Driving licenceMalaysia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Malaysia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


25. Driving licence

A driving licence is an official document authorising a person to drive one or more specified categories of motor vehicle. It may contain conditions, restrictions, category codes and expiry dates that determine which vehicles the holder may drive.

Drivers must hold a licence that is valid for the vehicle category and jurisdiction concerned. A licence may be provisional, full, restricted, suspended or withdrawn, and additional qualifications may be required for professional driving.

Front of a Malaysian driving licence.
Wikimedia.org • Hezery99 • CC BY-SA
Can a visitor drive in Malaysia using a driving licence issued abroad?

Recognition depends on where the licence was issued, the category, its validity and the visitor’s status or length of stay. Check the local licensing authority before driving; temporary residence or employment can change the conditions.

🔗 lom.agc.gov.my • Malaysia Road Transport Act 1987 — Sections 26–28

🔗 lom.agc.gov.my • AGC — enacted Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026, Act A1794, operative amendments

🔗 mot.gov.my • MOT — commencement on 16 October 2026; deferred compound ceiling distinguished

Does an International Driving Permit replace the original licence in Malaysia?

No. An International Driving Permit accompanies the underlying valid driving licence; it does not replace it. Carry both when using an IDP, and check which permit or translation is accepted for your licence and visit.

🔗 gov.uk • UK Government, IDP must accompany valid licence

🔗 gov.uk • UK Government, driving-document requirements in Malaysia

1 Malaysia 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bridge 5 Speed bump 6 Slope 7 Stop sign 8 Give way 9 Roundabout 10 Pedestrian crossing 11 Railway crossing 12 Mandatory direction 13 School area 14 Overtaking 15 Crossing animals 16 Slippery road 17 Rockfall 18 Curve 19 Chevron 20 Wrong-way driving 21 Height limit 22 Selective barriers 23 Traffic lights 24 Traffic lights warning 25 Driving licence 26 Location marker 27 Traffic mirror 28 Disabled parking 29 Reversing 30 Uncontrolled crossroad 31 Road surface 32 Emergency exit 33 Tourist attraction 34 Charging station 35 Bus 36 Police 37 Taxi 38 Pothole 39 Path 40 Particulates 41 Air pollution 42 Rush hour 43 Road code 44 Street gutter 45 Cargo bike 46 Forestry vehicle 47 Construction vehicle 48 Semi-trailer truck 49 Trolleybus 50 Speed pedelec 51 Delivery vehicle 52 Idling 53 Tow truck 54 Four-wheel drive 55 Bicycle 56 Motorcycle equipment 57 Rail track 58 Caravan 59 Trailer 60 Tow hitch 61 Fire truck 62 Siren 63 Convoy 64 Emergency vehicle lighting 65 Tractor 66 Agricultural machinery 67 Electric bicycle 68 Electric vehicle 69 Pedelec 70 Quadricycle 71 Microcar 72 All-terrain vehicle 73 Van 74 Recreational vehicle 75 Scooter 76 Trikke 77 Personal mobility device 78 Skateboard 79 Segway 80 Kick scooter 81 Roller skates 82 Mailman 83 Hitchhiker 84 Toddler 85 Child 86 Disability 87 Motorail 88 km/h 89 mph 90 Speedometer 91 Ride height 92 Dirt road 93 Driving 94 Start-stop system 95 Manual transmission 96 Automatic transmission 97 Throttle 98 Tachometer 99 Steering wheel 100 Power steering ...