Can a Malaysian Driver’s Licence Be Used in Taiwan?
If you’re a Malaysian planning a road trip through Taiwan—whether for a weekend getaway in Hualien, a business tour of Taipei, or a leisurely drive along the East Coast—you’ll inevitably wonder whether your Malaysian driver’s licence (DL) will be recognised on the island. The short answer is yes, you can drive in Taiwan, but only if you meet a few specific conditions and follow the proper procedures.
Below, we break down everything you need to know, from legal requirements and paperwork to road‑sign basics and insurance tips. By the end of this post you’ll be ready to hit the road with confidence and avoid any unexpected fines or hassles.
1. Legal Framework – What the Law Says
| Jurisdiction | Licence Acceptance | Conditions | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwan (ROC) | Malaysian DL | Must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a Taiwan‑issued “Foreign Driver’s Licence Conversion” (外國駕照換證). | Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) – Driving Regulations (Article 6) |
| Malaysia | N/A | N/A | N/A |
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – A translation of your Malaysian licence issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. The IDP must be obtained before you leave Malaysia.
- Conversion (換證) – If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must convert your foreign licence to a Taiwanese one. The conversion process includes a simple health check and a written test, but no practical driving exam for most countries (including Malaysia).
2. When Do You Need an International Driving Permit?
| Stay Duration | Requirement | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 30 days | IDP + Malaysian DL | Taiwan treats you as a short‑term visitor. The IDP serves as an official translation, making your licence legally recognizable. |
| > 30 days | Conversion to Taiwanese licence | The law mandates a local licence for any stay beyond one month. The IDP can still be useful during the conversion process, but the final document will be a Taiwanese licence. |
Bottom line: If you’re only visiting for a week or two, pack an IDP. If you plan to live, work, or study in Taiwan for months, prepare to undergo the conversion procedure.
3. How to Obtain an International Driving Permit in Malaysia
- Eligibility – You must hold a valid Malaysian DL (class B for cars).
- Application – Visit any Road Transport Department (JPJ) office or apply online via the JPJ e‑services portal.
- Documents Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Malaysian driver’s licence | Original + photocopy |
| Passport | Original + photocopy |
| Two recent passport‑size photos | White background |
| Application fee (RM 50 approx.) | Payable at JPJ counter or via e‑payment |
- Processing Time – Usually 1–2 business days. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your Malaysian DL expires—whichever comes first.
4. Converting Your Malaysian Licence to a Taiwanese One
If your stay exceeds 30 days, you’ll need to swap your Malaysian DL for a Taiwanese driver’s licence (駕照). The process is straightforward because Malaysia is listed among the “countries whose licences are eligible for direct conversion.”
Step‑by‑Step Guide
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather Documents | • Malaysian DL (original & copy) • Passport (original & copy) • Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) or entry permit • Health‑check certificate (issued by a Taiwanese hospital or clinic) |
| 2 | Health Check | Simple vision, hearing, and physical fitness exam. Cost: NT$ 300–500. |
| 3 | Written Test | 20‑question multiple‑choice test on Taiwanese traffic rules (available in English). Pass mark: 80%. |
| 4 | Submit Application | At the local Motor Vehicle Office (監理站) under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. |
| 5 | Pay Fees | Application fee ≈ NT$ 620; ID card fee ≈ NT$ 200. |
| 6 | Receive Licence | Issued the same day if you pass the written test; otherwise you may return within 7 days. |
Pro tip: Bring a Chinese‑language translation of your Malaysian licence (you can have it notarised in Malaysia) – it speeds up the paperwork.
5. Driving Rules & Road Etiquette You Should Know
Even with the right licence, you’ll need to adapt to Taiwan’s traffic culture. Below is a quick‑reference checklist:
- Drive on the right side of the road (same as Malaysia).
- Speed limits (urban): 50 km/h; expressways: 90–110 km/h (sign‑posted).
- Seat‑belt law – mandatory for driver and all passengers.
- Mobile phone usage – prohibited unless you have a hands‑free device.
- Drink‑Driving – Zero tolerance. Blood‑alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.
- Traffic lights – Red‑amber‑green as usual; flashing amber means “caution, proceed if safe”.
- Roundabouts – Vehicles already on the roundabout have priority.
- Parking – Look for blue‑lined (pay) or green‑lined (free) zones. Illegal parking can lead to fines up to NT$ 6,000.
Common Road Signs (English translation)
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ![Stop Sign] | Stop (full stop required) |
| 🚦 | Traffic Light – obey signals |
| ⛔ | No Entry – prohibited for all vehicles |
| 🚧 | Road Work – reduced speed, obey workers |
| 🅿️ | Parking – see signage for restrictions |
(Icons are illustrative; actual signs may be in Chinese characters.)
6. Insurance – You’re Not Covered Without It
Taiwan mandates mandatory vehicle liability insurance (強制汽車責任保險) for any car you drive, whether you own it or rent it. In addition, most rental agencies offer comprehensive coverage (全險) that includes collision, theft, and third‑party liability.
| Insurance Type | Coverage | Typical Cost (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Liability | Injuries/deaths & property damage to third parties up to NT$ 2 million | Included in rental fee |
| Comprehensive (CDW) | Collision damage, theft, fire, natural disasters | NT$ 300–600 |
| Personal Accident | Medical expenses for you & passengers | NT$ 100–200 |
Tip: Verify that the policy explicitly covers foreign drivers. Some insurers require a copy of your IDP or Taiwanese licence.
7. Practical Tips for a Smooth Driving Experience
- Carry All Documents – Keep your Malaysian DL, IDP, passport, and Taiwanese ARC together in a waterproof pouch.
- Use GPS with English Interface – Most Taiwanese navigation apps (e.g., Google Maps, Waze, or the local “iRoad” app) offer English voice prompts.
- Avoid Peak‑Hour Congestion – Taipei’s rush hour (7:30‑9:30 am, 5:00‑7:30 pm) can add 30–40 minutes to any trip.
- Fuel Types – 92‑octane gasoline is standard; premium 95‑octane is available at major stations.
- Tolls – Most expressways use an electronic toll collection (ETC) system. You can purchase an EasyCard (悠遊卡) or iPASS and top it up at convenience stores.
- Emergency Numbers – Police: 110, Fire/EMS: 119.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I drive with just my Malaysian licence? | No. You need either an International Driving Permit (IDP) for stays ≤ 30 days, or a Taiwanese licence after conversion for longer stays. |
| How long does the conversion process take? | Typically 1–2 weeks, assuming you pass the written test on the first try and have all documents ready. |
| Is a Chinese translation of my licence required? | Not for an IDP, but it speeds up the conversion process and is useful if you’re stopped by police. |
| Do I need a separate insurance policy if I rent a car? | Rental agencies usually include mandatory liability insurance. For extra peace of mind, consider adding comprehensive coverage. |
| Can I use my Malaysian licence to rent a scooter? | No. Scooter rentals require a motorcycle licence (class M) or a Taiwanese conversion. |
| What happens if I’m caught driving without the proper documents? | You may be fined up to NT$ 30,000, and the vehicle can be impounded. |
| Are there any age restrictions? | Drivers must be at least 18 years old. Rental companies often impose a minimum age of 21–23 and may require a “young driver surcharge.” |
| Do I need to renew my IDP while in Taiwan? | No. The IDP is valid for one year from issuance, which covers any short‑term visit. |
9. Summary – Your Road‑Ready Checklist
| ✅ | Item | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valid Malaysian DL | Ensure it’s not expired. |
| 2 | International Driving Permit | Obtain before leaving Malaysia (if stay ≤ 30 days). |
| 3 | Passport & ARC | Required for IDP verification and licence conversion. |
| 4 | Health Check Certificate | Needed for conversion (vision, hearing). |
| 5 | Written Test Preparation | Study Taiwan’s traffic rules (available online in English). |
| 6 | Insurance Confirmation | Verify coverage for foreign drivers. |
| 7 | Navigation Tools | Install English‑language GPS apps. |
| 8 | Emergency Numbers | Save 110 (police) and 119 (ambulance) on phone. |
| 9 | Toll Card (EasyCard/iPASS) | Pre‑load money for expressway travel. |
| 10 | Local Road Sign Familiarity | Review common signs before departure. |
By ticking off each item, you’ll be fully prepared to enjoy Taiwan’s spectacular scenery—from the bustling streets of Taipei to the serene coastal highways of Kenting—without worrying about legal hiccups.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Driving in Taiwan offers a unique blend of modern infrastructure, breathtaking mountain passes, and vibrant city life. With the right paperwork, a pinch of preparation, and an adventurous spirit, your Malaysian licence will open the doors (and highways) to an unforgettable island experience. Pack your IDP, brush up on local rules, and let Taiwan’s scenic routes become your next great road‑trip story.
Safe travels, and enjoy the ride! 🚗💨