Bali Driving License for Foreigners

SIM Guide

Quick answer

Foreigners in Bali can obtain either an international driving permit (IDP) from their home country before traveling, or apply for a temporary Indonesian driving license (SIM) through the local police office. The temporary Indonesian SIM is valid for one year and requires a KITAS or passport, health test, written exam, and practical driving test. Bali Immigration assists with the entire application process, from…

IDR 1,000,000

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Why it matters

Why You Need a Valid Driving License in Bali

Driving in Bali without a valid license is not only illegal but also dangerous for your financial security. Indonesian traffic police regularly conduct checkpoints, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, and Kuta. If caught without a valid driving license, you face fines of up to IDR 1,000,000 and potential vehicle confiscation. More critically, your travel insurance will be voided if you are involved in an accident without proper licensing, leaving you personally liable for all medical costs — which can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars for serious injuries.

Many foreigners mistakenly believe their home country license is sufficient for driving in Bali. While an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recognized, it must be accompanied by your original license and is only valid for the vehicle classes specified. For long-term residents on KITAS or KITAP, obtaining an Indonesian SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi) provides the most comprehensive legal coverage and eliminates the need to renew IDPs annually.

Options

Types of Driving Licenses Available

SIM A - Car License — Required for driving cars, jeeps, and small passenger vehicles. Valid for 5 years for Indonesian citizens or 1 year for foreigners on temporary SIM. Requires written and practical driving test at the local Satpas (police licensing office).
SIM C - Motorcycle License — Required for riding motorcycles and scooters of any engine size in Indonesia. Most popular license type for Bali residents. Practical test involves figure-8 course, slalom, and straight-line riding. Valid for same duration as SIM A.
International Driving Permit — Issued by your home country automobile association before departure. Must be accompanied by original license at all times. Valid for 1 year from issue date. Recognized in Indonesia under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

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Requirements

Requirements for Indonesian Temporary SIM

To apply for a temporary Indonesian driving license, foreigners must meet specific eligibility criteria and prepare several documents. The process has been streamlined in recent years, but still requires careful preparation to avoid multiple trips to the licensing office.

Document Requirements — You will need the following documents: valid passport with at least 6 months validity, KITAS or KITAP card (original and photocopy), domicile letter (SKTT) from your local banjar, health certificate from an authorized clinic, passport-sized photographs (3x4 and 4x6, red background), and your existing driving license from your home country (original and certified translation if not in English or Indonesian).
Health Test Requirements — The health test for SIM application includes vision testing (color blindness check, visual acuity), hearing test, basic physical examination, and a psychological assessment. This can be completed at designated clinics near the Satpas office or at private clinics approved by the Indonesian police. The cost is approximately IDR 100,000-200,000.

Step 1: Gather all required documents including KITAS, passport copies, and domicile letter.

Guide

Application Process Step by Step

Step 1: Gather all required documents including KITAS, passport copies, and domicile letter. Step 2: Complete the health examination at an approved clinic. Step 3: Visit the Satpas office (we recommend Denpasar Satpas for foreigners). Step 4: Register at the information counter and pay the application fee. Step 5: Take the computer-based theory exam (available in English). Step 6: Complete the practical driving test. Step 7: If passed, your temporary SIM will be printed and issued the same day.

Our team handles the entire process — from document preparation to exam day accompaniment.

The official government fees for a new temporary SIM are: SIM A (car) — IDR 120,000, SIM C (motorcycle) — IDR 100,000, health test — IDR 100,000-200,000.

Costs

Cost Breakdown

The official government fees for a new temporary SIM are: SIM A (car) — IDR 120,000, SIM C (motorcycle) — IDR 100,000, health test — IDR 100,000-200,000. Our full-service package includes document preparation, translation services, health test arrangement, Satpas registration assistance, exam preparation materials, and same-day accompaniment for IDR 2,500,000. This saves you multiple trips and ensures first-attempt success.

The theory exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions about Indonesian traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety.

Good to know

Tips for Passing the Driving Test

The theory exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions about Indonesian traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety. You need to score at least 21 correct answers (70%) to pass. Study materials are available in English, and we provide practice exams to our clients. The practical test for motorcycles requires you to navigate a figure-8 course, ride through a slalom course, and demonstrate controlled braking. For cars, you must demonstrate parallel parking, hill start, and basic maneuvering.

Common reasons for failure include: not studying traffic signs specific to Indonesia, rushing through the motorcycle figure-8 course (take it slow), and not checking mirrors during the car practical test. Our preparation package includes a 30-minute briefing on the most frequently tested topics and common mistakes to avoid.

Can I drive in Bali with my home country license?

Technically, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home country license. While some tourists drive with just their foreign license, this is illegal and will void your insurance in case of an accident. We strongly recommend obtaining either an IDP before traveling or a temporary Indonesian SIM upon arrival.

How long does the SIM application process take?

With our assistance, the entire process can be completed in a single day. Without assistance, you may need 2-3 visits to the Satpas office over several days. The health test takes about 30 minutes, the theory exam takes 30-45 minutes, and the practical test takes 15-20 minutes.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the test after a 14-day waiting period. With our preparation materials and guidance, our clients have a 95% first-attempt pass rate. We provide a free retake accompaniment if you use our service and do not pass on the first attempt.

Is my IDP valid for renting scooters in Bali?

Yes, an IDP with motorcycle endorsement (Category A) is valid for renting scooters in Bali. However, many rental companies do not check for proper licensing. Regardless of what the rental company requires, having proper licensing is essential for your insurance coverage and legal protection.

Can I convert my foreign license to an Indonesian license?

Indonesia does not have a direct license conversion program. All foreigners must go through the standard application process including exams. However, having an existing foreign license is one of the requirements and may expedite certain administrative steps.

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