Visiting here? MyWiseWife can help you find hotels in cities near to this location. Click your preferred city below to search and book your stay. Start Hotel Search

Ever wonder of driving in the outback or country side during your overseas vacation? Driving holidays can be adventurous and fun as we are not bound to tight itinerary prepared by the tour agent that usually cramps everything in one go.

By our own, we can drive as much as we wish and stop as long as we want. And obviously obtaining a legal driving document will allow us to enjoy the holidays with peace of mind. So how could you get an international driving license? What is the process or procedure? What do you need to  prepare?

If you are looking for a legal driving opportunity in overseas, you may check out at the nearest AAM (Autombile Association of Malaysia) office to assist you. No doubt some countries do recognise Malaysian driving license for social visit but in stricter places, it is wise to obtain a legal driving permit to avoid any misunderstanding with the local traffic patrol/police.

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is sort of a translated booklet of our driving eligibility that appear in various languages such as English, Chinese and Arabic so that it will help to be self-explanatory if you happen to be stopped on the road. It is only valid for one year duration and renewable thereafter as long as your Malaysian driving license is still valid.

If you are thinking of getting one for yourself, get ready the following items/documents and the International Driving Permit will be ready to be collected on the same day.
1. MyKad as Malaysian ID.
2. Malaysian Driving License. Ensure the expiry date is more than one year on the application day.
3. Two passport size photographs.
4. Processing fee: Cash RM150 for AAM member and RM160 for non-member.

In Penang, you may contact the following AAM office to get your International Driving Permit.
116, Ground Floor,
Jalan Sungai Pinang,
10150 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: +60-4 282 0996
AAM Travel: +60-3 2163 5210
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.aam.org.my

p.s. Thank you for dropping by. This article is merely a sharing about how a Malaysian can obtain an International Driving Permit. For folks who wish to know further about driving in Malaysia or overseas, I'd suggest you to contact the respective Road Transport Department, though it will be our wishes come true if we can appoint some authorities to answer to all our queries here

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (44)

...
written by khalid khan , October 20, 2009

how much the expenses for it can u give me the all detail plz .....

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley T , October 21, 2009

Hi khalid khan, The total cost/person/year that I paid was RM160 since I am not AAM member. For AAM member, the price quoted to me was RM150. Please bring cash as the branch I went didn't accept credit card. Hope this helps.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by nik , January 22, 2010

I got mine for RM150 at Kota Bharu JPJ branch. Not an AAM member, I am not sure why you got charged RM160 for it.

Anyway, I think this is the biggest ripoff from JPJ / the government. The permit is just a piece of brown paper, which I think was designed / printed years ago (see, even Israel is still on the list!). Most countries I've been to don't really bother this this piece of paper, your "non-international" license is sufficient.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley T , January 23, 2010

Hi nik, Thanks for your feedback. You're so lucky to get such a good deal!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by nau , March 06, 2010

i think u were charged rm 10 as a commission to AAM. it is better to go to JPJ yourself... whereby u will be charged rm150 without to add anything

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Naomi wong , May 05, 2010

I'm going to change my malaysia driving license into international driving license in order to drive in Taiwan.I stay in ampang but dunno where is the nearest place for me to do so.Can anybody help me to solve this problem??thx..

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by jctan , September 20, 2010

How long will the whole process takes till we get it?
Thks

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley T , September 20, 2010

Hi jctan, With all the document and cash ready, the International Driving Permit can be collected in less than 2 hours on the same day.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Rene , September 23, 2010

Hi Shirley. I will be working in Japannext year and my questions are is the international driving license issued by our country is valid in Japan? and secondly, Im currently staying in K.Lumpur, do u have any idea where do I go to apply the license? Thank u in advance (^_^)

Regards,
Rene

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley T , September 23, 2010

Hi Rene, Referring to the International Driving Permit I applied, it is valid in Japan. For the application, I'd suggest you to check with the nearest JPJ or AAM branch in KL. Good Luck

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by pam , October 02, 2010

Hi Rene

Your IDP is only valid for one good year in Japan after which you need to convert your Msia driver license to a Japanese one (if you planning to work here for more than a year). If you do, please google for how to go about, what documents you must have and most important read thru all comments wrote by those who had went thru the process before. I also advise you to start the converting process at least half a year before your IDP expire.

Good Luck!

pam

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Rehan Zaidi , October 12, 2010

I am a Canadian visiting Malaysia. Do I need an international driving license here, or can I drive here with my Canadian license? Do you know if I can get my Canadian license converted to an international driving licence here in Malaysia?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley T , October 12, 2010

Rehan, I'd suggest you to contact Malaysia Road Transport Department at http://portal.jpj.gov.my/ or ring them at +60388884424. Hope this helps.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Pat Lee , October 27, 2010

I stay in Shah Alam and needs to apply for an international licence to drive in Canada. Does anyone knows where is the nearest JPJ branch for me to do it?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by PETER , December 15, 2010

I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT CROATIA NEXT WEEK. DO I NEED TO APPLY IDP BEFORE I WENT? OR LOCAL LICIENCE WILL DO? ANYONE PLS HELP.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Gordon Chin , December 23, 2010

Can a 'P' licence holder apply for the international licence?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Baizhu , April 26, 2011

hi everybody i`m student i have driver license from my country,from Kazakhstan but my license is not international thats why i want to make international.So can i do it??

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by sajib , May 04, 2011

i have international licence can i drive in malaysia with this licence

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by stiff , May 21, 2011

how long does the international driving licence valid? do we have to renew it every year?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley T , May 23, 2011

Hi stiff, For my case, it has to be renewed every year.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Robert , June 12, 2011

Dear Sir,

We would like to know about how to do renew the International Driving Permit in oversea.

If can not, could I used the mail to sent to the official for renew international driving license and what's documents of should be prepared.

I look forward to receiving your reply.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley T , June 14, 2011

Hi Robert, I'd suggest you to contact the Malaysia Road Transport Department at http://portal.jpj.gov.my/ or ring them at +60388884424. Hope this helps.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by anna fira , June 19, 2011

i planned for a jeju trip next year (Apr2012). Read the above comments with different charges to apply for the IDP. Which one is better JPJ or AAM office if i stay in Sunway area.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Semih , June 24, 2011

Dear Sir,

I am a student in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. I am not Malaysian. I am from another country. Last day, when i was riding motobyce, police stopped me and took my ride because i don't have in. driver license. I am in kuching. Where do i have to apply and are my license belongs to my own country and my passport enough to get IDP ?

I am looking forward to receive your reply soon. Thank you.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Yow , June 26, 2011

I am a Malaysian, with a Malaysia driving license. I will be going to Medan, Indonesia for a short trip. As a tourist, can I use the Malaysia driving license in Indonesia? Do I require to apply a International License in Malaysia before the departure?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley T , June 30, 2011

Hi anna fira,
Sorry that I do not have any comparison in regards to your situation. Hope other readers can extend some help. Thanks.

Hi Semih,
I'd suggest you to contact the Malaysia Road Transport Department at http://portal.jpj.gov.my/ or ring them at +60388884424. Hope this helps.

Hi Yow,
Some countries allow tourist to drive with their home countries' driving license. However, it is best to verified with Indonesia/Malaysia Road Transport Department or relevant authority.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Wanda , July 03, 2011

hi, i am Malaysian and dont have international driving license. Can i drive a car with SG registration number in Malaysia? do i still need to apply for international license to drive this car in Malaysia road?

thanks!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by ramon , July 14, 2011

Hi Everyone,

I hope someone can help to clear my air,

Is international driving license = international driving permit?

If i want to drive in US for 1 year, can this be used? as we are different driving steering

Thank You

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley T , July 14, 2011

Hi ramon,
Yes, the international driving license = international driving permit. Both refer to the same thing.

From my experience, the IDP is valid for driving in USA despite the opposite wheel orientation. If you intend to drive for a year (and more), I would suggest you to apply for the States' driving license for convenience sake. The driving license can be issued for non-resident after passing the written and practical test, and this also depends on the state you are going to live.

Hope this helps.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by Au Yong , July 30, 2011

Hi sir,
I am Malaysian and i had not yet applied for the IDP, but i want to drive at Taiwan since i will be study at there for 2 more years, can i apply for this IDP and will it cover for Taiwan??

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley T , August 03, 2011

Hi Au Yong, From my experience, IDP does cover Taiwan but it is best to verify with Road Transport Department. Wishing you a smooth journey.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by saddam , September 05, 2011

i am a student of legenda college mantin and at the same time am not a Malaysian, but from Africa. I did not bring my driver's license with me from my home country and i seriously need to drive while in Malaysia. Can I apply for an international drivers license without that of my country. I look forward to receiving your reply. thanks

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley , September 07, 2011

Hi saddam, Please contact the nearest Malaysia Road Transport Department so that they can further assist you. All the best in your studies.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Ishwar , September 11, 2011

hi,i m an indian. Can u tell me please how to get internation driving liscence in malaysia?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Affendi , September 11, 2011

Hi Shirley,

I will be working in UK for 3months stating on this coming Oct. One of my fellow told me that i doesnt need to apply for IDL since i will be around there for only 3months. So am i need to apply for it?

If i have too, can a 'P' license holder apply for the international license?

Thanks

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley , September 12, 2011

Hi Ishwar and Affendi, Glad to see you guys here. As much as I'd love to help, I do not have any information in regards to your cases. Please contact the respective Road Transport Department so that they can further assist you. Cheers!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Maisy , September 26, 2011

Hi, Can you please advise me where to apply this international driving premit and what else i should ready for ??! Have this International Driving Premit valid in all country or just selected country ??!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Jennie , October 03, 2011

Hi there,

I am Jieni from Malaysia, 22 years old. I am currently an international student in Canada. I hold a full Malaysian driving licence, and I plan to drive in Canada. What should I do?

1. Do I need to obtain an IDP (International Driving Permit)? If yes, where can I get it, from M'sia or Canada?
2. As I know, IDP only available for one year. Can I renew it in Canada when it expires?
3. Do I require to take the Canadian road sense test (L) and Road-driving test (N), if I have a Malaysian full driving licence(P)?

These questions have been bothering me. Hope to hear from you soon.

PS: I did try to log in to Malaysian Road Transport Department, but it's all written in Malaysian Language. I cannot read at all. Hope you can help me with this. Regards.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley , October 04, 2011

Hi Maisy and Jennie, I'd suggest you to visit the Malaysia RTD at www.jpj.gov.my to obtain the official answers

Jennie,
If you wish to read the information in English, click on the England flag icon (page top, next to Malaysia flag icon), that's the turn-on button to English version
Hope this helps.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by robert , October 23, 2011

recently read from newspaper that driving license of malaysia can be used in taiwan and not necessary to change it to international licence , i forgot the actual effective date, does anybody know it?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Sai , November 08, 2011

Hi, I'm a student in New Zealand. I have a full Malaysian driving license. I understandt need to convert to International Driving License. Unfortunately, won't be able to do it on my own, can I get someone I know in KL to help to convert my Malaysian driving license?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley T , November 08, 2011

Hi Sai, I'd suggest you to ring Malaysia Road Transport Department to find out if you can appoint someone to execute on your behalf. Or, get hold of somebody in AAM (www.aam.org.my) to check out. All the best!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by jason , November 13, 2011

Hi, I'm Malaysian, do i have to surrender my Domestic Malaysian License once my International Driving License in place?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Shirley T , November 14, 2011

Hi jason, I doubt you have to. When I applied for IDP in 2009, I did not surrender my MY license. But in case you found out otherwise, please share with us here. Thanks

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0