Driving license in Malaysia
Sure, public transportation in Malaysia may be hassle-free these days. But if you find yourself often needing to also get around by car, especially around more off-the-grid locales, a driver’s license lets you get behind the wheel and explore the country with more convenience.
We’ve gathered all the necessary steps on how to get your driving license in Malaysia so you can cruise confidently and legally through the country.
Table of Contents
What are the driving license classes in Malaysia?
Image credit: Malcolm Choong 鍾声耀 via Unsplash
If you’re kickstarting your journey to securing a driving license in Malaysia, it’ll be important to know which driving license class you’re after. The classes determine which type of vehicle you can legally get behind the wheel of on the road, whether for personal or work purposes.
We broke them down below:
| Class | Vehicle type |
| A | Vehicles for persons with disabilities |
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| C | Motorised tricycles |
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| F | Tractors / Light motorised machines (wheeled) with unloaded weight not exceeding 5,000kg |
| G | Tractors / Light motorised machines (chained) with unloaded weight not exceeding 5,000kg |
| H | Tractors / Heavy motorised machines (wheeled) with unloaded weight exceeding 5,000kg |
| I | Tractors / Heavy motorised machines (chained) with unloaded weight exceeding 5,000kg |
Driving license levels & their privileges
Drivers in Malaysia will go through three levels of driving license, called Lesen Memandu Malaysia (LMM) among locals. They are:
Learner’s Driving License (LDL)
The LDL, or Lesen Belajar Memandu, lets drivers operate a vehicle bearing a Learning, or ‘L’, sticker from a driving institute, under the supervision of an instructor.
Probational Driving License (PDL)
The PDL, or Lesen Memandu Percubaan, allows drivers to operate a vehicle with a Probationary, or ‘P’, sticker displayed on the front and rear of their car for two years.
Competent Driving License (CDL)
The full driving license, or Lesen Memandu Kompeten, has no restrictions or limitations. Drivers are given a year to upgrade to this from a PDL, or else they’ll have to go through the entire driving lesson procedure.
How old do I have to be to get a driving license?
First things first. You have to be 17 years old to legally drive a car in Malaysia. Once you’ve checked this eligibility box, you can officially start the process of getting a driving license, which involves completing a series of tests and training courses.
How much does it cost to get a driving license in Malaysia?
Getting and maintaining a driving license will involve a few fees. We listed out the costs below so you can start setting aside money for your driving license:
- LDL application: RM30 for a validity of 3 months, RM60 for 6 months.
- Enrollment at a driving school registered with the Road Transport Department (JPJ). This typically covers the costs for practical lessons, a theory course, a computer test, and the final driving test. Fees for Class D/DA enrollments range from RM1,200 to RM2,500, depending on the driving school and services offered in the package.
- Driving license renewal: RM30 per year.
Steps to get a driving license in Malaysia
As there are a few components to securing a driving license in Malaysia, we’ve listed them out below so you can plan when best to start the process:
- Enroll at a driving institute in Malaysia
- Complete the theoretical theory course (KPP01)
- Pass KPP01
- Apply for an LDL
- Complete KPP02 and KPP03
- Take the official JPJ driving test
- Get your driving license
1. Enroll in a driving institute in Malaysia
There are over 35 JPJ-recognised driving institutes located in KL and Selangor. You can find the full list on JPJ’s website here, sorted by state. Determining a driving school will be important, as these institutes will be where you complete your theory courses, practical tests, and JPJ exams.
2. Complete the KPP01
Image credit: Akademi Memandu Uji Niaga Sdn. Bhd via Facebook
With the official registration behind you, you can begin your driver’s studies. A standardised handbook containing 500 questions about Malaysian road rules will be given to you to revise, and you will attend a mandatory 6-hour lecture with an instructor.
The handbook and test are bilingual, with text in Malay and English. Classes are mostly in Malay, though an English theory class is now also available at some driving institutes. The lecture covers theory and practical knowledge, including 101s like how to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top condition and understanding road signs.
3. Pass KPP01
Once you have finished studying the handbook from cover to cover, you can sign up for the computerised Road Laws & Safe Driving Test. Only 50 questions will be covered in the 30-minute test, and you’ll need to score at least 84% to pass.
4. Apply for an LDL
The LDL is your first step towards getting into the driver’s seat and eventually becoming a fully fledged driver in Malaysia. Locate a JPJ office or an eService, or eKhidmat, kiosk to apply for one. This license will permit you to drive a car bearing an ‘L’ plate at driving schools.
There are just two things to bring along for your LDL application: an original identification card (IC) or a valid passport for foreigners, and a colour photo measuring 25mm x 32mm.
If a representative is applying on your behalf, they’ll need to bring along their IC and a copy of your IC.
5. Complete KPP02 and KPP03
Image credit: The Star
With your LDL in hand, you can finally get into the driver’s seat and actually drive.
A mandatory total of 16 hours of on-road lessons under the supervision of a driving instructor is required. You may opt to go for the D, or manual vehicle license – learning to drive with the good ol’ gear and clutch combo – or the more popular DA, or automatic transmission vehicle license.
Image credit: Metro Driving
A required 5.5 hours is required for KPP 02, and 10 hours for KPP 03. Should you find it necessary, you may carry on with lessons for up to 22 hours in your car type of choice.
6. Take the official JPJ driving test
“Image credit: Mstar
Once the driving instructor is confident that you are capable of completing the road examination, they will schedule your official test, conducted by the JPJ at the institute. Your driving test will include a slope test, a 3-point turn, reverse parking, parallel parking, and driving on the open road.
7. Get your driving license
Once you’ve passed the practical exam, you’re on your way to a full-fledged driving license.
Image adapted from: Shopee
All you need to do is ensure that you do not have your license revoked due to demerit points over a period of two years. You will also need to display the P sticker on the top left and rear windscreen of your car. Once the 2-year probationary period is over, you will be upgraded to the CDL.
What is the demerit points system, or KEJARA?
The Kesalahan Jalan Raya (KEJARA) is a road safety mechanism in Malaysia that’s meant to help reduce the number of accidents. Demerit points are allotted for road violations, including reckless and dangerous driving, failure to observe a red light, and speeding over the limit.
Action will be taken when a driver has accumulated a certain amount of points:
| Demerit points | CDL | PDL |
| First 20 points | Warning | Revoked |
| Next 20 points | Suspended 6-8 months | – |
| Next 20 points | Suspended 8-10 months | – |
| Next 20 points | Suspended 10-12 months | – |
Getting your driving license in Malaysia
With these basics on obtaining a driving license in Malaysia now under your belt, you can be on your way to kickstarting the process.
Other 101s:
- How to renew your passport in Malaysia
- Guide to unlimited travel passes on Malaysia’s public transportation system
- Cheapest ways to get from KL to KLIA
Cover image adapted from: Malcolm Choong 鍾声耀 via Unsplash, The Star