Expired driving licences in Malaysia under 3 years still eligible for RM1.99 Budi95 subsidy

The Ministry of Transport has announced that over 925,000 competent driving licence (CDL) holders in Malaysia still qualify for the upcoming Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) subsidy, even though their licences have expired for less than three years. 

This is crucial news for car owners who want to continue enjoying subsidised petrol at RM1.99 per litre starting September 30, 2025.

How Many Drivers Are Affected?

Out of Malaysia’s 15 million active CDL holders, JPJ records show:

• 551,688 licences expired for one year or less

• 219,092 licences expired between one and two years

• 154,641 licences expired between two and three years

In total, this comes to 925,421 drivers, all still eligible for Budi95 as long as their MyKad is valid.

Why Renewing Your CDL Matters

A valid CDL is legally required to drive in Malaysia. It is also one of the conditions to enjoy the new Budi95 petrol subsidy. While drivers with expired licences under three years are eligible, the Transport Ministry strongly urges renewal for two reasons:

1. Avoid losing subsidy access: You need a valid CDL and MyKad to buy RON95 at the RM1.99 subsidised price.

2. Skip costly retraining: Once your licence is expired beyond three years, you must retake both the circuit practical training (KPP02) and the on-the-road practical training (KPP03) before you can drive legally again.

For those whose licences are expired more than three years, JPJ confirms that 2.4 million CDL holders are inactive. They will need to return to driving school and complete the full curriculum to obtain a new licence. It is not confirmed if they will qualify for Budi95.

Rising Renewals After the Budi95 Announcement

Since the government’s announcement on September 22, 2025, CDL renewals have surged. JPJ reported 26,991 renewal transactions completed via the MyJPJ app, the MySikap portal, self-service kiosks, and counters.

To manage this demand, JPJ has extended its operating hours:

• Fridays and Saturdays: Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah

• Saturdays and Sundays: All other states

The counters will operate from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., starting September 27 until October 26, 2025.

What Car Owners Should Also Consider

Renewing your licence is only one part of car ownership. To stay ahead, smart drivers also check other factors that affect their costs and decisions:

• Car Valuation: Instantly know how much your car is worth in today’s market.

• Sell Car: Secure the best price by letting dealers bid for your vehicle.

• Car Insurance: Compare quotes to avoid overpaying for coverage.

• Petrol Prices: Track daily updates and decide if switching to a more fuel-efficient car makes sense.

• Loan Calculator: Estimate repayment plans before buying or upgrading your next car.

• Traffic Camera: Stay updated on real-time road conditions and avoid congestion.

• Woodlands Checkpoint: Check travel times before crossing to Singapore.

• Motorist App: Access all these tools in one place for smarter car ownership.

Final Thoughts

If your licence has been expired for less than three years, you are still safe to enjoy the Budi95 RM1.99 subsidy. But renewing your CDL now is the best move to avoid losing benefits or facing retraining requirements later.

Smart drivers also go beyond licence renewals by managing their car’s value, insurance, and fuel costs. With the right tools, you can save money and make informed decisions about when to sell or upgrade your car.

Read More: Bukit Jalil road closure for Selangor vs Singapore match September 27

Download the Motorist App now. Designed by drivers for drivers, this all-in-one app lets you receive the latest traffic updates, gives you access to live traffic cameras, and helps you manage vehicle related matters.