Procedure to Get a Driving License in Malaysia

Getting a driving license in Malaysia is simple and easy. Just walk in to any Driving School in Malaysia and they will organized a complete driving lesson for you to seat for the driving test organized by JPJ, the Malaysia Road Transport Agency. Stated below are some guides that you may need to known before start your driving license path.

Driving Schools

Step 1: Register with a driving school

The first license you will need to obtain is the Learner’s Driving License (LDL, commonly known as 'L License'). To get this process started, you will need to register with a recognised driving institution or school near you. There are over 120 driving schools in Malaysia and a quick Google search, or a browse through this Malaysia driving schools list will help you identify the school near to you. Registration fees vary from school to school depends on package offers.

Step 2: Complete the theory/computer examination

Once you have registered with a driving school, you will receive a handbook with 500 questions about driving on the roads in Malaysia. This will also be accompanied by the requirement to attend a five-hour course, where an instructor will go through the basics of driving in Malaysia. This can be completed in a single day and is mostly conducted in Malay, but there is now an English theory course as well.

You will then be required to study the handbook and register yourself to take the computer test, also known as the Highway Code Exam. It covers 50 questions from the handbook and you will need a score of 84% or higher to pass and move on to the next step.

The next step is another 6 hours of theory and practical classes including knowledge on changing car tires and basic engine care and other vehicle related issues. Only after completing this will you be able to get your LDL and start the driving lessons.

Step 3: Get your LDL and complete a minimum of 16 hours of on-road lessons (practical)

Get your LDL from the driving school you have registered with. Once you have obtained your LDL, 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.

Most driving schools require a student to fulfill up to 22 hours of lessons in the car type you have chosen – Manual or Automatic.

Step 4: Complete and pass the road test

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.

Some schools offer a free re-sit of your practical test until you pass, so be sure to review this in your payment structure. It’s handy if you feel you might need this option.

Step 5: Drive on your Probationary license for 2 years

Congratulations! Once you have passed the practical exam, you are on your way to a full-fledged driving license. All you need to do is ensure that you do not have your license revoked by demerit points for a total of 2 years. You will also need to display the P plate (Probationary) on the top left windscreen and rear-windscreen of your car. Once the 2-year probationary period is over, you will be upgraded to a Competent Driving License (CDL).