Driving licence in Malaysia

A driver's licence (or driving licence) is required in Malaysia before a person is allowed to drive a motor vehicle of any description on a road in Malaysia under the Road Transport Act 1987, section 26(1). Under section 26(1) of the Road Transport Act, an individual must possess a valid driving licence before being permitted to drive on the road, or can be prosecuted under section 26(2) with upon conviction, is liable to fines or jail or both of them. Driving licence holders are subject to all traffic rules stated in the Road Transport Act 1987.

Types of driving licence

There are five major types of driving licence in Malaysia, namely:-

• Learner's Driving licence (LDL) - possessed by learners in driving schools. They must first attend a 6 hour of KPP01 or known as Safety Driving Theory, then a Section I examination or Road Laws and Safety Driving. Starting September 2014, LDL licence is issued after the candidate of Section I examination pass their exam without needs to attend Safety Driving Learning Class. licence holders are only permitted to drive cars displaying the L plate owned by driving schools under the supervision of a driving school instructor. For motorcycle learner's licence holders, they are permitted to ride a motorcycle without a pillion. The learner's licence may be renewed every 3 or 6 months but the licence cannot be possessed for more than 2 years. After the 2 years due date, the licence holders may go to Road Transportation Department (JPJ) to attend of KPP01.^[1]
• Probationary Driving licence (PDL) - possessed by new drivers who have passed all the driving lesson procedures and tests. Holders also need to ensure to bring along driving licence when driving. New drivers are subject to the 10-point Road Safety System (KEJARA) demerit point system, where points will be deducted according to the types of traffic infractions. licence will be revoked after a probationary licence holder accumulates 10 demerit points.^[2] Probationary drivers are required to display the probationary licence plate (marked with white capital P in square red background) at the front and back of their respective vehicles. A probationary licence may be upgraded to a full competent driving licence after 2 years, and a grace period of a year is given to upgrade the licence before the licence holder may need to restart the whole driving lesson procedures.^[3]
• Competent Driving licence (CDL) - a full-fledged driving licence being upgraded from the probationary licence after 2 years. CDL holders are subject to the 15-point KEJARA system before their licence may be suspended or revoked. A competent driving licence may be renewed after every 1, 2, 3 or 5 years. A grace period of three years is given to renew the licence before the licence holder may need to restart the whole driving lesson procedures.^[3]
• Vocational Driving licence (VDL) or Commercial Driving licence - a special driving licence for commercial vehicle drivers such as lorries and buses, issued jointly with the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Authority (LPKP).
• International Driving Permit (IDP) - International driving licence for Malaysian drivers to drive in foreign countries. Foreigners with IDP issued by their respective countries may also be allowed to drive in Malaysia for a period of 1 year.

In addition to the above foreigners can drive with licence issued in their country (depending on category A or B), after due procedures.

Classes of driving licence

The following classes are printed on the new high security driving licence:

• A - Invalid Carriage (Motor Cycle) unladen weight not exceeding 450 kg
• A1 - Invalid Carriage (Motor Car) unladen weight not exceeding 3500 kg
• B - Motor Cycle exceeding 500 cc
• B1 - Motor Cycle not exceeding 500 cc
• B2 - Motor Cycle not exceeding 250 cc
• C - Three Wheels Motor Cycle
• D - Motor Car unladen weight not exceeding 3500 kg
• DA - Motor Car Without Clutch Pedal unladen weight not exceeding 3500 kg
• E - Heavy Motor Car unladen weight exceeding 7500 kg
• E1 - Heavy Motor Car unladen weight not exceeding 7500 kg
• E2 - Heavy Motor Car unladen weight not exceeding 5000 kg
• F - Tractor/Mobile Machinery Light (Wheeled) unladen weight not exceeding 5000 kg
• G - Tractor/Mobile Machinery Light (Tracked) unladen weight not exceeding 5000 kg
• H - Tractor/Mobile Machinery Heavy (Wheeled) unladen weight exceeding 5000 kg
• I - Tractor/Mobile Machinery Heavy (Tracked) unladen weight exceeding 5000 kg
• M - Court Conviction

The classes A1 and DA are new additions, while classes A and D have been redefined.^[4]

Road Safety System (KEJARA)

This system is applicable to Probationary and Competent Driving licence. This system ensure

• i - To ensure of safety road guaranteed
• ii - Ensure driver discipline, responsible and tolerate with other road users

Road penalties associated with KEJARA demerit point

• 15 points - Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs / Intoxication.
• 15 points - Driving dangerously / recklessly
• 15 points - Illegal Racing on road
• 10 Points - Failed to follow traffic light
• 10 points - Failed to display P plate
• 10 points - Exceeding road speed over 40km/h
• 8 points - Exceeding road speed over 26-40 km/h
• 8 points - Fail to give priority to ambulance, firefighter, police, custom, or Road Transportation Department car (with siren)
• 8 points - Fail to stop at junction
• 5 points - Ignore traffic sign or regulation
• 5 points - Using exhausted tire
• 5 points - Fail to bring driving licence (probationary)

References

1. Lesen Belajar Memandu (LDL) saya telah tamat tempoh melebihi 2 tahun. Adakah saya masih boleh memperbaharuinya bagi membolehkan saya duduki ujian praktikal? (Malay) - FAQ from Malaysian Road Transport Department Website.
2. Sistem Kejara (Page 2) (Malay) - from the official page of Malaysian Road Transport Department.
3. Lesen Memandu - Berapa lamakah tempoh lesen memandu tamat jika saya tidak memperbaharuinya? (Malay) - FAQ from Malaysian Road Transport Department Website.
4. - Motor Vehicles (Driving Licence) (Amendment) 2013

External links

• Malaysia JPJ Website