Malaysia is a wonderful country to explore by car, with good highways, beautiful highland roads and island bridges. Most visitors can drive here legally, but the rules depend on where your licence comes from and how long you are staying. Here is a clear summary.
Driving rules can change. Always confirm the latest requirements with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) or the Malaysian embassy in your country before you travel.
The short answer
- Visitors from ASEAN countries can drive in Malaysia with their own national driving licence.
- Visitors from most other countries can drive with their valid national licence together with an International Driving Permit (IDP), for short stays.
- Long-term residents need to follow JPJ’s rules for residents. Note that JPJ stopped converting most foreign licences into Malaysian licences from May 2025, so check your options early.
Visitors from ASEAN countries
Under an agreement between ASEAN member states, a valid domestic licence from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar is recognised in Malaysia. Carry your physical licence and your passport.
Visitors from other countries
If your country is party to the 1949 or 1968 United Nations conventions on road traffic, you can drive in Malaysia with:
- Your valid national driving licence, and
- An International Driving Permit issued in your home country.
An IDP is a translation of your licence in a standard format. It is not valid on its own, so always carry both. You must get your IDP before you leave home; it cannot be issued in Malaysia for a foreign licence.
Even if your licence is in English, we recommend carrying an IDP. Police and insurers recognise it immediately, and it avoids any discussion at a roadblock or after an accident.
What about long stays?
Visitors are generally expected to drive on a foreign licence only for a limited period, commonly understood to be up to around three months. If you are moving to Malaysia for work or study, contact JPJ about the rules that apply to you. Since 19 May 2025, JPJ only converts foreign licences for a few groups, including MM2H participants, members of the diplomatic corps and returning Malaysians.
What rental companies ask for
When you rent a car in Malaysia as a visitor, expect to show:
- Your passport.
- Your valid driving licence (held for the minimum number of years the company requires).
- An International Driving Permit, if your licence is not from an ASEAN country.
- A credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit.
For luxury cars there is usually a minimum age. At Kreto it is 25, or 30 for supercars and Rolls-Royce. See the full list in documents you need to rent a car in Malaysia.
Driving tips for first-time visitors
- Malaysia drives on the left, like the UK, Australia and Singapore.
- Most highways are tolled and cashless. Ask for a Touch ‘n Go card with your rental.
- Speed limits are typically 110 km/h on expressways and lower in towns. Watch for speed cameras.
- Motorcycles filter between lanes, so check your mirrors before changing lanes.
- Seat belts are required for all passengers, front and back.
- Using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited.
Prefer not to drive?
If the paperwork or local traffic feels like too much, book a car with a chauffeur instead. Your driver handles the roads while you enjoy the trip. Read about our chauffeur service.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an IDP after I arrive in Malaysia?
No. An IDP must be issued by the authority in the country that issued your licence, so apply before you travel.
Is a digital licence accepted?
Carry your physical licence. Digital licences from other countries are not always accepted by police or rental companies.
Can I drive a rental car from Malaysia to Singapore?
Only with the rental company’s written approval and the right insurance. Ask us before you book.
Ready to explore Malaysia?
Browse the Kreto fleet or ask our concierge if you are not sure your licence is accepted. We are happy to check before you travel.