Driving Licence

@fhafesjee i Don't know and no any idea

No,as of now you need to convert your UAE license to Malaysian or need to apply for a fresh Malaysian driving license. For conversion you need to take copies of UAE DL, UAE DL extract, license translation if not in english, passport copy, Visa copy, bona-fide letter from employer and license conversion forms (which are available at the JPJ) to the JPJ. They will then give you an acknowledgement letter and you need to keep checking on their website for status change and once status changes to successful, proceed to JPJ with passport and 2 photos for license issue.

What is JPJ ?

JPJ is the national transport department which gives driving licenses and registers cars, and lets buyers and sellers of cars do their business, etc

A UAE license wont work in Malaysia but the International Driving Permit will. Mine is issued by AAA in USA and I dont think there are many agencies allowed to issue them under the Geneva Convention. So Im not sure how people around the world can get them.

The AAA IDP has to be renewed once a year. As I know, the IDP has to be done face to face in a AAA office, not online.

This leaves many people having to apply for the Malaysian license.

@baaz911

You are unable to convert licences now and need to sit for a Malaysian Drivers licence.

Hello DSP RELO,

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

However, baaz911's last connection was 3 years ago, so I doubt he will see your message.

I would suggest checking out some more recent discussions on the Malaysia forum where you can share your knowledge and interact with active members.

Cheers,

Cheryl

Expat.com team

@Cheryl

May I offer some comments from my contact with JPJ office in Ipoh, Perak.

My background is that I have been on a n MM2H visa for almost 20 years; I am in the process of renewing for the next 5 years as per the new MM2H regulations.

During all these years, I have driven with my Uk driver’s licence. No issue because I have never been challenged to produce my license.

I come and I go from and to Malaysia as and when I choose. No issue, of course.

Recently I decided that I should apply for the Malaysian Driver’s Licence. This would be a wise thing to do, in my view. Have TWO licenses.

i went to the JPJ in Ipoh a few months ago and requested the necessary forms to fill

in, and I produced all relevant documentation eg passport, MM2H visa and my current UK driver’s licence.

They said that I should obtain a letter from the British High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur, to confirm that my UK driver’s license was valid!

strange…

Anyway, I looked up the British High Commissioner office on line and was clearly advised that the High Commissioner will not issue any such document.

Frankly, I am not sure what I need to next.

Any advice please? Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Seems completely pointless to have been asked to do that. It's like asking you to get a confirmation from the British High Commission that your passport is genuine.

Absolutely.

i shall approach JPJ once again soon (I am currently spending the summer in UK) and shall show them what the UK High Commissioner has said - even showing them the on line evidence.

i renew my vehicle insurance every year via a reputable Agency/Company. No issue.

They are fully aware that I use my UK driver’s license.

Seemiingly, one is able to go through the driving test procedure, as a local would do, eg sign up fur driving lessons etc and then take the test. But the theory part requires a working knowledge of Bahasa…

If all else fails, I shall just continue using my UK license,  until if or when I am challenged.

One get out clause could be that conventionally, anyone can use their own National driver’s licence as a visitor for up to a year after arrival in Malaysia. So, arguably, if I come and go from time to time, I can drive as a visitor - rather than a permanent MM2H visa holder. Just a thought.

As a driver for over half a century with a clean record it is somewhat of an insult to make one take a driving test again. Pity this subject is a niggle.

The welcome factor fades.

it’s such a lovely country, otherwise.

I used my UK Driving license for 7 years when I had my MM2H, but I'd also send off to get my IDP when the AA used to issue them. Recently was told by Herz that a UK driving license is fine to use in Malaysia but obviously a local license is better, but if I still lived there I'd get an IDP back home. My UK driving license expires next year and I can't be arsed to do another test or whatever is required in the UK. Living in Indonesia now and local driving licenses are easy to get here, although I can't drive overseas with it.