CDL Competent Driving Licence Malaysia 2026 | Validity, Renewal Fee

CDL (Competent Driving Licence) is the full/competent driving licence in Malaysia. You can apply to convert it after holding the P license (probationary license) for 2 years.

Key differences: CDL is only revoked after accumulating 15 demerit points (P license: 10 points), CDL holders can apply for GDL/PSV vocational licenses, and demerit points for CDL are not doubled.

The CDL can be renewed for up to 5 years at a time. You can choose to renew for 1 year (RM30) up to 5 years (RM150); the longer the renewal period, the more cost-effective the annual rate.

Longer renewal options of 10, 15, or even 20 years are also available at more favourable rates.

CDL renewal fees are calculated based on the duration:

• 1 year: RM30
• 5 years: RM150
• 10 years: RM300

Renewals can be done at JPJ counters, Post Offices, or via the MyJPJ app.

If a CDL holder accumulates 15 demerit points within a 2-year period, the licence will be revoked.

For the full point schedule, refer to the KEJARA demerit points table. Running a red light carries 8 points, speeding carries 4–8 points, and drink-driving leads to immediate revocation.

KEJARA demerit points are calculated on an annual basis. Points from the previous year are cleared on 31 December each year (provided you have not reached 15 points and had the licence revoked).

However, any outstanding summons must be settled first.

First, file a police report and obtain the report number. Then bring your identity card (IC) and the police report to a JPJ counter to apply for a replacement.

The replacement fee is approximately RM50. You will receive a temporary licence on the spot, and the official licence will be mailed to you.

Yes. After holding a CDL for more than 1 year, you can apply for a GDL (goods vehicle license) or PSV (passenger service license).

GDL is for driving lorries and trucks; PSV is for driving taxis, Grab, etc.

The CDL can be used directly in some countries, while in others you may need to convert it to a local license or obtain an IDP (International Driving Permit).

See the Malaysian license overseas use page for details.

A CDL (Competent Driving Licence) is a competent driving license issued by the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ), replacing the old-style license. It is an ID-card-style license with a chip that records the driver's personal information and driving qualifications, and is valid for non-commercial vehicles such as private cars and motorcycles.

The validity period of a Malaysian license (including the CDL) is usually 1 to 5 years, depending on the duration chosen at the time of application. JPJ stipulates that the maximum validity period for a license is 5 years, and drivers can choose a validity period of 1 to 5 years when renewing.

A CDL must be renewed before its expiry date. The renewal period is chosen by the license holder, typically 1, 2, or 5 years. If you choose a 5-year validity, renewal is required every 5 years; if you choose 1 year, renewal is required annually. It is recommended to renew within 3 months before the expiry date.

Under Malaysia's JPJ demerit point system (KEJARA), a local driver holding a CDL will have their license revoked if they accumulate 20 points within two years. The revocation period is at least 6 months, and serious offenses (such as drunk driving or reckless driving) may lead to a longer revocation or permanent disqualification.

Generally, no medical examination is required for CDL renewal, unless the license holder is over 60 years old or has certain medical conditions (such as epilepsy, heart disease, etc.). Drivers over 60 must submit a doctor's health certificate upon renewal to ensure they are fit to drive.

Yes. CDL can be renewed online via the JPJ official website or the MyEG platform. You need to log in to the system, verify your identity, and pay the fee. Online renewal is convenient and time-saving, but you must ensure there are no unresolved traffic summonses and that your license has not been revoked. After successful renewal, the new license will be mailed to your registered address.

If your CDL has been expired for 1 year without renewal, the license will be considered invalid, and the driver is not legally allowed to drive. Renewal must be done at a JPJ counter. You may be required to pay a late payment penalty (usually RM50 per year), and you may be required to retake the theory test or driving test.

If your CDL has been expired for 3 years without renewal, the license will be cancelled by the JPJ system. The driver must reapply for a new license, which includes taking the theory test (KPP01) and driving training (KPP02/03). A new license will be issued upon passing. Direct renewal is not possible; you must follow the new application process.

CDL demerit points are not automatically reset. JPJ demerit records are valid for two years. If no further offenses occur within two years, old points will be automatically cleared. However, if you accumulate 20 points within two years, your license will be suspended, and you will need to reapply.

If your CDL (Competent Driving License) is lost, you should immediately report it at the nearest JPJ branch and apply for a replacement. You need to bring your original identity card, passport-sized photos, and a police report (if any), fill out the JPJ L8 form, and pay the replacement fee (currently RM20). Once replaced, the original license is void, and you cannot use the old one even if found.

If your CDL is damaged (e.g., torn, blurred, or chip malfunction), bring the damaged original license and identity card to the JPJ counter to apply for a replacement. Fill out the JPJ L8 form and pay the RM20 replacement fee. JPJ will collect the old license and issue a new one on the spot or within a few days. If the damage is severe and unreadable, it is treated as a loss.

If your personal information (such as name, address, or identity card number) changes, you must update your CDL information at JPJ within 30 days. Bring your identity card, relevant supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, court name change order, new address proof), and your current CDL, fill out the JPJ L8 form, and pay the RM20 update fee. The information on the license will be updated accordingly.

Yes. If a CDL holder wants to add another vehicle class (e.g., adding motorcycles to a car license), they must undergo the driving training course for that vehicle class and pass JPJ's traffic rules exam (KPP01) and driving skills exam (KPP02/03). After passing, pay the relevant fees, and JPJ will update your CDL record without needing to replace the physical license.

No. The CDL demerit point system (KEJARA) is based on the driver's own violation record, and points are directly linked to the license holder's identity. Any attempt to transfer points to another person (e.g., impersonation) is illegal and may result in fines, imprisonment, or license revocation. Violation points must be borne by the actual driver.

Yes, but conditions must be met. After the revocation period ends (e.g., due to serious violations or accumulated points), you must re-enroll in the driving training course (including theory KPP01 and practical KPP02/03) and pass the JPJ exams. Additionally, you need to pay the retest fees and undergo JPJ review to ensure there are no unresolved traffic summonses. After passing, you can obtain a new CDL.

In Malaysia's JPJ demerit point system (KEJARA), the CDL full point limit was adjusted from 24 to 20 points, effective April 1, 2017. This change aims to enhance road safety; drivers accumulating 20 points within two years will have their license revoked. The exact date is based on JPJ official announcements; it is advisable to check the latest regulations.