Foreign Driver Licenses in Indonesia, are you looking to convert your foreign driving license to Indonesia? Here are a few things to take note of. From the various types of driving licenses available to foreign driving license laws to the procedure of converting your foreign driving license, there are strict protocols to keep our roads safe.
Do also take note that whether you are a business owner who incorporated a company in Indonesia or are here on a work visa, the conversion of your foreign driving license is the same for the foreign driver licenses in Indonesia.
What are the Types of Driving Licenses in Indonesia
Eight different types of classes for driving licenses exist, each made for individuals to operate various vehicles. Driver’s licenses will be valid for one year from the date of issuance. The table below shows the Foreign Driver Licenses in Indonesia.
| LICENSE CLASSES | PURPOSE |
| A | Drive a private passenger car or cargo vehicle with a maximum allowable weight not exceeding 3,500 kg |
| A public | Drive commercial vehicles and goods carriers with a maximum allowable weight not exceeding 3,500 kg |
| B1 | Drive private passenger or cargo vehicle with a weight allowed exceeding 3,500 kg |
| B1 Public | Drive commercial passenger vehicles and general freight with a maximum allowable weight exceeding 3,500 kg |
| B2 | Drive private heavy equipment vehicles, towing vehicles, or motor vehicles with semi-trailers or individual trailers with maximum allowable weight exceeding 1,000 kg trailer/s |
| B2 Public | Drive commercial vehicles for towing with semi-trailers or individual trailers with a maximum allowable weight exceeding 1,000 kg trailer/s |
| C | Drive motorcycles (two-wheeled motor vehicles) |
| D | Drive a special vehicle for a disabled person |
Obtaining a driver’s license in Indonesia
However, a local driver’s license is not required if you already have an international driving permit issued by your domestic country.
On the contrary, if you do not have the time to apply for an international driving license before you arrive in Indonesia, you can get an international driving license here in Indonesia.
However, do take note that you will not be able to drive with the license from your local home country as Indonesia is not a member of the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic how to convert a foreign driver’s license in Indonesia.
If you are looking to convert your local driving license into an Indonesian one, you can apply for the driving license online or you can head down to the Department of Motor Vehicles to start.
To obtain an Indonesian driving license (SIM), you must present a KITAS or a KITAP visa, and meet age requirements: over 17 for A and C licenses, 20 or older for B1, and 21 or older for B2. Some of the documents required include:
- Passport
- KITAS / KITAP card
- Medical certificate testing on eyesight/blood pressure
- Original copy of any driving license you had
- Copy of all pages in the passport
A fee of IDR 120,000 will be required for type A licenses while for type C, it would cost roughly around IDR 100,000. Upon submission, a theory test will be given consisting of a total of 30+ multiple-choice questions with a passing score of 21. After the theory test, a practical test will be given for the last test procedure as shown below.
Driving License Laws in Indonesia
In Indonesia, roads in and around cities are typically of decent quality, well-signed, and well-marked. Rural roads are often in poor condition, and many of them are narrow. The majority of rural roads have two lanes but no road markings or lights.
Occasionally, road traffic signs use both English and Indonesian, but most of the time, they are exclusively in Indonesian only. Cities are the only locations for toll roads.
Hence, foreign visitors who are accompanied by their original driver’s licenses may drive with their international driving permits. You are entitled to drive with an international driving permit for one year after landing in Indonesia. Before coming to the country, tourists should get an international driving permit.
Some of the common driving laws that every driver should be aware of are:
- Always drive on the left side of the road
- The minimum driving age is 17
- Cars should have stickers with the country’s initial
- Foreign drivers must at all times carry their international driving permits and licenses
- It is prohibited to use a mobile phone while driving
- Built-up areas’ speed limit: 50kh/hr
- Highways speed limit: 100kh/hr for motorbikes and cars, 60-80kh/hr for trucks
FAQs
The current minimum driving age is 18 years, but people are allowed to apply for driving licenses at the age of 17 years and six months so they can obtain their license when they turn 18
You can drive using an International Driving Permit issued in Indonesia. … Before driving, riding or hiring any type of vehicle, ensure that you have the appropriate license to do so, and check with your travel insurance company to confirm that you’re covered.
The Indonesian driving license is issued by the Indonesian National Police (Polri). The general requirements for a license in Indonesia are to be at least 17 years old (for A-class; different age requirement exist for each class), pass the theory test, and pass the practical test.
Foreigners are issued driver’s licenses valid for one year from the date of issuance. Foreigners are only permitted to obtain Class A licenses (private cars) or Class C licenses (motorcycles). Diplomats and KITAP holders can get a 5-year driver’s license.
