Driving licence in Malaysia

A driving licence is required in Malaysia before a person is allowed to drive a motor vehicle of any description on a road in Malaysia under the Road Transport Act 1987, section 26(1). Under section 26(1) of the Road Transport Act, an individual must possess a valid driving licence before being permitted to drive on the road, or can be prosecuted under section 26(2). Upon conviction, the miscreant is liable to fines or jail or both. Driving licence holders are subject to all traffic rules stated in the Road Transport Act 1987.

Learner's Driving Licence (LDL)
Possessed by learners in driving schools. They must first attend a 6 hour of KPP01 or known as Safety Driving Theory, then a Section I examination or Road Laws and Safety Driving. Starting September 2014, LDL licence is issued after the candidate of Section I examination pass their exam without needs to attend Safety Driving Learning Class. Licence holders are only permitted to drive cars displaying the L plate owned by driving schools under the supervision of a driving school instructor. For motorcycle learner's licence holders, they are permitted to ride a motorcycle without a pillion. The learner's licence may be renewed every 3 or 6 months but the licence cannot be possessed for more than 2 years. After the 2 years due date, the licence holders may go to Road Transportation Department (JPJ) to attend of KPP01.

Probationary Driving Licence (PDL)
Possessed by new drivers who have passed all the driving lesson procedures and tests. Holders also need to ensure to bring along driving licence when driving. New drivers are subject to the 20-point Road Safety System (KEJARA) demerit point system, where points will be deducted according to the types of traffic infractions. licence will be revoked after a probationary licence holder accumulates 20 demerit points. Probationary drivers are required to display the probationary licence plate (marked with white capital P in square red background) at the front and back of their respective vehicles. A probationary licence may be upgraded to a full competent driving licence after 2 years, and a grace period of 1 year is given to upgrading the licence before the licence holder may need to restart the whole driving lesson procedures.

Competent Driving Licence (CDL)
A full-fledged driving licence being upgraded from the probationary licence after 2 years. A competent driving licence may be renewed up to 10 years. A grace period of 3 years is given to renew the license before the licence holder may need to restart the whole driving lesson procedures. If the competent driving licence (CDL) holder for one licence class wants to add another driving licence class, he or she does not have to undergo a probationary driving license (PDL) period again.

Vocational Licence
The Vocational Licence consists of three types which are GDL, PSV, and Conductor. Goods Driving Licence (GDL) a licence to drive any commercially registered vehicle used for transporting goods such as Rigid Lorries, Articulated Lorries, Panel Vans and other vehicles. Public Service Vehicle (PSV) is another type of vocational licence that allows the holder to drive any commercial vehicle used for paying passengers such as Taxis, Window Van and Buses. Starting July 12, 2019, ride-hailing drivers (e.g. Grab, Uber) must apply for (PSV - Taxi/E-hailing) licence. The vocational licence must be accompanied with the holder's competent driving licence (CDL) and should have the classes of licence that is equivalent to his or her competent driving licence (CDL). Only applicants with Malaysian nationality or permanent resident with age not less than 21 years old and have a satisfactory level of health are allowed to apply for vocational licence. The renewal period allowed is 1 year only and applicants must submit their medical report each time they want to renew. If the vocational licence expires more than 3 years, applicants need to redo the test.

Classes
The following classes are printed on the new high security driving licence:

Vocational licence types and classes:

Road Safety System (KEJARA)
This system is applicable to both Probationary and Competent driving licences. This system was introduced to: Reduce accident rates. To raise awareness of road safety towards all drivers. Ensure all drivers to always obey the traffic laws. Raise disciplined, responsible and cognizant drivers on the road. Take legal actions towards any drivers whom had breached the laws. 

Driving licence suspension system:

Drivers whose licence has been suspended three times in a period of five years will have their driving licence revoked and are not allowed to drive or receive a driver's licence for 12 months from the date of the licence was revoked.

Road penalties associated with KEJARA demerit points:

Conversion
Foreigners holding driving licences from countries with signatories to any treaty or agreement with Malaysia may apply for conversion of driving licence to drive in Malaysia. Meanwhile, citizens of a member state from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) only need to possess a valid driving licence of their respective countries to drive in Malaysia, and do not require any conversions or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Digitalisation
MyJPJ app was introduced by the Road Transport Department in February 2023 for license to display their digital driving licence and road tax on their mobile devices as an alternative to carrying around their physical copies.

On February 10, it was announced that Malaysian-owned private vehicle owners will no longer be required to display their physical road tax on their windshield or carry it around. It was also announced that users are not required to download the MyJPJ application as it can be verified by the police.