," but these are not official documents. Only an International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid, and it must be issued by the official authority in the same country where the domestic driving licence was issued. If you hold a Malaysian driving licence, you must get your IDP from JPJ, or you could get a fine for driving with invalid documents, see:  https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/fake-idp-websites-to-avoid/ 

The format of the IDP was revised by JPJ in April 2024:

Requirements to apply for an IDP at JPJ:

• Applicant must hold a Class B2 or D Competent Driving Licence (CDL).

• CDL must have been held for over 1 year.

• CDL must have at least 1 year left until expiry.

• A fee of RM150 must be paid (IDP validity is 1 year)

• Note: the applicant must have a plastic physical driving licence. The paper 'slip' that has been issued for licence renewals since February 2024 is not valid for overseas use. A physical licence can be requested when renewing the licence (for an additional fee).

• JPJ announced a new format of the plastic physical licence in May 2025. See: https://paultan.org/2025/05/21/jpj-introduces-new-version-of-malaysian-driving-licence-card-with-enhanced-security-features/ 

Documents needed to apply for an IDP at JPJ:

• Passport (plus photocopy of bio page and visa page)

• Competent Driving Licence (CDL) (and photocopy of both sides)

• 1 passport photo (white background) [Note: best to bring spare photos in case needed!]

• Completed Form JPJL1, which can be downloaded here:  https://www.jpj.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Borang-Permohonan-Lesen-Memandu-JPJ-L1.pdf 

• I also brought evidence of upcoming travels (my flight itinerary) but I wasn't asked to show it.

Application Process:

The JPJ website says that an application for an IDP can be made at any JPJ State or Branch Office:

https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/web/main-site/pemandu-en/-/knowledge_base/driver/application-for-idp-international-driving-permit  so it should be possible to apply at UTC branches, but I decided to go to Wangsa Maju JPJ state office. 

At JPJ dress rules may be enforced e.g. no shorts/t-shirts/ slippers /short skirts.

I arrived at JPJ at 745am on a Tuesday and joined the queue at Pintu 1 (Ground Floor). There are now 2 queues, a priority lane for Malaysians and another lane for foreign passport holders. 

Foreigner queue on the left, Malaysians on the right:

The doors opened at 8am and I queued to take a ticket at the counter as the JPJeQ app was not in use. I got a ticket at 845am and my number was called at 1030am. However it then only took 5 minutes for me to hand over the documents, pay the RM150 fee and be given the IDP, so I was finished just after 1030am. By contrast, a Malaysian who arrived at JPJ at the same time as me collected their IDP at 915am.

The fee must be paid using a local debit or credit card or via e-wallet. Cash and international bank cards are not accepted by JPJ.

Driving in Malaysia: 2025 Update for Foreign Licence Holders

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has announced that from 19th May 2025 they will no longer convert foreign driving licences to Malaysian licences.

The only exceptions to this policy are for diplomats, Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) participants, and Malaysians who obtained foreign driving licences before holding a Malaysian licence. This latter category was updated in 2026 to allow all Malaysian citizens to convert their foreign licences, see this link: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/05/07/transport-ministry-jpj-to-accept-foreign-licence-conversion-applications-for-malaysians-nationwide-from-june-1/219090

Foreign spouses, permanent residents and others will no longer be eligible for licence conversion.

More information is available here: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/05/16/no-more-conversion-of-foreign-driving-licences-from-may-19-says-jpj

JPJ's announcement also provided guidance for foreign nationals residing in Malaysia for less than 12 months, who can use their foreign licence to drive in Malaysia:

• Those from countries party to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic 1949 and the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic 1968 may drive using an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the relevant authority in their home country.
• Nationals of ASEAN countries may use their home driving licence, in accordance with the 1985 Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences Issued by ASEAN Countries

I took the Malaysian driving test in March 2020 during a period when licence conversions were similarly restricted (September 2018 to December 2020). Details of the process are here: 

https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2020/03/malaysian-driving-lessons-test-for.html

Driving in Malaysia: Renew Competent Driving Licence (CDL) with new passport number

**UPDATE January 2026**

Proof of upcoming overseas travel is no longer required to get a physical driving licence: 

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/22/jpj-drops-travel-proof-requirement-for-physical-driving-licence. 

Foreigners now pay RM100 for a physical licence (Malaysians pay RM20), plus RM120/year for a CDL (Malaysians pay RM30/year): https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/competent-drivers-license-cdl-renewal/

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I needed to renew my CDL driving licence with my new passport details so I went to JPJ Wangsa Maju around 2 weeks before the expiry of my current licence. If you are changing passport details this has to be done at a JPJ state office but otherwise foreigners can renew at UTC.

Note that if a driving licence has expired for more than 3 years it cannot be renewed and the driving test needs to be taken again.

Remember dress code: no shorts/t-shirts/ slippers /short skirts

I arrived at 745am on a Thursday, there were many parking spaces (parking now has to be paid for) and I joined the queue at Pintu 1 (Ground Floor). The doors opened at 8am and I took a queue ticket as the JPJeQ app didn’t seem to be in use.

I needed the following documents:

• Passport (both old and new if changing)
• Photocopy of passport (& old passport if changing)
• Photocopy of LTSVP (Spouse Pass)
• Current Driving licence
• Photocopy of current driving licence (front AND back)
• Photo (white background) if you are changing photo. 
• Flight tickets/ Proof of travel (if you want a physical driving licence to use overseas you need to provide proof of upcoming travels. The renewal slip they will otherwise issue to you is NOT valid overseas). 

I advised the officer that I needed to change my passport details and was given form JPJL7 to fill in. The sections to be completed are:

• B: Old passport number
• C1: Name and date of birth
• C2: Address
• C3: New passport number
• E: Date and sign

I downloaded the form here and filled it in before going to JPJ.

My queue number was called at 845am, I handed over the form, passports and licence, plus flight details. Foreigners are given the option to choose a licence length of up to 5 years (dependent on your passport expiry date). The date of your CDL licence expiration will be the same as your birthday. The fee for foreigners is RM60/year and is payable by a local debit or credit card or e-wallet only. I had expected to be charged RM20 for the physical licence, but the officer said there was no extra charge. 

At 9am my name was called and my new physical licence was ready. I was very impressed by how easy and quick the whole process was.

Driving in Malaysia: Can You Drive With a Foreign Driving Licence?

**UPDATE May 2025** 

With effect from 19th May 2025 foreign driving licences can no longer be converted to Malaysian licences, except for specific groups of individuals. JPJ also indicated that foreign licence holders can only use their home licence (together with an International Driving Permit) for a maximum of 12 months. See more info in this post:

https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/05/driving-in-malaysia-2025-updates-for.html

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TL;DR: there is conflicting advice online and from various foreign embassies and high commissions. It is best to follow the advice of JPJ, as they are responsible for enforcement of Malaysian driving rules. Long term residents should consider getting a Malaysian driving licence.

Many posts on social media ask if a foreign driving licence can be used by long term residents to legally drive in Malaysia. 

Some responses to these posts suggest that a foreign licence can only be used on a temporary basis, perhaps for only 3 months or 6 months, and must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP).

I had previously emailed JPJ to ask if a UK driving licence could be used and I received a response which advised I “can use UK Valid Domestic Driving License and International Driving Permit (IDP) (According to the defined format on the Convention on Road Traffic Geneva 1949) to drive in Malaysia”, so according to that a foreign driving licence must be used with an IDP.

Note: Many websites offer an "International Driving Licence," but these are not official documents. Only an International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid, and it must be issued by the official authority in the same country where the domestic driving licence was issued. If you get an IDP from another source you risk a fine for driving with invalid documents, see:  https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/fake-idp-websites-to-avoid/ 

The Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), which sets out the rules for driving in Malaysia, states:

"A driving licence issued under the corresponding provisions of any law in force in any country which is a party to a treaty to which Malaysia is also a party and which purports to recognize domestic driving licences issued by the contracting countries shall, so long as such licence remains in force in that country, be deemed to be a driving licence granted under this Part."

More details on the Act are here:  https://www.lawyerment.com/library/legislation/acts/1987/333/ 

Malaysia is party to the 'UN Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva, 1949'. Details of all the other countries that are also party to that UN Convention can be found here: https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11&Temp=mtdsg5&clang=_en

**Information for UK driving licence holders**

The UK government FCO website says the following, which initially seems to indicate that a UK licence and an IDP can be used for long term visitors (but that a new IDP needs to be purchased each year):

However, the FCO advice also says if you are moving abroad you should not apply for an IDP but should either exchange your UK licence or apply for a new one in the country you are moving to:

Also note that UK driving licence holders who are not normally resident in the UK are not allowed to renew their 10-year licence photocard when it expires. Some people claim to have renewed their photocard while living abroad by using a relative's address. That is an offence, and DVLA can cross-check applications against tax and other records. Even if the photocard is renewed, it is possible that the UK licence would be considered invalid, and insurers in the UK and abroad could deny insurance claims.

This is an extract from the DVLA explanatory notes:

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

**Information for ASEAN driving licence holders**

ASEAN licence holders can use their home licence in Malaysia, providing it is in English or is accompanied by a certified translation in English, but the 'Agreement On The Recognition Of Domestic Driving Licences Issued By ASEAN Countries' says the following:

"By virtue of the recognition hereby of the licenses, holders of the licenses issued in any one of the ASEAN countries and intending to make only a temporary stay in the territory of any of the other ASEAN countries may drive therein in the classes or types of vehicles the licenses permit them to drive"

If you are a long term resident of Malaysia then it might be difficult to demonstrate that you are here on a temporary stay, so ASEAN licence holders should consider if they need a Malaysian licence. The full ASEAN Agreement can be seen here:   https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/70.-Agreement-Driving-Licenses-1.pdf

**Information for Australian driving licence holders** [Updated 2025]

The Australian High Commission website states that Australians visiting or residing in Malaysia for less than 12 months are permitted to drive in Malaysia if they hold a valid Australian Driving Licence and International Driving Permit (IDP). They also say that foreign nationals residing in Malaysia for more than 12 months, and who don't fall under the eligible categories for licence conversion, must obtain a Malaysian Driving Licence.

**Information for US driving licence holders**

The US Department of State website says "you can use an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with a valid U.S. license to drive in Malaysia. You must get the IDP outside of Malaysia. If your IDP or U.S. license has expired, you must obtain a local driver’s license."

Summary

Whilst short term visitors may be able to use their foreign licence and an IDP, there seems to be conflicting information on whether long term residents are allowed to. It is probably best to follow JPJ advice, rather than conflicting information given out by the embassies and high commissions of various countries.

If you are a long term resident in Malaysia, then to remove any doubt over the validity of your driving licence you should consider these options:

• Convert your foreign licence to a Malaysian licence. From January 2021 JPJ allowed more foreigners to convert their driving licence - see the updates in this post:  https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2016/05/driving-in-malaysia-do-you-need-to-ask.html

• Take the Malaysian Driving Test. I took my JPJ test in March 2020, as at that time it was not possible for me to convert my licence. See this post: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2020/03/malaysian-driving-lessons-test-for.html

Driving in Malaysia: Convert Probationary Driving Licence (PDL) to Competent Driving Licence (CDL)

After 2 years of holding a PDL you can convert it to CDL (i.e. a full driving licence)

I did my conversion at JPJ Wangsa Maju. Driving licences are dealt with at Pintu 1. Queues can be long, it took me 3 hours from arriving (at 10am) to get my CDL issued. When I visited (March 2022) JPJ Wangsa Maju closed for sanitisation between 1pm and 2pm each day.

You can apply a maximum of 7 days prior to the expiration of your PDL. If you apply within those 7 days you will have no break in dates between PDL expiring and CDL becoming valid and can continue driving during that time.

You must apply for your CDL within one (1) year from the PDL expiry date or you will need to repeat the driving test.

At JPJ dress rules may be enforced e.g. no shorts/t-shirts/ slippers /short skirts. You may be turned away if you are not dressed correctly.

Bring the following documents:

• Original passport
• Photocopy of passport
• Original driving licence
• Photocopy of driving licence (front AND back)
• Passport photo (white background)

If you need to change address or passport number on the licence, let the staff know at the registration desk and they will give you form JPJL7 to fill in. You will need to bring your old passport (and a photocopy of it) if you are changing your passport number. The sections to be completed are:

• B: Old passport number
• C1: Name and date of birth
• C2: Address
• C3: New passport number
• E: Date and sign

Foreigners can choose a licence length of up to 5 years dependent on passport expiry date. The date of your CDL licence expiration will be the date of your birthday.

The fee for foreigners was Rm60/year, payable by debit or credit card only. However, JPJ later expanded the options to allow payment by e-wallet.

Driving in Malaysia: JPJ Driving Test for Foreign Licence Holders

JPJ Driving Test for Foreign Licence Holders

I took the JPJ driving test, which can be done in English (although some BM is still useful). It is not difficult to pass if you already have driving experience, but you will need to spend time on the process and must take lessons through an approved driving school. Foreigners must hold a valid long term visa to be allowed to apply for a Malaysian driving licence. The driving school applied for the Learner 'L' licence for me.

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 seem to be 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 driving school carries out the mandatory circuit lessons and driving test, as the circuits can be in places such as Subang, Gombak, PJ etc. 

The Driving Test:
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 apps on Apple Store and Google Play Store to help revise for the test. This is my test result, the pass mark is 42 out of 50:

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. My test centre (SKEM in Gombak) supplied Perodua Viva and Axia cars to take the test in:

• RPK (Vehicle Inspection Routine): Carry out the following visual checks - under bonnet, road tax, windscreen, tyres, external damage, boot for spare tyre/warning triangle/jack.
• RSM (Routine Before Driving): Check the following - 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 who will assess your road driving skills.. The requirements of this will depend on where you take your test, but generally it is a drive of 3km or 5km. 

Other drivers starting the Slope & Parking Test:

Waiting to be called for the RPK (Vehicle Inspection Routine):

After the Test:

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

If you have passed you can visit JPJ to apply for a Probationary Driving Licence (PDL) and must then display 'P' stickers for 2 years. The cost of a 2 year PDL for a foreigner is RM120. Applications for a PDL must be done at a JPJ state office and not at a JPJ UTC.

After holding a PDL for 2 years it can be converted to a full Competent Driving Licence (CDL). More info here: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2022/03/driving-in-malaysia-convert.html

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

One Stop Driving Centre (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 driving schools available, check online reviews before signing up with one!

**2023 Update**

A video was posted to YouTube in 2023 showing the circuit test process. This is slightly different to the  one I did, possibly because it was a few years later and at a different test centre:

**2024 Update**

The driving test is evolving, so get the most recent information from your driving school:

Driving in Malaysia: Do Foreigners Need to Convert Their Driving Licence?

**UPDATE May 2025** 

With effect from 19th May 2025 foreign driving licences can no longer be converted to Malaysian licences, except for specific groups of individuals. See more in this post:

https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/05/driving-in-malaysia-2025-updates-for.html

**UPDATE January 2021** 

JPJ have changed the eligibility criteria for the conversion of foreign driving licences. For the past couple of years JPJ have only allowed foreigners on Diplomatic Passes and MM2H visas to convert their licences. With effect from December 2020 the following applicants are also accepted:

• Expatriates on Resident Pass (and their spouse)
• Employment Pass I (and their spouse)
• Employment Pass II (and their spouse)
• Spouse of Malaysia Citizen (who hold a Long Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP))

If you hold a UK licence you will need to phone DVLA and ask them to send you a 'Certificate of Entitlement to Drive'. You should note that this certificate states that if you exchange it for a non-UK licence that your UK licence is no longer valid (even if JPJ return your UK licence to you!).

If you do not fall into any of the above visa categories, or you do not wish to convert your foreign licence, then you can drive on your foreign licence providing you also hold a current International Driving Permit (IDP). However, you may only be permitted to do this for a limited period of time. To be certain that you are complying with the law (and that your insurers won't refuse a claim!) you are better to get a Malaysian driving licence.

You can also choose to take the JPJ driving test. I took the test in March 2020 - see my post here: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2020/03/malaysian-driving-lessons-test-for.html

**UPDATE March 2020**

Getting an IDP from my home country is inconvenient, so I decided to take the JPJ driving test. See my post here: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2020/03/malaysian-driving-lessons-test-for.html


**UPDATE September 2018**

 JPJ have announced that with effect from 24 September 2018 conversion of foreign driving licences to Malaysian licences has been suspended, except for diplomatic pass holders and Malaysians who had converted to Singapore licences.

They advise that foreign licence holders can drive using their foreign domestic licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their home country. Alternatively they may take the Malaysian driving test to get a local licence.

See this post by JPJ: 

https://www.facebook.com/jabatanpengangkutanjalanmalaysia/photos/attention-please-be-informed-that-starting-on-24-september-2018-conversion-of-fo/10156782313232421/?_rdr

**UPDATE August 2018**

The JPJ website has been amended, but still confirms that, subject to certain criteria, a foreign driving licence can be used in Malaysia, providing the licence was issued in a country that is a party to the "UN Conference on Road and Motor Transport, Geneva, 1949 & 1968" 

The new link to the JPJ website is: 
http://www.jpj.gov.my/en/web/main-site/pemandu-en/-/knowledge_base/driver/recognition-of-driving-licenses-of-foreign-countries 

Details of countries which are party to the UN Conference can be found here:

UN Convention on Road Traffic 1949 

UN Convention on Road Traffic 1968 

If your home country is not party to the UN Conventions and you wish to convert your foreign licence to a Malaysian licence, details of how to do this are here:
http://www.jpj.gov.my/en/web/main-site/pemandu-en/-/knowledge_base/driver/application-for-conversion-of-foreign-driving-license-non-automatic-

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 Do you need to ask JPJ to convert your driving licence?

It used to be the case for many foreign citizens that in order to legally drive in Malaysia for an extended period that either:

• Your non-Malaysian drivers licence was converted to a Malaysian licence, or
• You obtained an International Driving Permit from the licencing authorities in your home country

JPJ have amended their website to show that nationals of many countries are now permitted to drive in Malaysia using their home licence. According to JPJ the only requirements are:

• Your licence remains valid in your home country, and
• If it is in a language other than English you will need to have it translated into English or Malay

Further details can be found on the JPJ website:

**Note - this link has been superceded - see top of page** http://www.jpj.gov.my/web/eng/acceptance-of-foreign-driving-license

I have had confirmation from the UK Foreign Office of these new rules, and these are reflected on their Malaysia travel advice website (scroll down to the section headed 'Road travel')