How To Get An Indonesian Driver’s License In Bali

Foreigners residing in Indonesia with temporary stay permits (KITAS) or permanent stay permits (KITAP) are entitled to a Driving License or Driver’s License, also known as Surat Izin Mengemudi (SIM). Other basic requirements for this license application in Indonesia include passing both practical and theoretical tests and being 17 years of age or older.

Classes of Driver’s License in Indonesia

There are four common classes of driver’s license in Indonesia, as follows:

  1. SIM A: private passenger cars or vehicles weighing under 3,500kg.
  2. SIM B1: vehicles weighing over 3,500kg.
  3. SIM B2: heavy vehicles with their own trailers.
  4. SIM C: motorcycles.

For foreigners, only SIM A and SIM C can be applied.

The following documents must be prepared by expatriates who want to obtain a driving license:

  • Original passport and its copy.
  • Original, valid KITAS / KITAP and its copy.
  • A copy of driving license from the country of origin or a copy of international driving license (if applicable).
  • A copy of the latest entry stamp to Indonesia in your passport.
  • A doctor’s note of good health (can also be issued by the police).

Procedure for The Application of a Driving License in Indonesia

Foreigners must go through the following procedure to obtain a driving permit:

  • Go to the police station in the city or region of residence. expatriates in Bali must go to Polresta Denpasar.
  • Find your way to “Bagian Pembuatan SIM”. First of all, you will be required to provide a health certificate. If you do not have one, you can have your eye and blood pressure checked on site.
  • Then, you will have to take the theoretical test and practical test. The theoretical test is written in Indonesian language and requires you to choose between True and False. The practical test includes driving zigzag, driving straight forward and backward and parallel parking, among others.
  • After the tests, you will be asked for your fingerprints and have your signature taken.
  • Finally, you go to the bank to pay for your application. After receiving a bank slip, you proceed with filling out an application form and submit all the required documents along with the bank slip at a designated window.

Driving License Application in Bali with Visa Agency Bali

Even though the procedure for the driving license application has been elaborated clearly, many foreigners still find it challenging when they apply for a driving license on their own, particularly because the procedure may be quite different from the procedure in their home country.

Normally, it takes at least 1 (one) day for the whole procedure to be completed, provided that the foreigners submit all required documents. There is, however, no guarantee that the application will be approved and a driving license will be issued.