Motorcycle License in Indonesia: What Expats and Tourists Need to Know

Everything you need before you ride two wheels in Indonesia.

Riding a motorcycle in Indonesia can be an exciting and efficient way to get around, especially if you’re based in a vibrant city like Jakarta or Bali. For expats and long-term visitors, the freedom of two wheels offers convenience, flexibility and a unique way to explore your new home.

However, navigating the local regulations, licenses and practicalities is essential before you hit the road. This guide covers everything from what licenses you’ll need, what the process looks like, and key tips to stay safe and legal on Indonesian roads.

Also read: A Complete Guide to the Cost of Living in Jakarta for Expats

Types of Licenses and What They Mean

In Indonesia, driving authorisations are handled under the system called SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi) for residents and a mix of other arrangements for foreigners. For motorcycles, the relevant category is SIM C (and its variants) for local residents.

For foreigners and tourists, things are a bit more complex. If you’re just visiting or renting a bike, you may rely on an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country license, but this does not always equate to full legal compliance. On the other hand, if you hold a residence permit (such as KITAS or KITAP) and intend to stay longer, you may be eligible to apply for a local Indonesian license including the motorcycle category.

Therefore, the first step is to identify your status: Are you a tourist renting for a short stay, or an expat planning a longer-term stay, and which vehicle class you intend to ride? This will determine whether you should rely on an IDP, convert to a local license, or avoid riding altogether until you are fully compliant.

What You Need to Know Before Applying

If you are staying in Indonesia under a residential permit and wish to get a local motorcycle license, you need to keep in mind several requirements. Some of the common requirements include a valid foreign passport, the correct visa or stay permit, health and psychological checks, and passing a theoretical and practical test.

The minimum age to hold a motorcycle license is generally 17 years old in Indonesia. Another important point: your home-country license should be valid and (in cases) officially translated or accompanied by an IDP. Without doing so, you risk fines, being uninsured or exposing yourself to legal consequences.

From a practical perspective, the process for foreigners usually goes like this: submit your documents at the local police licensing office (Satpas), take the health/psychological checks, pass the theoretical exam (often in Bahasa Indonesia or bilingual), and sometimes a practical test. For motorcycles specifically, you would apply for SIM C (or its foreign-resident equivalent).

Renting vs. Owning: What’s the Difference

For many expats, riding a rented scooter or motorbike is the most convenient approach. If you’re only in Indonesia for a short time (for example, a few months) and plan to ride regularly, you must ensure your documentation aligns. In tourist destinations like Bali, rental companies will request both your home country licencs and an IDP.

On the other hand, if you’re residing in Indonesia and considering buying or leasing a motorcycle under your name, you will usually need the local license (SIM C) and proof of registration (STNK) and ownership.

Key Steps for Expats to Obtain a Motorcycle License

Getting a motorcycle license in Indonesia might sound intimidating at first, but with the right preparation and understanding of the process, it’s actually quite straightforward. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the city where you apply, Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, or others, but the general process remains the same. Below is a detailed walkthrough to help you get your license legally and confidently.

1. Verify your residency and eligibility

Before you start, it’s important to identify your status in Indonesia. If you’re here on a KITAS (temporary stay permit) or KITAP (permanent stay permit), you are officially eligible to apply for an Indonesian driving license, known as SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi).

Tourists or short-term visitors, on the other hand, are generally not eligible for a local SIM unless they convert their stay permit or extend their stay for several months. If you’re only in Indonesia temporarily, the best option is to use your home country motorcycle license along with an International Driving Permit (IDP) that explicitly covers motorcycles.

Applying for a local SIM C (motorcycle license) without the proper visa or permit is not possible, so make sure your immigration documents are valid and up to date before heading to the police licensing office.

2. Gather the required documents

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to collect all necessary documents. These will be reviewed at the local Satpas (Satuan Penyelenggara Administrasi SIM), or the Indonesian National Police licensing office. You’ll typically need the following:

• A valid passport with your current Indonesian visa or stay permit (KITAS/KITAP)
• A copy of your resident registration (STM) or domicile letter showing your local address
• A health certificate issued by an authorized clinic
• Your home country driving license (if available) and an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Passport-sized photographs (though some Satpas offices will take your photo digitally on-site)

It’s a good idea to make multiple photocopies of each document and bring both the originals and copies, as you may need to submit them to different counters during the process.

3. Undergo health and psychological checks

All license applicants in Indonesia must pass a basic health and psychological assessment. These tests are usually conducted in small clinics located near or within the Satpas office complex.

The health test includes a simple eye exam, blood pressure check, and sometimes a brief physical assessment to ensure you can safely operate a vehicle. The psychological evaluation is usually a short computer-based test with questions about reaction time and decision-making.

The total cost for both assessments is typically between IDR 50,000 and IDR 100,000, and the process rarely takes more than 30 minutes. Once completed, you’ll receive certificates that must be submitted along with your other documents.

4. Take the theoretical and practical exams

After submitting your paperwork and passing the health tests, it’s time for the exams. Indonesia requires both theoretical and practical tests for motorcycle licenses.

Theory test

The theory test usually consists of multiple-choice questions about traffic signs, speed limits, safety rules, and basic riding etiquette. It’s often conducted on a computer, and while most questions are in Bahasa Indonesia, many Satpas offices now provide bilingual or English-language options for foreign applicants.

To prepare, it’s worth studying a translated version of the Indonesian traffic code or taking an online mock test. Some driving schools in areas like Bali, Jakarta, or Surabaya even offer short preparatory sessions for foreigners

Practical test

The practical exam involves demonstrating your ability to ride safely and control your motorcycle through a series of maneuvers, such as figure-eights, narrow paths, and controlled braking. The test can be tricky for first-timers, so practicing beforehand is highly recommended. If you fail on your first try, don’t worry, you can retake the test after a few days.

5. Pay the official fees and collect your license

Once you’ve successfully passed the exams, you’ll proceed to pay the official licensing fees. For a motorcycle license (SIM C), the fee is relatively affordable around IDR 100,000 to IDR150,000, depending on the region.

After payment, your data will be processed, and you’ll be asked to take an official photo and fingerprint scan. The license is typically printed and issued on the same day or within a few working days, depending on the workload at your local Satpas.

A SIM C license is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed. Renewals are usually simpler and faster since you don’t have to retake the written or practical exams.

6. Consider using a driving agent or school

If you’re not fluent in Bahasa Indonesia or prefer a more guided experience, you can use the services of a driving agent or driving school that specializes in helping foreigners. These agencies handle paperwork, testing appointments, and translation support for an additional service fee, typically between IDR500,000 and IDR1,000,000.

While it’s not mandatory, many expats find it worth the cost, as it significantly simplifies the process and saves time navigating local bureaucracy.

7. Stay legal and responsible

Once you’ve obtained your license, always make sure to carry it when riding, along with your STNK (vehicle registration) and proof of insurance. Police in Indonesia conduct random traffic checks, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Bali, Yogyakarta, or central Jakarta.

Riding without a valid license can lead to on-the-spot fines ranging from IDR 250,000 to IDR 1,000,000, and more importantly, invalidate your insurance coverage in case of an accident. Owning the proper license isn’t just about following the law, it’s also about ensuring your safety and peace of mind on the road.

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If you’re an expat or tourist planning to ride a motorcycle in Indonesia, taking the time to understand the regulations, obtain the correct license and insurance, and ride responsibly will pay dividends. Whether you’re cruising around Jakarta’s city streets or exploring scenic islands, being legal gives you peace of mind and keeps you free from fines or complications.

When you’ve settled into your life in Indonesia, you’ll find riding a motorbike can be more than just convenient, it becomes one of the ways you engage with your surroundings, connect with local culture and enjoy freedom on the road. So before you rev the engine, make sure you’re covered, compliant and ready to enjoy the ride.

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