Driver licence exchange

Last activity 11 August 2023 by paddelia1

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paddelia1New member03 August 2023 18:02:47

Hello, it is my understanding that I can drive in Malaysia with my Nevada US Driver license for up to 90 days.

After that I need to get a Malaysian driver license.

One advice I read was to make sure that I have an International Driver license with me.

My question is, Can I get the Malaysian license just by presenting the documentation, photos and paying the fee?

Some countries have agreements with US States, for example, France will exchange a DL with California but not with Arizona, people with Arizona license must get a French license which requires theory lessons and test as well as Practice driving and test at a huge cost and then a 2 years' probation period where you have to carry a big red A sticker on your car bumper.

How does it work in Malysia? Is it a formality or is it start from scratch?

wyngrove60Serial expat03 August 2023 23:47:54

249

No idea, but I bought a new car and drove in Kuala Lumpur for seven years and only used my UK drivers license. I did later get an IDP but on the rare occasions that I was stopped by the police I just showed them my UK drivers license. You might also try asking your question on some Expat Facebook groups in Malaysia as I am sure there are many American expats in many of those groups.

CobolinSerial expat04 August 2023 00:59:57

210

@paddelia1 I'm guessing links to other expat forums are banned, but Google this: britishexpats Suspension Of Conversion of Foreign Driving Licence to Malaysia Driving Licence

It's a long thread, but has all the information you should require.

BhavnaTeam04 August 2023 03:35:31

40008

Hello @paddelia1 ,

You may go through the Driving in Malaysia article to gather as much information as possible.

Regards

Bhavna

paddelia1New member05 August 2023 20:46:42

I think this excerpt says it all.

"Alternatively, they are advised to apply for Malaysia driving licence via authorized driving schools based on existing procedures."

Gunnar45 mentioned "United Nation Conference on Road and Motor Transport, Geneva, 1949 & 1968". that allows driving with the home country licence. US is a signatory.

This looks like is what wyngrove60 is doing, perfectly legal then to use my US driver licence beyond the initial 90 days.

I am still not 100% sure since this seems to be a moving target.

CobolinSerial expat06 August 2023 01:05:21

210

@paddelia1 There's a lack of clarity around the requirements, to say the least. At minimum, I would prefer to be in possession of an IDP in addition to my home country driving license. Most cops may accept the latter alone, but if you meet a stickler for the rules, or get in an accident and the insurance company starts digging, you could be in trouble.

CobolinSerial expat10 August 2023 01:45:51

210

@paddelia1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqlYXNfMS28

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g_za5ugiSo

The first video is detailed and tallies with my experience. The second covers the case where your foreign license is issued by a country where you are not a citizen.

paddelia1New member11 August 2023 10:32:46

Hi Cobolin, thanks for that. This is great information.

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