A Malaysian Driving License (LMM) is required for Malaysian citizens before being allowed to drive a motor vehicle on the road. Driving license holders are subjected to all traffic regulations set out in the Road Transport Act 1987, depending on the type of driving license.
The driver’s qualification level and the use of the vehicle are the main factors determining the type of driver’s license for a Malaysian citizen. On the other hand, the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) also classifies driving license classes according to vehicle type and capacity.
The driver’s license card also states the type and class the driver is eligible to drive. Do you know all types of driver’s licenses? If not, this article will explain it to you.
5 Types of Malaysian Driving License
In general, there are five types of driving licenses issued by the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ), as below:
1. Learner Driving License (LDL)
Learner Driving License (LDL) holders are only allowed to drive vehicles with ‘L’ plates owned by the driving school. The vehicle must be under the supervision of a Malaysian driving school instructor.
On the other hand, an LDL motorcycle license allows a person to ride a motorcycle without a passenger. An LDL is a license that allows a person to learn to drive a vehicle, also known as an L license.
LDL can be renewed every 3 or 6 months up to a maximum of 2 years if the holder has not passed the JPJ test. After the 2-year expiration date, LDL holders may have to start the entire driving lesson to get a new LDL.
Read also: How to Check JPJ Summons Online
2. Probationary Driving License (PDL)
Probationary Driving License (PDL) holders are new drivers who have passed all procedures and driving lessons tests from JPJ. The PDL license is also known as the P license. PDL drivers are subject to a 10-point demerit system, where points are deducted depending on the type of traffic rules the driver breaks.
PDL drivers must also display a trial license plate (marked with a large white letter P on a square red background) at the front and rear of the vehicle.
A Probationary Driver’s License can be upgraded to a Competent Driver’s License (CDL) after two years. A grace period of one year is given so that they can upgrade their license before starting the whole driving lesson procedure.
3. Competent Driver’s License (CDL)
A competent driver’s License (CDL) is a full driver’s license after a probationary period. The Competent Driving License is an upgrade from the probationary license after two years. CDL holders are subject to a 15-point demerit system before their license is suspended or revoked. A CDL can be renewed every 1, 2, 3, or 5 years.
A grace period of three years is given to renew the license before the expiry date. CDL holders may have to start the entire driving lesson procedure after the license expires.
4. International Driving Permit (IDP)
An International Driving Permit allows Malaysians to drive abroad. Malaysians who want to drive abroad need an international license which is IDP (International Driving Permit).
5. Vocational Driving License (VDL)
Vocational Driving License (VDL) is a Special driving license for drivers of commercial vehicles such as buses and lorries, issued jointly with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP).
Malaysian Driving License Class
The driver’s license card contains all the details, including the type of license and the class of vehicle that the license holder is eligible to drive. Here are the following license classes issued by JPJ:
- Class A: Disabled Person’s Vehicle (motorcycle) with an unladen weight (BTM) not exceeding 450kg
- Class A1: Vehicles for the Disabled (motorcars) with an unladen weight (BTM) not exceeding 3500kg)
- Class B: Single Motorcycle over 500cc (B Full)
- Class B1: Single Motorcycle not exceeding 500cc
- Class B2: Single Motorcycle not exceeding 250cc
- Class C: Three-wheeled motorcycle
- Class D: Motorcycles with an unladen weight (BTM) not exceeding 3500kg
- Class DA: Motokar Without Clutch Pedal with unladen weight (BTM) not exceeding 3500kg
- Class E: Motorcycles with unladen weight (BTM) over 3500kg
- Class F: Wheeled Tractor/Light Mobile Machinery with an unladen weight (BTM) not exceeding 5000kg
- Class G: Tractors/Tracked Light Mobile Machinery with unladen weight (BTM) not exceeding 5000kg
- Class H: Wheeled Tractors/Heavy Mobile Machinery with unladen weight (BTM) exceeding 5000kg
- Class I: Tractors/Heavy Tracked Mobile Machinery with unladen weight (BTM) exceeding 5000kg
Age Limit To Get Driving License
To apply for a driver’s license, a person must meet the age requirements:
- Motorcycle Driving License: 16 years old and above
- Driving License: 17 years old and above
- Vocational Driving License: Malaysian citizens or permanent residents who have a CDL license and are 21 years old or older
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – CDL license holders who are 18 years old or older