No more conversion of foreign driving licences from May 19, says JPJ

PUTRAJAYA: All foreign driving licences cannot be converted to Malaysian driving licences from May 19.

Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said foreign nationals seeking a local driving licence must follow the same procedures as Malaysians.

He said the initiative is part of JPJ's efforts to enhance compliance with road safety standards involving foreign nationals.

"This enhancement is part of the Madani government's efforts and commitment to improve road safety, strengthen governance and raise the quality of public service delivery," he said in a statement today.


However, Aedy Fadly said that the new ruling does not apply to certain categories of applicants, including individuals in the diplomatic corps and participants of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.

Malaysian citizens who obtained a foreign driving licence before obtaining one from JPJ are also not affected by the ruling.

Meanwhile, there are exceptions for foreign nationals residing in Malaysia for less than 12 months.

Those from countries party to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic 1949 and the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic 1968 may drive using an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the relevant authority in their home country.

For nationals of Asean countries, individuals may use their respective nations' driving licence, in accordance with the 1985 Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences Issued by Asean Countries.