This is the most searched question, and our team answers it every day.

Here is the simple answer:

Yes, Malaysians can drive in Singapore for a short period with a valid Malaysian driving licence.

You can drive if:

• You are 18 years or older
• You have a valid Malaysian Class 3, 3A or 2B licence
• You have a valid Work Pass / Student Pass / Dependant Pass / LTVP
• You are in Singapore short-term or newly arrived

This means many Malaysians do not need immediate conversion.

But there is one important rule:

If you stay in Singapore for more than 12 months, you must convert your Malaysian licence to a Singapore licence.

This rule applies even if your Malaysian licence is still valid.

Can Malaysian Driving Licence Be Used in Singapore for Long-Term Stay?

Short answer:

❌ No. Long-term drivers must convert.

If you stay in Singapore long-term (work, study, PR, etc.), you cannot continue using your Malaysian licence after 12 months.

This includes:

• Work Permit holders
• S Pass and Employment Pass holders
• Student Pass holders
• Dependant Pass holders
• Singapore PR
• New Singapore Citizens

Long-term drivers must convert because Singapore needs:

• Standardised driving knowledge
• Proof of driving experience
• Safe road usage
• Updated licence records

Many Malaysians ask: “Can I drive a Singapore-registered car with my Malaysian licence?”

Yes — but again, only for short-term. For long-term driving, you must convert.

Moreover, since this driving license is not registered in Singapore, then you must check if you need driving license translations. It is important to translate your Malaysian driving license into a valid Singapore driving license so that you can have seamless driving here.

Also, you must check our complete article on Frequent Traveler Endorsement Singapore for additional information on the traveler program.

How to Convert Malaysia Driving License to Singapore?

If you have a Malaysian driving license and you have already settled in Singapore with your new Singapore citizenship, then you must convert your your driving license within 3 months of citizenship or getting a permanent resident certificate.

We have professionals who can do Malaysia license convert to Singapore license. So, for a successful foreign driving license translation, you must follow the following steps, which are:

Step 1: Pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT)

You must pass the Singapore Basic Theory Test before converting.

Why?

Because Singapore wants all drivers to understand:

• Local traffic signs
• Road rules
• Safety guidelines
• Highway Code

How to book BTT:

1. Create an account with any driving centre:

• Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC)
• Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC)
• ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (CDC)

2. Book your BTT online

3. Pay the test fee

4. Attend the test on your date

5. Pass the test (results are immediate)

Important:
Malaysia theory test results are not accepted in Singapore.

Step 2: Prepare All Required Documents

You must bring:

• Original Malaysian driving licence
• Photocopy of your licence
• Passport (original + copy)
• Work Pass / PR / Student Pass / Dependant Pass
• Entry/immigration records
• One matte passport-size photo (white background)
• BTT result slip
• Processing fee (S$50)

If your Malaysian licence is NOT in English, you must bring:

Certified English Translation Or International Driving Permit (IDP)

This is where our translation agency helps — we provide fast, accurate, ICA-accepted translations in Singapore.

Step 3: Visit the Traffic Police Test Centre to Apply for Conversion

You must submit your application at:

Traffic Police Headquarters (TP HQ)
10 Ubi Ave 3, Singapore

There is no full online conversion system yet.

At the counter:

• Submit documents
• Submit translation (if needed)
• Show original licence
• Pay S$50 fee
• Take a digital photo (if needed)
• Confirm your details

Step 4: Receive Your Singapore Driving Licence

If everything is correct, the Singapore driving licence will be issued.

Validity:

• Unlimited for Singapore Citizens
• Until Work Pass expiry for foreign workers
• Renewable if your stay continues

Your Malaysian licence will remain with you, but you must follow Singapore’s rules.

What Will Happen If Your Malaysian Driving License is Not in English?

If your Malaysian driving license is not in English, then you must produce an international driving permit or need to Malaysian driving license to convert to Singapore official languages.

Additionally, you must also produce a certified translation for converting Malaysian driving license to Singapore in the language of English. You can obtain the translated copy of your driving license from the Embassy office or from the Office of the High Commission.

Though in Singapore, it is not strictly required to get a translation of your Malaysian driving license. But, if you really want to translate in the English language, you can just go ahead and get your driving license translated from various translation companies.

You must be informed that apart from Malaysia, a driving license issued by the countries of Indonesia and Brunei also does not require translation. Another important thing is that, if Malaysian or any other foreign driving license does not feature the first issuing date, then it is just getting a driving license record from the licensing authority.

Discover More:- Importance of Driving Licence Translation Services and How to Pursue It

Common Mistakes Malaysians Make When Converting Their Licence

We see these mistakes every day:

• Not bringing passport photocopy
• Forgetting Work Pass / Student Pass copy
• No English translation for non-English licence
• Going to TP without passing BTT
• Assuming conversion can be done online
• Missing old licence issue date
• Incorrect passport-size photo
• Not carrying original driving licence

These mistakes cause delays — sometimes weeks.
Our team helps Malaysians avoid these issues.

Driving in Singapore for Malaysian Tourists

Malaysian tourists who want to drive around the tourist places of Singapore on their own can drive via a valid foreign license. Along with the driving license issued by the Malaysian Government, a valid International Driving Permit issued by the officials in your native country i.e.

Malaysia is also important. Generally, international driving permits are granted by the immigration authorities. Moreover, if a Malaysian tourist visiting Singapore seeks driving permits to drive cars while visiting Singapore can obtain international driving permits from Automobile Association too.

In case of the absence of international driving permits, Malaysian tourists can also opt for getting an official English translation of their driving license from qualified document translators from the best translation agencies.

Singapore translators is one of the best-rated translation agencies in Singapore that have experienced and qualified translators team who convert Malaysian driving license to Singapore and other types of documents in an accurate manner.

Therefore, Malaysian driving in Singapore roads then they need Malay translation services to translate their Malaysian driving license into the English language then you can consult the translators at Singaporetranslators.com and get your deal done at a best-valued price.

Must Read:- Where to Translate Your Academic Document for Higher Studies at Singapore?

Hire a Language translator for converting your legal & Other Documents.

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FAQs

1. Is Malaysia driving license international?

Ans. A Malaysian driving license is valid in ASEAN countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines. For countries outside ASEAN, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the Malaysian Automobile Association. This helps foreign authorities recognise your licence.

2. How much does it cost to convert Malaysian driving license to Singapore?

Ans. The main cost to convert a Malaysian driving license to Singapore is the processing fee of about S$50. This fee covers your application and issuing of the Singapore licence.

You may also pay a little extra if you take optional preparation courses for the Basic Theory Test or the Proficient Driving Test (PDT) if you want a higher licence class.

3. How long to convert Malaysia driving license to Singapore?

Ans. You should convert your Malaysian driving license as soon as you become a Permanent Resident or get a long-term pass in Singapore. The process usually depends on how quickly you complete the Basic Theory Test and submit your documents. Starting early ensures you can drive legally without any fines or problems with the traffic authorities.

4. Which countries accept Malaysian driving licenses?

Ans. The drivers holding a valid driving license of any specified ASEAN member countries are entitled to use the national driving license in any nine countries without even obtaining an international driving permit. These countries include Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.

5. How much is the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) in Singapore?

Ans. The VEP fee is required if your Malaysian car enters Singapore frequently. Daily charges are S$35 after the first 10 days per calendar year. There are exemptions for weekends, public holidays, and specific entry times. Always check the latest Singapore LTA guidelines for accurate fees.

6. Can Malaysian tourists get an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

Ans. Yes, Malaysian tourists can apply for an IDP at the Malaysian Automobile Association before visiting Singapore. The IDP helps in legal recognition of your licence in Singapore and other countries. It is recommended for tourists driving in Singapore without converting the license.

Conclusion

Now that you are being informed of the driving license rules after you migrate to Singapore from Malaysia for any long or short-term stay. Whatever be the purpose, you must get a driving permit or translate the driving license from a certified translator from Singaporetranslators.com before you drive on your own.

Thus, just a piece of advice which states that you should drive legally and always remember that Singapore citizens always drive on the left.