10 Must-Know Facts About Getting an Indonesian Driving License as a Foreigner

Getting a SIM (Driver's License) as a Foreigner in Indonesia: What’s the Process?

Living in Indonesia offers exciting adventures and lifestyle perks, but to truly enjoy the freedom of travel, you need to get legal on the road. Obtaining an Indonesian driving license as a foreigner (called "SIM" or Surat Izin Mengemudi) is not just a formality—it’s a legal requirement that can save you from fines, vehicle confiscation, or even deportation in extreme cases.

This comprehensive 1,500-word guide explains everything you need to know about getting an Indonesian driving license as a foreigner, from the types of SIM available, required documents, the process, costs, and what to do if your home country license isn’t in English or valid.

Why You Need an Indonesian Driving License as a Foreigner

Driving without a valid Indonesian driving license as a foreigner is a violation of local traffic laws. While many tourists operate scooters using a short-term international license, long-term residents or KITAS/KITAP holders are expected to obtain a proper local license.

Benefits of Getting a SIM:

• Avoiding fines or police bribes: Traffic stops are common, especially in Bali or Jakarta.
  
  
• Valid insurance coverage: Insurance companies typically require a valid SIM for claim processing.
  
  
• Legal peace of mind: Avoid legal trouble or deportation risks.
  
  
• Credibility: Establishes you as a respectful and law-abiding resident in Indonesia.
  
  

If you plan to stay long-term or drive frequently, applying for an Indonesian driving license as a foreigner should be one of your first priorities.

Types of Indonesian Driving Licenses for Foreigners

There are three main SIM categories that foreigners can apply for:

• SIM A: For passenger cars and light vehicles.
  
  
• SIM C: For motorcycles under 250cc.
  
  
• SIM C1 and C2: For motorcycles between 250–500cc (C1) and over 500cc (C2).
  
  

Motorcycles are a common mode of transport in Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa, so getting the correct version of Indonesian driving license as a foreigner is critical for your vehicle type.

Foreigners must specify which SIM type they are applying for. Make sure your SIM matches your actual driving activity.

Who Is Eligible for an Indonesian Driving License as a Foreigner?

To qualify for an Indonesian driving license as a foreigner, you need to meet these conditions:

• Hold a valid visa (e.g., KITAS, KITAP, or a tourist visa with an International Driving Permit for conversion).
  
  
• Be at least 17 years old.
  
  
• Pass a physical test (eyesight, blood pressure, etc.).
  
  
• Pass written and practical driving exams.
  
  
• Provide the required documents and pay applicable fees.
  
  

Required Documents

Here’s what you’ll need to apply for an Indonesian driving license as a foreigner:

• Original Passport + photocopy
  
  
• KITAS/KITAP (for long-term visa holders)
  
  
• Valid driver’s license from home country
  
  
• Official translation of the license if it's not in English or Bahasa Indonesia
  
  
• Health certificate from a local clinic (simple physical check-up)
  
  
• Passport photos (optional, digital photo will be taken on-site)
  
  
• Completed application form
  
  

If you don’t have a valid foreign license, you must take both the theory and practical driving tests.

Where to Apply for a SIM as a Foreigner

Foreigners can apply for an Indonesian driving license at:

• Polres (Kepolisian Resor) – Local police offices
  
  
• Samsat offices – Regional licensing offices
  
  

In Bali, two of the most commonly used offices are in Denpasar and Singaraja. Always go early in the morning to avoid long queues.

If you live in Jakarta, you can visit the Daan Mogot Polres office, which has English-speaking staff familiar with foreigner applications.

Step-by-Step Process

Here’s how to obtain your Indonesian driving license as a foreigner, step by step:

1. Visit a clinic near the police station for a health check (IDR 25,000–50,000).
   
   
2. Submit your documents at the Polres/Samsat licensing section.
   
   
3. Take the written test – Available in English and Bahasa Indonesia.
   
   
4. Pass the practical driving test (car or motorbike depending on license type).
   
   
5. Capture biometric data – Photo and fingerprints.
   
   
6. Pay the licensing fee – Ranges from IDR 100,000 to 250,000.
   
   
7. Receive your SIM – Usually same-day or within 2–5 working days.
   
   

If you're using an international license for conversion, you might skip the written and practical test steps. However, this depends on your visa type and the officer’s discretion.

Costs Involved

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

Item

Estimated Cost (IDR)

Medical Check

25,000 – 50,000

Written & Practical Tests

Included

SIM A / SIM C Application Fee

100,000 – 250,000

Official Translation (if needed)

100,000 – 200,000

Driving School / Agent (optional)

500,000 – 1,500,000+

What If You Have an International License?

Many countries issue International Driving Permits (IDPs) valid in Indonesia for short stays (usually 30 days). If you're staying longer, you'll need to convert your IDP or foreign license.

To convert your license into an Indonesian driving license as a foreigner, you must still provide the required documents, but you may not need to take tests, depending on the regulations at the time and the discretion of local authorities.

Make sure your IDP:

• Is valid and not expired
  
  
• Matches the type of vehicle you want to drive (car or motorcycle)
  
  
• Comes with a license from your home country
  

Renewing Your SIM

Once issued, your Indonesian driving license is valid for 5 years.

To renew it:

• Bring your old SIM
  
  
• Perform a health check again
  
  
• Pay the renewal fee (around IDR 100,000)
  
  
• No need to take written or driving tests again
  
  

If your SIM has been expired for more than a year, the police may ask you to reapply as if for the first time.

Using Driving Schools or Agents

Some foreigners prefer to use a local agent or driving school to simplify the process. This is especially helpful if:

• You're unfamiliar with Bahasa Indonesia
  
  
• You want to save time navigating bureaucracy
  
  
• You need help translating documents
  
  

When hiring a service provider to assist with your Indonesian driving license as a foreigner, make sure they’re reputable and not charging inflated prices.

Driving in Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa

If you're staying in areas like Bali, Lombok, or Sumbawa, driving is often essential. Scooters are the most popular mode of transportation, but driving without a valid Indonesian driving license as a foreigner can lead to several issues:

• Regular police stops: Especially in tourist areas.
  
  
• Insurance claims denied: No SIM = no payout.
  
  
• Vehicle confiscation: Especially for motorcycles rented without valid licenses.
  
  

Always carry your SIM, a copy of your passport and visa, and your International Driving Permit (if applicable).

What If You're Caught Without a SIM?

Penalties can include:

• Fines up to IDR 1,000,000
  
  
• Vehicle seizure
  
  
• Bribes demanded by unscrupulous officers
  
  
• Insurance invalidation
  
  
• Court summons for serious offenses
  
  

The law requires you to carry your SIM at all times when driving. It’s not enough to say “I have a license in my home country.”

Tips for Success

• Arrive early at the police station to beat the queue.
  
  
• Dress respectfully – no shorts or sleeveless shirts.
  
  
• Study ahead for the written test. There are online simulators available.
  
  
• Be polite and patient – friendliness goes a long way.
  
  
• Check your visa type – some visa holders may face more restrictions.
  
  

Conclusion

Getting an Indonesian driving license as a foreigner is more than just a box to tick—it's a crucial step to living safely and legally in Indonesia. Whether you're driving a car through Jakarta traffic or cruising a scooter in Ubud, having a valid SIM protects you from legal trouble, ensures your insurance coverage, and builds your credibility with local communities.

From health checks and document prep to passing the practical test, the process can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it’s completely manageable.

If you're a digital nomad, expat, retiree, or long-term traveler, make sure this is one of your first priorities. Navigating Indonesia’s beautiful roads is more enjoyable when you know you’re doing it the right way—with a proper Indonesian driving license as a foreigner.

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