Type of Driving Licenses in Malaysia

Having a driver’s license (either a motor or a car) is an important thing. This small card in our wallet not only allows us to move freely anywhere but also helps us to avoid getting any summons from the JPJ or PDRM during roadblocks. For those of you without a driver’s license and would like to get one soon, here’s a handy guide to the latest car and motorbike license fees, steps to take to get a driver’s license, and other license-related info.

When to Get a Driver’s License

In Malaysia, the minimum age to obtain a full class A, B2, B or C motorcycle license is 16. Meanwhile, the age qualifications for class D or DA car licenses are aged 17 and above. You must also be 21 years old and above and have a valid CDL license if you want to apply for a Class E to I driving license. The prerequisite terms for someone to get a driver’s license is – be physically fit, not color blind, and have good vision (can see up to a distance of 23 meters).

Candidates with disabilities need to get a health examination and a confirmation of eligibility to drive a car or ride a bike from any government clinics or hospital and an approval from any of the nearest JPJ branches. For non-Malaysians or permanent resident applicants, candidates must have a valid passport and visitor pass/visa for a period of at least 1 month to qualify for a driver’s license.

Types of Driving Licenses in Malaysia

Driving licenses in Malaysia are divided into several categories as follows: 

• Learner Driving License (LDL) – allows an individual to learn to drive according to the prescribed classes such as B, B2, D, and E under the supervision of an experienced coach from the driving institute. The license (that comes in the form of an L License) needs to be renewed every 3 to 6 months if you have not taken/passed the JPJ driving test. The validity period of the L license is for 2 years.
• Probationary Driving License (PDL) – given to new drivers who have passed the test and driving procedures given by the Driving Institute and have a two-year probation period.
• Competent Driving License (CDL) – refers to a valid driver’s license issued by JPJ to an individual after the expiration of the two-year probationary period.
• Vocational Driving License (VDL) or Commercial Driving License – a special driving license for commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses. This license is issued jointly by JPJ and LPKP.
• International Driving Permit (IDP) – allows Malaysians to drive in different countries. Application for this permit can be made at any State / Branch JPJ offices or at the Malaysian Automobile Association (AAM) office.

Different License Classes

What you need to do to Get a Driver’s License in Malaysia

For those of you who’re looking to get a new driver’s license, you can follow the steps below.

• Registration – Contact the driving institute of your choice. The admin officer at the institute will answer your questions and place you under an instructor who will teach you everything you need to know before your test.  
• KPP01 Course – KPP01 Course will be held for 6 hours and is usually done on weekends. Candidates are advised to dress neatly to attend this course.
• Computer Test – After attending the KPP01 course, candidates need to sit a Computer Law Theory test for 45 minutes. The minimum passing score for this test is 42/50. The candidate needs to sit for a repeat test if he/she fails.
• L License – Candidates will be given an L (Learner Driving License) License within a week after passing the computer test.
• KPP02 Course – Once candidates have obtained their L License, a driving instructor will be required to coach you on the road. If you are applying for the D license (manual), you will learn how to drive a manual car and how to change gears with a clutch. Alternatively, you can also opt for the DA class license (automatic), where you will learn how to drive an automatic transmission vehicle. Once the driving instructor is confident that you are capable of completing the road test, they will schedule your test. Your driving test will include a slope test, 3-point turn, reverse parking, parallel parking, and driving on the open road.
• JPJ Practical Test – Candidates will sit for the JPJ Practical Test on the appointed day according to the vacancy of the Driving Institute. Candidates who pass the JPJ Practical Test will be eligible for a P driving license. Meanwhile, candidates who fail will have to re-sit and repeat the test.
• P License – Once they have passed the practical exam, these candidates are on their way to a full-fledged driving license. All they need to do is ensure that he/she does not have their license revoked by demerit points for a total of 2 years. Candidates are also required to display the P plate on the top left windscreen and rear windscreen of the car. Once the 2-year Probationary period is over, candidates will be upgraded to a Competent Driving Licence (CDL).

How Much Does a Driving License Cost in Malaysia?

The cost of a driving license varies by state and location of the driving institute. However, the Licensing Committee of the Driving Institute (LKPIM) ​​under the management of JPJ has set the maximum amount for tuition fees and driving training at any driving institute. This maximum pricing indirectly ensures the same rate in each state and also helps those in need of a license enjoy the service at an affordable price.

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