If you’re planning to drive a vehicle in Malaysia, you need to have a valid driving license. But do you know what type of license you need for different vehicles? And how can you get your own license in Malaysia?
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the types of driving license in Malaysia, how to get them, and how much they cost. We’ll also share some tips on how to apply for an international driving license and how to renew your license.
What is a Driving License?
A driving license is a document that proves that you are qualified and authorized to drive a motor vehicle on the road. It shows your personal details, such as your name, photo, address, and date of birth, as well as the class of vehicle you are allowed to drive.
In Malaysia, there are five main types of driving license:
- Learner’s Driving License (LDL)
- Probationary Driving License (PDL)
- Competent Driving License (CDL)
- Vocational Driving License (VDL) or Commercial Driving License
- International Driving License
Each type of license has different requirements, validity periods, and fees. Let’s take a look at each one in detail.
Learner’s Driving License (LDL)
An LDL is a temporary license that allows you to learn how to drive under the supervision of a driving instructor from a registered driving school. You need to have an LDL before you can take the practical driving test for a PDL or CDL.
To get an LDL, you need to:
- Be at least 16 years old for motorcycle licenses (class A, B2, B or C) or 17 years old for car licenses (class D or DA)
- Be physically fit, not color blind, and have good vision
- Attend a 6-hour Safety Driving Theory course (KPP01) and pass the Section I examination on road laws and safety driving
- Register with a driving school and pay the fees
An LDL is valid for 2 years and can be renewed every 3 or 6 months. You need to display an L plate on your vehicle when you are learning how to drive.
Probationary Driving License (PDL)
A PDL is a license that allows you to drive on the road after you have passed the practical driving test at a driving school. You need to have a PDL for 2 years before you can upgrade it to a CDL.
To get a PDL, you need to:
- Have a valid LDL
- Pass the practical driving test at a driving school
- Pay the fees
A PDL is subject to the 20-point Road Safety System (KEJARA), where points will be deducted according to the types of traffic violations. If you accumulate 20 demerit points, your license will be revoked.
You also need to display a P plate on your vehicle when you are driving with a PDL.
Competent Driving License (CDL)
A CDL is a full-fledged driving license that replaces your PDL after 2 years. It allows you to drive without any restrictions or supervision.
To get a CDL, you need to:
- Have a valid PDL for 2 years
- Upgrade your PDL to a CDL at any Road Transport Department (JPJ) branch or post office
- Pay the fees
A CDL can be renewed up to 5 years. You have a grace period of 3 years to renew your license before you need to restart the whole driving lesson process.
If you want to add another class of vehicle to your CDL, you do not need to go through the PDL period again. You just need to take the practical driving test for that class of vehicle.
Vocational Driving License (VDL) or Commercial Driving License
A VDL or Commercial Driving License is a license that allows you to drive commercial vehicles, such as buses, taxis, lorries, or tractors. You need to have a valid CDL before you can apply for a VDL.
To get a VDL, you need to:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a valid CDL for the corresponding class of vehicle
- Attend a vocational training course at an approved institute
- Pass the vocational examination at JPJ
- Pay the fees
A VDL can be renewed up to 3 years. You have a grace period of 1 year to renew your license before it expires.
There are three types of VDL:
- Goods Driving License (GDL) – for transporting goods
- Public Service Vehicle License (PSV) – for transporting passengers
- Conductor License – for assisting passengers
International Driving License
An International Driving License is a document that allows you to drive in foreign countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. It is not a substitute for your local driving license, but a supplement that translates your local driving license into different languages.
To get an International Driving License, you need to:
- Have a valid CDL
- Apply at any JPJ branch or Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) branch
- Pay the fees
An International Driving License is valid for 1 year or until the expiry date of your local driving license, whichever comes first.
How Much Does a Driving License Cost in Malaysia?
The cost of getting a driving license in Malaysia depends on the type and class of license, as well as the driving school and institute you choose. Here are some estimated fees for reference:
- LDL – RM20 to RM30 per renewal
- PDL – RM20 to RM30 per year
- CDL – RM30 to RM50 per year
- VDL – RM20 to RM40 per year
- International Driving License – RM150 per year
These fees do not include the charges for the driving lessons, theory courses, practical tests, and vocational training, which may vary from one place to another.
How to Apply for a Driving License in Malaysia
To apply for a driving license in Malaysia, you need to follow these steps:
- Choose a registered driving school or institute that offers the type and class of license you want.
- Register with the driving school and pay the fees.
- Attend the Safety Driving Theory course (KPP01) and pass the Section I examination on road laws and safety driving.
- Get your LDL and start learning how to drive with a driving instructor.
- Pass the practical driving test at the driving school and get your PDL.
- Drive with your PDL for 2 years and follow the KEJARA system.
- Upgrade your PDL to a CDL at any JPJ branch or post office and pay the fees.
- If you want to drive commercial vehicles, attend a vocational training course at an approved institute and pass the vocational examination at JPJ.
- If you want to drive in foreign countries, apply for an International Driving License at any JPJ branch or AAM branch.
How to Renew Your Driving License in Malaysia
To renew your driving license in Malaysia, you need to:
- Go to any JPJ branch, post office, UTC center, or online portal (MyEG or MySikap)
- Present your identity card (IC) and existing driving license
- Pay the renewal fees
- Get your new driving license
You can renew your license up to 5 years for CDL, 3 years for VDL, and 1 year for International Driving License.
Conclusion
Getting a driving license in Malaysia is not difficult if you follow the rules and procedures. You just need to choose the right type and class of license for your needs, register with a reputable driving school, attend the required courses and tests, and pay the fees.
Having a driving license in Malaysia will give you more freedom and convenience to travel around the country. It will also open up more opportunities for you to work or study abroad.
We hope this article has helped you understand more about the types of driving license in Malaysia and how to get them. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.