If you drive for e-hailing, taxis, buses, vans or lorries, you may have heard of PSV and GDL licences.
But what do these licences actually mean? Do you need one to drive for Grab or other e-hailing platforms? What about if you drive a lorry or commercial van?
In simple terms:
- PSV licence is for drivers who carry passengers.
- GDL licence is for drivers who carry goods.
Both are vocational driving licences issued under the Road Transport Department (JPJ). The licence you need depends on the type of vehicle you drive and what you use it for.
This guide explains the PSV and GDL licence requirements, application process, fees, validity and how they relate to vehicle insurance.
What is a PSV licence?
PSV stands for Public Service Vehicle.
A PSV vocational licence is required for certain drivers operating vehicles used to carry passengers for public or commercial services.
PSV may be relevant to drivers of:
- E-hailing vehicles
- Taxis
- Buses
- Passenger vans
- Other eligible public service vehicles
You can check the latest requirements on the official JPJ vocational licence application page.
Do E-Hailing drivers need a PSV licence?
Yes.
If you want to drive for an e-hailing platform such as Grab, inDrive, airasia ride or another licensed operator, you need to meet the relevant e-hailing requirements.
A valid PSV licence is one of them.
However, getting a PSV licence does not automatically mean you can start carrying passengers. You also need to meet the other requirements for your vehicle and e-hailing operator.
For example, e-hailing vehicles may need a valid e-hailing vehicle permit (eVP) and the required vehicle inspection.
APAD’s requirements should be checked before you start driving because e-hailing rules can depend on the type of service and vehicle.
What about E-Hailing insurance?
If you use your own car for e-hailing, you also need to check your car insurance.
A standard private-car policy may not cover your vehicle when you are carrying paying passengers. You may need an e-hailing insurance extension or specific e-hailing cover, depending on your insurer and policy.
You can read more about this in BJAK’s guide to e-hailing car insurance in Malaysia.
Driving for e-hailing part-time does not automatically mean you are covered. Your policy should allow e-hailing use whenever you use the car for paid passenger trips.
What is a GDL licence?
GDL stands for Goods Driving Licence.
Unlike PSV, which is related to carrying passengers, GDL is for drivers operating eligible vehicles used to transport goods.
It may apply to vehicles such as:
- Lorries
- Goods vans
- Pick-up trucks used for commercial purposes
- Other eligible goods vehicles
For example, if you drive a lorry to deliver goods for a business, you may need the appropriate GDL licence.
The exact licence class depends on the type and specifications of the vehicle.
You can check the requirements through JPJ’s vocational licence information before applying.
PSV vs GDL: What is the difference?
The easiest way to understand the difference is to look at what you are carrying.
| PSV Licence | GDL Licence |
|---|---|
| Public Service Vehicle | Goods Driving Licence |
| Mainly for carrying passengers | Mainly for carrying goods |
| Common for e-hailing and taxis | Common for lorries and goods vehicles |
| Used for passenger transport | Used for goods transport |
| Vocational driving licence | Vocational driving licence |
So, if you drive an e-hailing car and carry passengers, you are generally looking at PSV.
If you drive a goods vehicle to transport items, you may need GDL.
PSV licence requirements in Malaysia
According to JPJ, applicants for a vocational licence need to meet the relevant requirements, including having the required Competent Driving Licence (CDL) and completing the required medical examination, training and tests.
Generally, applicants need to:
- Hold the required CDL with the relevant class
- Meet the eligibility requirements
- Complete the required medical examination
- Complete the required training or theory classes
- Pass the required tests, where applicable
- Prepare the required documents
- Pay the applicable fee
For the medical examination, applicants use Form JPJL8A. You can find the official JPJ vocational licence medical examination information here.
The exact requirements can vary depending on the PSV category, so it is better to check JPJ before applying.
GDL licence requirements in Malaysia
GDL applicants also need to meet JPJ’s vocational licence requirements.
Generally, this includes:
- Having the required CDL
- Meeting the relevant eligibility requirements
- Completing the required medical examination
- Completing the required training or course
- Passing the required test, where applicable
- Preparing the necessary documents
- Paying the applicable fee
The licence class you need depends on the type of goods vehicle you drive.
For example, the requirements for a heavy lorry may differ from those for another type of goods vehicle.
If you are unsure which GDL class applies to your vehicle, check with JPJ before applying for a vocational licence.
How to apply for a PSV or GDL licence
The application process generally involves several steps.
1. Make sure you have the required driving licence
You need the appropriate CDL for the vocational licence you are applying for.
JPJ states that the CDL must be valid for more than one year for a vocational licence application.
2. Complete the medical examination
You may need to complete the required medical examination using Form JPJL8A.
The form must be completed by a registered medical practitioner.
3. Complete the required training and tests
Depending on the licence and vehicle category, you may need to attend the required theory classes, practical training and tests.
4. Prepare your documents
JPJ lists documents such as your MyKad or passport, CDL, JPJL8A, JPJL12 and the relevant course certificate among the required documents.
5. Apply at JPJ
Applications can be made at a JPJ State or Branch office.
It is a good idea to check the latest JPJ vocational licence requirements before going to the counter.
How much does a PSV or GDL licence cost?
The JPJ fee for a vocational licence is currently RM20. JPJ lists PSV and GDL under vocational driving licences with a one-year validity period.
However, RM20 is not necessarily the total amount you will spend.
You may also need to pay for:
- Medical examination
- Training or course fees
- Test fees
- Other applicable charges
So, if you are budgeting for a new PSV or GDL licence, remember to include these additional costs.
How long is a PSV or GDL licence valid?
According to JPJ’s published fee information, a GDL or PSV licence is valid for one year.
This means you need to renew your vocational licence when it expires if you still require it for your work.
Keep track of your expiry date so you do not accidentally continue driving with an expired vocational licence.
Do PSV and GDL drivers need PUSPAKOM inspection?
This is an important distinction:
PSV and GDL are driver’s vocational licences. PUSPAKOM inspection is related to the vehicle.
Commercial and public service vehicles can have specific inspection requirements.
According to PUSPAKOM’s inspection requirements, commercial vehicles are subject to routine inspections every six months. The listed categories include goods vehicles, public service vehicles and e-hailing vehicles.
For example, PUSPAKOM lists routine inspections for:
- Heavy lorries
- Light lorries
- Vans
- Pick-ups
- Taxis
- Buses
- E-hailing vehicles
The inspection required depends on the vehicle and its use.
So, having a PSV or GDL does not mean every vehicle follows exactly the same inspection process.
Does PSV or GDL affect your car insurance?
The licence itself does not replace your insurance requirements.
What matters is whether your insurance policy matches how you use the vehicle.
This is especially important for e-hailing drivers.
A standard private-car insurance policy may not cover you when you are carrying paying passengers. BJAK explains that e-hailing use may require an e-hailing extension or specific e-hailing cover on top of comprehensive insurance.
If you drive for Grab, inDrive, Maxim or another e-hailing platform, check your policy before you start carrying passengers.
You can also compare e-hailing car insurance options on BJAK to see which policies allow e-hailing use.
What about insurance for lorries and commercial vehicles?
If you use a vehicle to transport goods for business purposes, make sure your insurance policy reflects the vehicle’s actual use.
Do not assume that a normal private-car policy is suitable for a vehicle being used for commercial purposes.
The type of vehicle, usage, coverage and insurer can affect the insurance available to you.
If you are looking at different types of motor insurance, BJAK’s Car Insurance Learning Hub has guides covering comprehensive, third-party, TPFT and other insurance topics.
You can also learn more about comprehensive car insurance and third-party car insurance before choosing your cover.
Always check the policy wording and Product Disclosure Sheet to make sure the coverage matches your vehicle’s actual use.
PSV & GDL licence FAQ
Is PSV the same as GDL?
No.
PSV is mainly for vehicles used to carry passengers, while GDL is for eligible vehicles used to carry goods.
Do Grab drivers need a PSV licence?
Yes. E-hailing drivers need a valid PSV licence as part of the requirements for operating on a licensed e-hailing platform.
They must also meet other requirements, such as the relevant vehicle and permit requirements.
What is the minimum age for a PSV licence?
The eligibility requirements depend on the type of vocational licence and vehicle involved.
Check the latest requirements with JPJ before applying.
Can a P licence holder apply for PSV or GDL?
Applicants for a vocational licence generally need the required CDL with the relevant class.
A P licence alone does not meet the CDL requirement listed by JPJ for vocational licence applications.
How long is a PSV licence valid?
A PSV licence is valid for one year according to JPJ’s published vocational licence fee information.
Do I need PSV if I only drive my family members?
Not necessarily.
PSV is related to operating eligible public service vehicles. Simply carrying your family members in a private car does not automatically mean you need a PSV licence.
Do I need special insurance for e-hailing?
You need to make sure your insurance policy allows e-hailing use.
A normal private-car policy may not cover you when you are carrying paying passengers. The exact coverage depends on the insurer and policy.
Can I use my car for e-hailing without PSV?
A valid PSV licence is one of the requirements for drivers operating on licensed e-hailing platforms in Malaysia.
You also need to meet the other requirements that apply to your vehicle and e-hailing service.
PSV or GDL: Which one do you need?
It depends on what you use your vehicle for.
If you are carrying passengers, you may need a PSV licence.
If you are carrying goods, you may need a GDL licence.
For e-hailing drivers, remember that getting your PSV is only one part of the process. You also need to make sure your vehicle, permit, inspection and insurance meet the relevant requirements.
For insurance, make sure your policy reflects how you actually use your vehicle. If you drive for e-hailing, check that e-hailing use is covered before you start carrying passengers.
You can compare car insurance with BJAK and check the available options for your vehicle.
Understanding your licence and insurance requirements before you start driving can help you avoid problems later, especially when you need to make a claim.
