For my up-coming trip to Thailand, my wife suggested that I apply for an International Driving License.
This was largely because of the number of people going on our trip this time around which made it more sense to rent a car than take public transport.
That said, I went to the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) Kuching to get my documents sorted out and to apply for the International Driving License. The document is also called an International Driving Permit.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE PREPARED
My sister actually had already applied for such permit, but when she advised me about what to do, I didn’t bother to take note.
This had caused me to go up and down UTC Kuching to get my documents straightened up.
If you want to get an International Driving License like me, then make sure you have the following documents prepared before you go to the Road and Transport Department (JPJ).
The documents needed are:
- A mug shot of the applicant in a passport sized photo
- A photocopy of the applicant’s driving license (front and back)
- One photocopy of the applicant’s MyKad (front and back)
- The applicant must bring along the original passport and MyKad
- Completed JPJ L1 form
Note that the applicants local Malaysian driving license must be valid for at least one year before the applicant can apply for an international driving licence.
Be prepared to also pay RM150 for the international driving permit. Only after payment is made will your documents be processed.
When I made my license, there was no photo shops taking passport sized photos at UTC Kuching.
HOW LONG AND HOW MUCH DOES AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE COST?
As I said above, the cost to apply for an international driving license is RM150 per year.
Based on my experience at UTC Kuching, the whole process takes less than 30 minutes.
Upon completion, you will be given a huge brown card which is stamped by JPJ. I was required to sign the permit before leaving with it, so I believe you’d be asked the same as well.
HOW TO USE THE PERMIT?
To be able to use the international driving license, you need to bring both your domestic driving license and the international driving permit together abroad.
The permit is valid at all countries that signed the Geneva Convention treaty (1949).
RENEWAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT
To extend the international Driving Permit, Malaysian permit holders must make sure they do it in Malaysia.
The documents below must also be prepared.
- Provide 1 passport size photographs.
- Present the expiring driving permit/license for renewal.
- Complete Form JPJ L1
Like applying for a new license, applicants must also prepare RM150 for the renewal of the new driving license.
BENEFITS OF HAVING THE INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT
Obviously having an international driving permit allows one to drive outside of Malaysia.
While I am reluctant to do so, sometimes having such option is good as it allows one to expand their transportation mode.
Finally, I do hope my sharing here helps you. If you need the latest information, go to the official JPJ Website.