French Driver’s License

The process of training drivers is not too cheap in France: theory and practice cost an average 1,700 euros. In addition to money, one should also spend time and nerves. In this article we will tell you how to get a French driver’s license and what is needed for this.

IF THERE IS NO MONEY, BUT YOU WANT TO DRIVE
Yes, French laws allow you to sit behind the wheel even if you are not able to get a driving license. In this case, you can sit in the driver’s seat only in special cars that don’t accelerate to more than 60 km/h. By the way, such cars have become quite popular and are in demand. There are almost 700 thousand people without license in France.

IF YOU HAVE A RESIDENCE PERMIT AND NATIONAL LICENSE
A year after getting residence permit, all foreigners have to change their national license to French Driver’s License. The exchange is legitimate, if you got a national driver’s license before obtaining a residence permit.

To obtain a French Driver’s license, you must apply to the prefecture at the place of residence, where you will receive an application form. A completed form should be accompanied by a copy of the residence permit, a color copy of the current driving license and a certificate from the national traffic police that issued this license, stating that it is valid, (a French translation must be attached to the certificate). Having collected these documents, you must send the application by letter, better registered one, to the address indicated on the application form issued in the prefecture.

If the initial package of documents is approved, after about 2-3 weeks you receive another letter with a new list of documents – in each case it may differ slightly, but usually there are the following documents: two photos, a copy of the residence permit, the original and the transfer of rights, the original and translation of a certificate from the national traffic police (which is issued in advance), a document confirming the existence of a residence in France, a doctor’s certificate, application forms. You must fill the latter, prepare everything and go to the prefecture.

French Driver’s License

If the inspector in the prefecture is satisfied with a new package of documents, the applicant for the driving license exchange will be told about this, and in two or three weeks he will receive his French license by mail. French driver’s license is valid for five years.

And before the expiry of the year in France you can use the French driver’s license. However, in this case the following is necessary:

French Driver’s License

IF YOU GET A FRENCH DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR THE FIRST TIME
The pleasure of driving a car is considered a privilege of wealthy people. Therefore, the French driver’s license in cost “a pretty penny.” First, just to enroll in a driving school, you must immediately spend about 80 euros, and then separately pay for the theory (150-250 euros) and each of the 28 compulsory driving lessons (45 euros) – in addition to paying the exam (100 euros). Secondly, there is no guarantee that the owner of a fresh driver’s license will have it for life – the point system of fines, adopted in France, can quickly deprive the license of fans to violate traffic rules.

So, you have chosen a driving school. Better if it’s a school with a high rating – in the future it will be a decisive moment for retaking exams.

The theoretical course is passed on the basic subscription (the closer the driving school is to the capital, the more expensive it). Most often this subscription contains the opportunity to visit countless theoretical classes in a driving school and use a simulator to pass a theoretical exam. If the first attempt to pass the exam is failed, each subsequent one will cost 60-130 euros. If you have no money, there is a special program according to which the commune can pay up to 80% of the training cost in exchange for 60 hours of public works for free, that is, for nothing. Two weeks of sweeping streets and unexpected meetings with friends and acquaintances – and most of the money for a driving school is in your pocket.

Also, large firms, corporations and enterprises can encourage their employees by payment for classes in a driving school.

French Driver’s License

If the theory is passed successfully (and, according to statistics, 60% of applicants pass it from the first time), you turn to practice. You can learn driving not only with an instructor, but with any relative or acquaintance who has the license and driving experience. But after that, you still have to attend 20 mandatory hours of practice in a driving school.

You must learn to drive and pass the practical part of the exam within three years after passing the theory. If you failed to pass the exam the first time, you can try again, given a maximum of five attempts. If it didn’t work the fifth time, you’ll have to start again.

During the practical exam, you need to drive for 35 minutes. This is the time of exam driving. After the exam is completed and considered passed, you wait for the french driver’s license for three days. It immediately accrues 6 points and so it will happen before reaching a driving experience of three years. After that, 12 points will be accrued already.

What are the points for? Each violation nullifies a certain number of points. For the conversation on the mobile phone at the wheel you will be removed two points, for not fastened belt – three points. When there are no points, the french driver’s license is canceled. If five years haven’t passed after its issuance, it can be restored by retaking the practical part of exam. If five years have passed, it will be necessary to take the theoretical part, too.

Sometimes lost points can be restored. But it is necessary to go to paid courses for this. So, breaking the traffic rules in France is a luxury.

French Driver’s License

Don’t forget to issue an international driving license – right on our website. Even if you already have a French one.

Okay, in Part One you learned whether you have reciprocity or not, and you’re ready to get the ball rolling to apply for your new German driver’s license (Führerschein). Where do you go? What documents do you need to have with you? Read on…

WHERE TO APPLY AND WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

If you’re lucky, this license will only cost you 40 euros plus the cost of a photo, possibly a translation, and a few hours of your time. PHOTO: KBA (www.kba.de)
How Long is a German Führerschein Valid?
You may have heard that a German driver’s license has no expiration date, but that is no longer true. That changed in 2013 when, conforming to EU guidelines, German driving licenses became valid for only 15 years. Licenses issued before January 19, 2013 will expire no later than January 19, 2033. If you obtain a German Führerschein now, it will expire in 15 years.
The following information applies to almost anyone applying for a German driver’s license, no matter from which non-EU country. (EU citizens with a license from their home country don’t need to get a German one.) Whether you come from Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, the USA, or any other Drittstaat, the procedure is the same, with only minor variations, depending on your country’s license agreements with Germany. But you do have a few options.

Option 1. Fahrschule
If your German is minimal, even if you have a full waiver of testing (but especially if you need to take either the practical road test or the theoretical written test), going through a local Fahrschule (driving school) that has experience working with foreigners may be the best approach for you. For a fee they can take you through the bureaucracy involved in getting your license. They can also help you find a first-aid course (required). If you have tests to pass, a driving school is the only way to go. Even Germans have to do that! (In Germany, your parents don’t teach you to drive; an official, certified Fahrschule does.) If you use a driving school, you have to choose one before you submit your application for a driver’s license.

Option 2. Do It Yourself
If you don’t have any tests required, you don’t need a Fahrschule. Using the information below, you can to go to the Bürgeramt and submit your own application. If your German is weak, you may want to bring along a German friend. Sometimes the clerks speak English, but not always. We’re in Germany, remember? Continues below…

Manual Transmission – Stick Shift
If you need to take driving lessons at a Fahrschule in Germany, keep in mind that you’ll usually be in a car with a manual, “stick shift” transmission. If you don’t know how to use a clutch and a five-speed transmission, you may require more hours of instruction than you think.
The guidelines below have been gathered from several sources. The license requirements in Cologne may be different from those in Munich or Berlin. Small towns may do things a bit differently than in big cities, etc. Always ask about the requirements at your local Führerscheinstelle! Most also have online information.

NOTE: Although you can take the theoretical test in English, don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re thus home free. As we point out below, there is a high rate of failure for the written test. Learn more below.

GERMAN DRIVER’S LICENSE APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Where to apply, what to bring with you

Umschreibung einer ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis (Conversion of a Foreign Driver’s License)

Where? In most cases you will go to the driver’s license office (Führerscheinstelle) at the nearest Bürgeramt (district city hall) or Rathaus (city hall). You can find the nearest one by doing a web search for your city and “Führerscheinstelle.”

What? Bring the following documents/items with you:

Passport or Personalausweis (German ID card)
1 photo (Lichtbild, 35 x 45 mm, borderless)
Your valid driver’s license from your home country
German translation of license (English may be OK; inquire)*
Proof of how long you’ve had the license (if not already on the original license)
Recent vision test (Sehtest) certification (for class A, A1, B, BE, M, L or T license)*
Proof of completion of a first-aid course (only sometimes offered in English)
Confirmation of your first registration (Anmeldung) as a resident in Germany (if this was not done in the city where you are applying)
Fee of 40 euros in cash (if no tests are required)
Time: Allow three to six weeks before you actually receive your license! The Munich office sends your original license to the BKA (German FBI) to test that it is authentic! That can add 2-3 weeks. Most offices ask you to surrender your original license, but often you can talk them out of it.

If you need a certified German translation of your home country license (required by some offices), consider using our Lingoking partner for a certified translation that will be accepted by any German authority.

*Not required by some offices; inquire locally.
NOTE: These requirements may vary from office to office and city to city. In most cases, you will be applying for a ‘B’ class license (normal car, trailer under 750kg).

More on The German Way
Driver’s License Reciprocity
Which US states have driver’s license reciprocity agreements with Germany?
Other EU Countries and Conditions
As we mentioned before, Austria and Belgium make it much easier to convert your US driver’s license. It will be nice if Germany ever follows suit, but for now, see the above

In Greece the driving license is a governmental right given to those who request a license for any of the categories they desire. It is required for every type of motorized vehicle. The minimum age to obtain a Greece driver’s license is: 16 years for a motorcycle, 18 years for a car, and 21 years for buses and cargo vehicles .

UNDERSTAND WHICH TYPES OF DRIVING LICENSE ARE LEGALLY ACCEPTED IN GREECE…
A valid Greece driver’s license (Άδεια οδήγησης/Adeia odigisis) is required to drive in Greece. The license must be carried on all journeys, and must be presented on demand by law enforcement officials. The minimum age to drive a car on the roads is 18 years.

Some foreigners in Greece must exchange their license for a Greek one, some may make the exchange if they wish, while yet others may not exchange their licence and will need to take a full driving test (theory and practical) in order to get a Greece driver’s license.

New arrivals to Greece may be able to exchange a foreign driver’s license for a Greek one, or (if relevant) continue driving on an EU-issued license until it becomes necessary to renew it. For all others, a full theory and practical test must be taken. As of January 19 2013, EU-issued licenses can only be renewed in the holder’s country of residence. Renewing an EU-issued license in Greece will effectively convert it into a Greece Driver’s license.

DRIVING LICENSES IN GREECE
To obtain a Greece driver’s license for either a vehicle or motorbike, applicants must complete a certain amount of formal instruction, both theoretical and practical, as well as pass theoretical and practical written tests. Only qualified teachers can provide driving and theory lessons, so enrolment at a driving school is essential.

While lessons are available in English, the actual tests are in Greek. However, only a minimal knowledge of Greek is required to take the test.

If the applicant changes residence prior to the completion of the application process, all paperwork is transferred to the relevant issuing office.

LICENCE CATEGORIES AND AGE RESTRICTIONS
The age restrictions for the most common types of licence in Greece are as follows:

AM (mopeds with a design speed of over 25 Km/h and under 45 Km/h): 16 years
A1 (motorcycles with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 125cc): 18 years
A2: (motorcycles not exceeding 35 kW): 20 years
B1 (four-wheeled light vehicles): 18 years
B (cars), 18 years
C1 (medium-sized vehicles) 18 years
DRIVING LICENCE VALIDITY
Greek driving licences for A- and B-class vehicles are valid for 15 years from their date of issue. C-class and D-class licences are valid for five years from their date of issue. From the age of 65 onwards, drivers with Greek-issued licences must undergo health checks in order for the driving licence to remain valid, and must renew their licence every two years. The test itself does not need to be retaken.

LOST OR STOLEN DRIVING LICENCES
If a Greek or EU driving licence is lost, stolen or worn to the extent that it must be replaced, a new licence can be obtained through the Greek Ministry of Transport.

Information on getting a replacement licence is available from the Greek Ministry of Transport: Click here

A foreign driver’s license is valid in Iceland for those who stay here on temporary basis. The principle is, however, that if a person has permanent residence in Iceland (normally legal domicile) he or she must hold an Icelandic driver’s license. Exceptions to the rule are as follows:

Driver’s license issued in the Faroe Islands or countries that are parties to the EEA Agreement gives the holder the same rights he or she has under the license of the issuing country. The rights are based on the validity of the license, but no longer than to the age of seventy.
Driver’s license issued in states that are not parties to the EEA Agreement gives the holder rights to drive in Iceland for up to one month after he or she have registered a legal domicile in Iceland. After that the person concerned must hold an Icelandic driver’s license in order to drive in Iceland.
HOW TO TRADE A FOREIGN DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR AN ICELANDIC ONE
Individuals who reside in Iceland (in most cases have legal domicile) can trade their foreign driver’s license for an Icelandic one. Application for a corresponding Icelandic driver’s license is to be submitted to the district commissioner (district magistrate) or the chief of police, regardless of residence, provided that he or she have legal domicile in Iceland.

Application form can be obtained from the district commissioners (magistrates) and the chief of police outside the greater Reykjavík area. Within the jurisdiction of the chief of police in Reykjavík applicants can resort to the district commissioners in Kópavogur and Hafnarfjörður. See the website of district commissioners (magistrates).

INFORMATION ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Nationals of countries that are not member states of the EEA Agreement will in most cases need to provide a statement about good health or a health certificate issued by a doctor, which ever is appropriate, and undergo a test of qualification. It is permitted to waive this last requirement if it is considered that the conditions for a driver’s license in the country where the license was issued are no less than the requirements in Iceland. When the application is handed in the applicant (if he is not an EEA citizen) might need to prove his residency by displaying his residence permit card or by other means demonstrate that he has a residence permit in Iceland.
If the driver’s license was issued in the Faroe Islands or in one of the EEA countries, the Icelandic license is usually issued without the applicant needing to undergo a test of qualification or submitting a health certificate or a statement about good health.
A person who is issued an Icelandic driver’s license on the basis of a foreign one must hand in the foreign license when the application is submitted.
In most cases it is so that no one is allowed to have driver’s licenses from more than one state which is party to the EEA Agreement.
Application for an Icelandic driver’s license, in exchange for a foreign one, shall include:
A photograph (35×45 mm) of the applicant
Foreign driver’s license
A statement about good health, or if appropriate a health certificate issued by a doctor, if the foreign license is not issued in the Faroe Islands or in member states of the EEA Agreement.

After only four months in Italy I had successfully navigated the labyrinth system to get a permit of stay, taking what seems like dozens of passport photos, paying for dozens of marche di bollo, the required stamp (with newly raised prices!) and visiting multiple different bureaucratic offices; I’d also found an apartment, applied for residency, gotten married and started paying taxes. It was a lot, and I was ready to be done with my “settling down” phase and simply be settled.Then, I found out I had to retake my driver’s license tests as well.segnali-stradaliUnited States citizens can legally drive on their US license in Italy for up to a year. After that, they’ll need to get an Italian driver’s license.Though many countries in the world have conventions allowing them to simply convert their driver’s licenses from that of their country to that of their new country, Europe and the United States, unfortunately, don’t have that relationship. Meaning that not only did I have to pay a lot more, but I also had to take the classes, study and pass the written test in Italian, do at least six hours of driving with an instructor and then pass the practice exam – all before my international license expired in the next six months.People do it, but at the time, after all I had already done to set down roots in Italy – legally – it just seemed like too much. And like most bureaucratic things in another country, it wasn’t easy! Though I wanted to throw a fit, instead I threw myself into studying, learning how to say things like windshield and trailer hitch and acceleration lane in Italian. It was a pain in the butt, but I have to admit that what I learned has proved useful. Of course anyone can drive in Italy, but the road signs are different and the intersections much more complicated. I appreciate that I never have to doubt if what I’m doing is correct or not.During the process, I discovered that many expats to Italy simply skip this step. Either they continue to drive on their U.S. license (illegal, but difficult to catch) or they drive with no license or they simply don’t drive at all. None of the above was an acceptable option for me. If that’s how you feel, this post is for you.
HOW TO GET AN ITALIAN DRIVER’S LICENSE:
1. FIND AN AUTOSCUOLA
You can bypass the driving school or autoscuola and go straight to the Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile, Italy’s DMV, but it’s not recommended. Though you will save money, the test is considered more difficult and the instructors much harsher. Multiple legends recount the evil instructors who don’t pass the driving students simply to gain the money the driving school would have gained anyway. Perhaps it’s just a way for the failed students to feel better, but the autoscuola helps you to study and deals with your exams and paperwork, making the process much more streamlined.

2. GO TO CLASS AND STUDY
In most driving schools in Italy, the course for the written exam is not mandatory and it’s up to you to decide how much you need it. If you’re dedicated and proficient in the language you can study on your own at home. Though I didn’t go to all the classes, I found that it was a nice start for me, giving me a base vocabulary for the written exams and teaching me how the questions are formed, as they’re not always so clear. Your autoscuola will likely have an online quizzing system that you can use to study, but if not you can find multiple quizzes on the internet. Practice practice practice: you can only miss four out of 30 questions on your written exam to pass.

3. PRACTICE WITH AN INSTRUCTOR
Like in America, you’ll have to complete a certain amount of hours of driving practice with an instructor. Though the minimum is six, many young Italians will be asked to do more before taking the exam. I only completed four since they knew I had been driving since I was 16, and though I was thankful for the saved time, I found that the practice wasn’t all a waste. There are certain driving rules that my instructor shared with me that came in handy for the final exam, such as how to handle roundabouts correctly, what gear to use during what speed limit and how instructors feel about passing cars that are double parked. Plus, I gained some tips about parallel parking on both the right and the left that have proved indispensable in parking-limited Italy!

4. TAKE THE WRITTEN EXAM
All your studying is for this. Though you likely already know how to drive, taking an exam with purposefully backwards questions in another language isn’t exactly a breeze. Study to learn the vocabulary, to know the different parts of a car in Italian and to be able to finish the exam once and for all. Oh, and remember to bring your ID!

5. TAKE THE FINAL EXAM
And the day has come: You now can take your final driving exam! Show up with money, your ID and patience and you’ll eventually get behind the wheel with one, if not two, instructors. Mine completely ignored my driving, regularly put his hand on my shoulder, and talked about America the whole time. I gritted my teeth, ignored the advance and finished in roughly five minutes. It seems they trusted my driving.

ferrari- How to Get an Italian Driver’s License

(via)

Ultimately, I learned how to navigate the draconian driver’s license system in Italy. This blog post from another American living in Italy recounts in great detail just how draconian this process can be, also how un-standardized. Though these are the steps I took, other expats have been able to talk their way out of the classes and driving practice and complete the process in a much shorter span of time.

Redoing a process that I completed as a teenager was a bit humbling, but the result means I can drive in Italy with no fear or worry of retribution. I know expats who have been here their entire life without an Italian driver’s license, but I wanted to do things right. This is my home now, it doesn’t make sense to live as if it weren’t.

Especially considering how quickly I adopted the Italian’s “sporty” driving style!

Also see our guide on renting a car in Japan.

ROADS AND RULES

Cars drive on the left side of the road and have the driver’s seat and steering wheel on their right side. The legal minimum age for driving is 18 years. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited. Road signs and rules follow international standards, and most signs on major roads are in Japanese and English. Vehicles have to come to a full stop before crossing any railway tracks.

The typical speed limits are 80 to 100 km/h on expressways, 40 km/h in urban areas, 30 km/h in side streets and 50 to 60 km/h elsewhere; however, drivers tend to go a little over the posted speed limits.

Most roads in Japan are toll free with the exception of expressways, some scenic driving routes and a small number of toll tunnels. Road conditions tend to be good, although side streets in the cities can be rather narrow or even impassable to larger vehicles. Traffic congestion is a frequent problem in and around urban centers.

Drivers generally tend to be well mannered and considerate, however some common dangers on Japanese roads include drivers speeding over intersections even well after the traffic light has turned red, people stopping their vehicles at the edge of the road in a way in which they block traffic, and careless cyclists, especially those who ride on the wrong side of the road.

Foreigners can drive in Japan with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for a maximum of one year, even if the IDP is valid for a longer period. It is not possible to drive on an International Driving Permit again after a year has passed unless you return to your home country for at least three consecutive months in between.

International driving permits are not issued in Japan and should be obtained in your home country in advance. They are usually issued through your country’s national automobile association for a small fee. Japan only recognizes international driving permits based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, which are issued by a large number of countries.

Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland and Taiwan do not issue permits based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, but instead have a separate agreement that allows drivers from these countries to drive in Japan for up to one year with an official Japanese translation of their driver’s license. A translation can be obtained from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or some of the respective countries’ embassies or consulates in Japan.

People from other countries whose international driving permits are not recognized by Japan and people who stay in Japan for more than one year, must obtain a Japanese driver’s license.

JAPANESE DRIVER’S LICENSES
Japan has bilateral agreements with more than twenty countries, including Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, as well as the US states of Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, to ease the process of acquiring a Japanese license. If you hold a valid driver’s license from one of these countries you can get a Japanese license without taking a written or practical exam.

Instead, go to your local license center with an official translation of your license (obtainable from the Japan Automobile Federation), your passport, and proof that you held your license for at least three months in the issuing country before coming to Japan. Then, take a basic eye and physical test and you will be issued a new license on the same day.

If you have a driver’s license from a country or state which does not have an agreement with Japan, such as China, Brazil or most US states, you will have to take a written and practical exam in order to obtain a Japanese driver’s license. This process typically takes several attempts, even for experienced drivers.

BUYING AND OWNING A CAR
New and used cars are relatively inexpensive in the home country of Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki and Subaru. Brand new compact cars sell for less than a million yen.

Japanese cars are classified into regular and light (keijidosha) cars, which are subject to different taxes and regulations. Keijidosha cars (yellow license plates) are smaller vehicles that must conform to strict size, weight and power restrictions. In return, they enjoy several tax and toll breaks, and relaxed ownership regulations that make them cheaper and easier to own than regular cars (white license plates).

Owning and operating a car involves numerous expenses, including compulsory inspections (shaken) every two to three years, yearly automobile taxes, mandatory and optional insurance, high parking fees, toll expressways and gasoline cost.

Shaken is a compulsory safety inspection, which cars in Japan have to undergo every two years, except new cars, for which the first inspection is not due until three years after purchase. Shaken typically costs between 100,000 and 200,000 yen, and besides the actual inspection fee, includes a weight tax (typically 8,000 to 50,000 yen) and mandatory insurance (about 30,000 yen).

Since the mandatory insurance does not provide full coverage, it is recommended to purchase additional, secondary car insurance. Furthermore, the annual automobile tax, which depends on the engine size, typically costs between 10,000 and 50,000 yen. An acquisition tax also has to be paid when you buy a new car.

Numerous documents are required to purchase a car, including forms to register your car and to verify ownership of a parking space. Used cars additionally require a transfer of ownership. Keijidosha cars enjoy more relaxed transfer processes. Fortunately, if you buy a car through a car dealer, they will handle most of the paperwork for you, while your main task is to sign the forms with your officially registered, personal stamp (inkan).

GAS STATIONS
Gas stations are found all across Japan. They traditionally provide full service, although self service stations have greatly increased over recent years. Many gas stations close during the night, while others are open 24 hours. A liter of regular gasoline costs roughly 140 yen (as of March 2020). High octane gas and diesel are also widely available. Payment is possible by credit card or cash.

Getting gas at a full service (フル) station requires some simple Japanese. When you pull into the station, an attendant may direct you to a stall. Park, open your window and shut off your car. Tell the attendant what kind of gas (e.g. “regular”), how much (e.g. “mantan” for full tank) and how you will pay (e.g. “credit card”). He may give you a wet towel to clean your dash or ask to take your garbage. When finished he may ask which direction you wish to leave and then direct you out into traffic.

Self service (セルフ) stations only provide Japanese language menus. If in trouble, an attendant should be present and able to help you. Note that when paying by cash, the change machine is often a separate machine or inside the gas station building.

PARKING
Parking in the center of large cities is very expensive, costing several hundreds of yen per hour. Fees decrease with the size of the city and the distance to the city center. In small towns and in the countryside, parking is often free. Parking lots in national parks or near tourist attractions sometimes charge a flat fee (typically 200 to 500 yen per use). Urban hotels usually provide parking for their guests at a flat rate (typically 1000 yen per night), while hotels outside the large cities usually offer free parking.

Besides standard parking lots, you may encounter a few unique types of parking lots in Japan. The first are elevator parking lots in which cars are stored in towers. Drivers are directed to park their car onto a lift, which will automatically store the car in the tower. When coming back, the car will be fetched by the lift and returned to you.

The second unique type of parking lot uses low barriers underneath the cars which raise up to physically block in each individual vehicle. Once you have paid your parking fee (either at a central payment machine or at the parking space), the barrier lowers and you can safely drive away. This type of parking lot is usually seen around small urban lots.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DRIVING LICENCES IN MALAYSIA
There are five different types of driving licences in Malaysia including:

1. LEARNER’S DRIVING LICENCE (LDL) ALSO KNOWN AS THE ‘L’ PLATE DRIVERS
This is the very first licence you will receive once you register with a driving school. LDL holders are only permitted to drive a car which has the ‘L’ plate displayed and the driver must be accompanied by a driving instructor.

LDL can be issued and renewed for a period of 3 to 6 months, up to a maximum period of 2 years from the date the license is issued. Once it has expired, LDL holders will need to restart the entire driving lesson process in order to obtain a renewed LDL. It’s therefore best to ensure that you complete your lessons before the 2 years are up.

2. PROBATIONARY DRIVING LICENCE (PDL) ALSO KNOWN AS THE ‘P’ PLATE DRIVERS
Once you have passed all the driving lessons and examinations, and have been certified as a qualified driver by Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan or Road Transport Department of Malaysia (JPJ), you will be issued with a PDL.

As a new driver, you will be subject to the 10-point KEJARA demerit point system where points will be deducted according to the various types of traffic offences. If you accumulate 10 points within the 2 years of a ‘P’ plate driver, your licence will be revoked. As a new driver, you are required to display the ‘P’ plate at the front and the back of your vehicle.

3. COMPETENT DRIVING LICENCE (CDL)
This is the full-fledged driving licence that you can obtain after the 2-year Probationary Driving Licence period is over. As a CDL driver, you will be subject to the 15-point KEJARA demerit point system that deducts points for traffic offences, leading to your licence being suspended or revoked.

CDL licenses are valid for a 1 year period and expires on your birthday of that year; you can renew it to a maximum of 5 years for each renewal. The renewal fee is RM30 per year (excluding government taxes) and, depending where you renew your driving license, you may be subjected to additional service charges.

To renew your CDL driving license, just visit your nearest POS Malaysia or JPJ branch and bring along your MyKad (or other legal identification documents) and your existing driver’s license. Inform the teller how many years you wish to renew your CDL license for and make your payment. Your new CDL license will be produced on-the-spot.

4. VOCATIONAL DRIVING LICENCE (VDL)/COMMERCIAL DRIVING LICENCE
Though this article will mainly focus on obtaining a driving licence for a car, keep in mind that you can also obtain a special driving licence for commercial purposes including buses and trucks.

5. INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT (IDP)
This is a licence that allows Malaysian drivers to drive outside of their country. It is especially useful when you’re heading abroad and plan on renting a car. Only CDL holders who are 18 years and above are eligible to apply for an IDP. PDL holders are not eligible.

There are five main types of driving license in Malaysia, namely: –

i) Learner’s Driving Licence (LDL)

The LDL holders are only permitted to drive vehicle displaying the ‘L’ plate owned by driving schools under the supervision of a driving school instructor. For motorcycle LDL, they are permitted to ride a motorcycle without a pillion. The LDL may be renewed every 3 or 6 months to the maximum of 2 years. After the 2 years due date, the LDL holders may need to start over the entire driving lesson procedures in order to obtained new LDL.

ii) Probationary Driving Licence (PDL)

Possessed by new drivers who have passed all the driving lesson procedures and tests. New drivers are subject to the 10-point KEJARA demerit point system, where points will be deducted according to the types of traffic infractions. The PDL will be revoked after a PDL holder accumulates 10 demerit points. Probationary drivers are required to display the probationary license plate (marked with white capital P in square red background) at the front and back of their vehicle respectively. The PDL may be upgraded to a full competent driving license (CDL) after 2 years, and a grace period of a year is given to upgrade the license before the licensee may need to start over the entire driving lesson procedures.

iii) Competent Driving License (CDL)

A full-fledged driving license being upgraded from the PDL after 2 years. CDL holders are subject to the 15-point KEJARA system before their license may be suspended or revoked. CDL may be renewed for every 1, 2, 3 or 5 years. A grace period of three years is given to renew the license before it lapsed. The CDL holders may need to start over the entire driving lesson procedures after the license lapsed.

iv) Vocational Driving Licence (VDL) or Commercial Driving License

Special driving license for drivers of commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks, issued jointly by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP).

v) International Driving Permit (IDP)

International Driving Permit (IDP) allowed Malaysian to drive outside of the country. Check here on how to get the IDP in Malaysia.

NOTE:

There are several classes of driving license, namely:-

A – Vehicles for the disabled person
B – Motorcycles (all displacement)
B1 – Motorcycles not exceeding 500 cc
B2 – Motorcycles not exceeding 250 cc
C – Motorized tricycles
D / DA* – Cars with unloaded weight not exceeding 3500 kg
E – Trucks (all classes)
E1 – Trucks with unloaded weight not exceeding 7500 kg
E2 – Trucks with unloaded weight not exceeding 5000 kg
F – Tractors / Light motorized machines (wheeled) with unloaded weight not exceeding 5000 kg
G – Tractors / Light motorized machines (chained) with unloaded weight not exceeding 5000 kg
H – Tractors / Heavy motorized machines (wheeled) with unloaded weight exceeding 5000 kg
I – Tractors / Heavy motorized machines (chained) with unloaded weight exceeding 5000 kg

DA* = Drive cars with automatic transmission only.