Driving License for Foreigners in Indonesia 2026
Driving in Indonesia requires proper licensing. Here's what foreigners need to know about getting legal to drive.
Do You Need a License?
What License Do You Need?
How long are you staying in Indonesia?
License Types
Indonesian Driving Licenses (SIM)
Types available to foreigners
| Feature | SIM A Car license | SIM C Motorcycle license | SIM B1 Truck/bus | IDP International permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Cars, SUVs | Scooters, motorcycles | Large vehicles | Per home license |
| Requirements | KITAS + 17+ | KITAS + 17+ | KITAS + experience | Valid home license |
| Validity | 5 years (max) | 5 years (max) | 5 years | 1 year |
| Cost | ~IDR 250K | ~IDR 150K | ~IDR 250K | Varies by country |
Getting Indonesian SIM (KITAS Holders)
Application Process
Getting Your Indonesian SIM
Process for foreigners with KITAS
Document Checklist
SIM Application Documents
What you need to bring
identity
medical
payment
The Driving Test
Written Test
The written test is:
- 30 questions (approximately)
- Multiple choice
- Available in English (usually)
- Must pass with 70%+
- Covers traffic rules, signs, safety
Study the basics - it's not difficult!
Practical Test
| Test | Vehicle | What's Tested |
|---|---|---|
| SIM A | Your car or provided | Figure 8, parking, road |
| SIM C | Provided scooter | Figure 8, slalom, balance |
International Driving Permit (IDP)
What is an IDP?
An IDP is a translation of your home country license, not a separate license.
You must:
- Have valid home country license
- Carry both IDP AND original license
- Obey local laws
Getting an IDP
Get your IDP before coming to Indonesia:
| Country | Where to Get |
|---|---|
| USA | AAA offices |
| UK | Post Office |
| Australia | AAA, RACV |
| Canada | CAA offices |
| EU | Local authority |
Cost: Usually $15-50
IDP Validity in Indonesia
- Technically valid for short stays
- Police may or may not accept it
- Insurance may have issues
- Motorcycle class must be specified
- Best used as backup, not primary
The Reality on the Road
What actually happens:
- Many tourists ride scooters without proper license
- Police sometimes stop foreigners
- Fine: ~IDR 250K-500K (negotiable)
- Insurance claims can be denied without license
- Accidents can be complicated
Recommendation: Get proper licensing for peace of mind.
If Stopped by Police
- Stay calm and polite
- Show documents
- If no license, fine is likely
- Don't argue
- Ask for receipt (tilang)
Scooter Rental Without License
Most rental shops don't check licenses. However:
Risks
| Risk | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Police stop | Fine IDR 250-500K |
| Accident | Insurance may not cover |
| Serious accident | Potential legal issues |
| Injury to others | Liability unclear |
Insurance Note
Most travel insurance policies require:
- Valid license for the vehicle type
- Following local laws
Without proper license, claims may be denied.
Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Medical certificate | IDR 150-300K |
| SIM A (car) | IDR 250K |
| SIM C (motorcycle) | IDR 150K |
| Extension | IDR 100-200K |
| Test retake | IDR 50-100K |
Tips for Foreigners
- Get SIM C if riding scooters - Worth the peace of mind
- Bring home license - May help with testing
- Go to Denpasar SAMSAT - Most foreigner-friendly in Bali
- Arrive early - Lines can be long
- Bring Indonesian speaker - Helpful but not required
- Practice the test course - Watch others first
- Be patient - Bureaucracy takes time
Common Questions
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