Destinations / Malaysia
Driving in Malaysia as a visitor
Usually yes. Malaysia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Malaysia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h expressways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in MYR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tolls | Touch 'n Go electronic tolls on highways. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Helmets | Helmets mandatory for motorbikes. |
On the road in Malaysia
At the pump
RON95 (capped, cheapest) and RON97 petrol plus diesel are sold; RON95 was around RM2.05/litre in 2026. Stations are mostly attended or pay-at-kiosk first, and Petronas, Shell, Petron and BHPetrol widely accept cards.
After a crash
Dial 999 for police and ambulance. A police report must be lodged within 24 hours of any accident (now possible online via PDRM e-Reporting for PLUS highway and single-vehicle cases); do not move vehicles until photographed if there are injuries or a dispute.
Sources: motorist.my · gemcarrental.com.my · bhpetrol.com.my · ereporting.rmp.gov.my
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Malaysia?
Usually yes. Malaysia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Malaysia accept?
Malaysia recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Malaysia ask for one?
Kuala Lumpur desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.