What are GDL/PSV/VDL professional driver's licenses?

VDL (Vocational Driving Licence) is Malaysia's vocational driving licence, intended for drivers of commercial vehicles (such as buses, lorries, taxis, etc.). It is issued by JPJ and is divided into two categories: PSV (Public Service Vehicle licence) and GDL (Goods Driving Licence). It is a legal requirement for those working in related occupations.

GDL (Goods Driving Licence) is Malaysia's goods transport licence, a type of VDL specifically for driving cargo vehicles (such as lorries and trucks). Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid driving licence for at least one year, and pass the JPJ written and practical tests. The GDL is typically valid for 1 or 2 years and must be renewed regularly.

PSV (Public Service Vehicle Licence) is Malaysia's public transport service licence, a type of VDL applicable to driving public transport vehicles (such as buses, taxis, and e-hailing cars). Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid driving licence for at least one year, and pass the JPJ PSV test. Since 2019, e-hailing drivers are also required to hold a PSV licence.

To convert a CDL (Competent Driving Licence, i.e., a regular driving licence) to a VDL (Vocational Driving Licence), the following conditions must be met: be at least 21 years old, have held a CDL for at least one year, have no serious traffic violation records, and pass the JPJ-specified vocational driving course and tests (including theory and practical). Fees vary depending on the licence type (PSV or GDL). You need to bring your identity card, current driving licence, and photos to JPJ or a designated driving school to process the conversion.

Malaysia's VDL (Vocational Driving Licence) system was officially established on January 1, 2017, replacing the previous PSV and GDL classification system by unifying both under the VDL framework. This move aimed to strengthen the professional management of commercial vehicle drivers and improve road safety standards. All new applicants must comply with the new regulations, while existing licence holders are required to convert when renewing.