Self-drive lorry and van rental in Malaysia (sewa lori pandu sendiri): licence, deposit and prices
Which licence you need to drive a rented van or lorry yourself, what rental companies ask for, and typical daily and monthly prices in Malaysia.
Which licence do you need?
It goes by the vehicle's unladen weight (the BTM on its registration card), not by its "ton" name. JPJ rules (2022–2026):
- Class D (the car licence): vehicles up to 3,500 kg unladen. That covers vans and most 1-ton lorries.
- Class E: vehicles above 3,500 kg unladen. Check before you book a 3-ton or bigger lorry. (E1 and E2 became one Class E in March 2022.)
- Your own goods, not for hire: since April 2026, a goods vehicle under 7,500 kg gross carrying your own goods for your own business needs no APAD operator permit, and Class D holders may drive these up to 4,000 kg unladen.
- GDL (Goods Driving Licence): many rental companies ask for one (age 21 and over). Ask before you book.
Typical self-drive prices
Public Malaysian price lists (2025–2026):
| Vehicle | Per day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Panel van | about RM280–RM400 | cheaper per day for longer hire; some add a booking fee |
| 1-ton lorry (10 ft) | about RM295–RM650 | monthly about RM5,500 |
| 3-ton lorry (14 ft) | about RM450–RM750 | monthly about RM6,500 |
| 5-ton lorry (17 ft) | about RM850 | check your licence class first |
Market estimates, not CariLori prices. Fuel, tolls and the deposit are on top.
What rental companies usually ask
- Your age (often 18–65, some 21 and over) and a licence held for at least a year.
- A deposit, often held on a card.
- Return the vehicle with the same fuel level, or pay a fuel charge.
- Tolls, parking and traffic fines are yours; some add an admin fee for each fine.
- Ask how much you pay if the vehicle is damaged (the insurance excess).
Self-drive or with a driver?
Self-drive is cheaper per day if you can drive and load a lorry yourself. With a driver, the price usually includes the driver and fuel, often the loading crew, and someone who knows how to park and load a lorry. Compare both: see lorry rental prices.
Find one on CariLori
Post a request and choose Without driver / operator as the hire type. Suppliers who rent out vans or lorries without a driver can contact you with their price.
Latest lorry transport requests on CariLori
- Lorry rental to transport goods: Labu → SendayanLorry transport · Labu, Negeri Sembilan · Posted 22 Oct
- Deliver Large Trolley from Melaka to SubangLorry transport · Melaka, Melaka · Posted 20 Oct
- 10-ton lorry & above (20 ft+) · Lorry transport · bangiLorry transport · Bangi, Selangor · Posted 19 Oct
- 3-ton lorry (14 ft) · Lorry transport · To be discussed (Klang Valley)Lorry transport · To be discussed (Klang Valley), Kuala Lumpur · Posted 16 Oct
- 5-ton lorry (17 ft) · Lorry transport · PuchongLorry transport · Puchong, Selangor · Posted 16 Oct
Questions
Can I drive a 1-ton lorry with a car licence?
Usually yes. Class D covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg unladen, which includes vans and most 1-ton lorries. Check the BTM (unladen weight) on the lorry's registration card.
Can I drive a 3-ton lorry with a D licence?
Check the lorry's unladen weight first. Above 3,500 kg needs Class E; for own-goods lorries, JPJ allows Class D up to 4,000 kg unladen since 2026. Ask the rental company which licence their lorry needs.
How much is self-drive lorry rental per day?
About RM295–RM650 for a 1-ton lorry and RM450–RM750 for a 3-ton (public price lists, 2025–2026), plus fuel, tolls and a deposit.