Get Driving License in Indonesia

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 Driving License in Indonesia

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

• A – to drive private passenger car or cargo vehicle with maximum allowable weight not exceeding 3,500 kg (three thousand five hundred kilograms)
• A Public (A UMUM) – to drive commercial vehicles and goods carrier with maximum allowable weight not exceeding 3,500 kg
• B1 – to drive private passenger or cargo vehicle with weight allowed exceeding 3,500 kg
• B1 Public (B1 UMUM) – to drive commercial passenger vehicles and general freight with maximum allowable weight exceeding 3,500 kg
• B2 – to drive private heavy equipment vehicles, towing vehicles, or motor vehicles with semi-trailer or individual trailer with maximum allowable weight exceeding 1,000 kg trailer/s
• B2 Public (B2 UMUM) – to drive commercial vehicles for towing with semi-trailer or individual trailer with maximum allowable weight exceeding 1,000 kg trailer/s
• C – to drive motorcycles
• D – to drive special vehicle for disabled person

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

Required Documents

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).