Driving in Malaysia

DRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Effective 19 May 2025, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Malaysia has discontinued the conversion of Foreign Driving Licenses to Malaysian Driving Licenses (LMM) for expatriates and legal spouses of Malaysian citizens, following the Minister of Transport’s announcement.

Eligible Categories for License Conversion

As of the effective date, conversion of Foreign Driving Licenses to LMM is only permitted for the following three (3) categories:

1. Malaysian Citizens
2. Holders of Diplomatic Identity Cards
3. Participants of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programmed

Residency Less than 12 Months

If you are an Australian citizen visiting or residing in Malaysia for less than 12 months, you are permitted to drive in Malaysia under the following condition:

• You must hold a valid Australian Driving Licence and International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the signatory countries, in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
• We would advise Australian residents in Malaysia who choose to drive with a valid international driving permit (IDP) to check with their vehicle’s insurance provider to ensure that this will not affect any insurance claims.

Residency Beyond 12 Months

Foreign nationals intending to reside in Malaysia for more than 12 months, and who do not fall under the eligible categories for license conversion, are required to obtain a Malaysian Driving License (LMM) by undergoing the standard licensing procedure applicable to Malaysian citizens. 

Procedure Guidance for Australian License Holders.

1. If you hold an Australian driving license, please follow the steps below to support your application:

• Obtain a Confirmation Letter from the Australian transport authority that issued your license.
• The Confirmation Letter can be downloaded via their online portal (if available) or request it to be emailed or posted to you directly.

Note: The Australian High Commission (AHC) in Kuala Lumpur does not issue this letter.

         2.  When submitting your documents to JPJ, ensure you include:

• The original valid Australian driving license
• The confirmation letter from the issuing authority
• Proof of your Malaysian visa, if requested by JPJ

        3. The Australian High Commission (AHC) can certify true copies of the Confirmation Letter if required by JPJ.

             For electronically issued letters, you must:

• Present the original email, or
• Forward it to: [email protected]. 

        4.  All notarial services at AHC are by appointment only.  For more details and to book an appointment, please visit Notarial Services.

For more information about driving in Malaysia, please visit the official JPJ website: www.jpj.gov.my or call the Malaysian Government Call Centre at +603 8000 8000 and request to put through to the relevant JPJ department and speak with a JPJ officer.