Can I drive in Malaysia with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. GOV.UK says: “You’ll need both the 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence to drive in Malaysia.” “You must buy a new IDP for each additional year you plan to drive in Malaysia.” (FCDO travel advice for Malaysia, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Type of international driving permit: 1949 (named on the official page).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
FCDO travel advice for Malaysia: “Transport risks”
You’ll need both the 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence to drive in Malaysia. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You must buy a new IDP for each additional year you plan to drive in Malaysia.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Malaysia travel advice, page updated 19 March 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in Malaysia
IDP needed in Malaysia: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with a UK licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in Malaysia? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other licences in Malaysia
| Licence | In Malaysia | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | IDP needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Malaysia
- British passport: Malaysia entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Malaysia
- Australian passport: Malaysia
- Italian citizens: Malaysia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Malaysia with a UK photocard driving licence?
Yes. GOV.UK says: “You’ll need both the 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence to drive in Malaysia.” “You must buy a new IDP for each additional year you plan to drive in Malaysia.” (FCDO travel advice for Malaysia, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Malaysia with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You’ll need both the 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence to drive in Malaysia.” “You must buy a new IDP for each additional year you plan to drive in Malaysia.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Malaysia?
GOV.UK's international driving permit table does not list Malaysia. GOV.UK says: “If the country you’re visiting is not included in the table, check with the embassy of the country you’re travelling to.”
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.