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Can you use your international driving license in Indonesia?

For tourists and short-term visitors, a foreign driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are generally accepted for the duration of your stay in Indonesia, up to a maximum of around 90 days per entry.

Citizens of ASEAN countries are usually allowed to drive using their national driving license without an IDP. If you're not an ASEAN national, then unfortunately, you're going to need both the foreign driving license and the IDP.

Indonesian driver's license

Foreigners living in Indonesia and holding a KITAS or KITAP need to get an Indonesian driving license (SIM) 鈥� Surat Izin Mengemudi if they plan to drive regularly.

For tourists and short-term visitors, you may drive using a foreign driving license plus an International Driving Permit, but only for a limited period.

Important:

There is no single, clearly stated national regulation that says 鈥淚DPs are valid for X exact days鈥� in Indonesia. Instead, practice is based on how Indonesian police and immigration interpret the validity of your visa/stay permit, and the temporary nature of driving by non-residents.

In practice, IDP with a home license is accepted for short stays only, with most official and professional guidance converging on 鈮� 90 days. After that point, residents are expected to obtain a local SIM. This is why longer-term visitors (KITAS holders, for example) are often told they must switch to an Indonesian license, even if their IDP is still valid on paper.

Types of SIM

• SIM A: private cars
• SIM C: motorcycles

Applying for a SIM in Indonesia

If you are looking to convert your driving license from your home country to Indonesia, or want to get a license to drive in Indonesia, you can apply for a SIM. Applications are handled by the Indonesian police at the local police office (commonly referred to as polres or polresta). In many regions, applicants can pre-register online before attending in person.

Documents typically required include:

• Passport.
• Copy of passport identity page, visa and entry stamp.
• KITAS or KITAP (original and copy).
• Existing driving license (if applicable).
• Medical certificate (surat kesehatan) confirming basic fitness to drive.
• Local registration documents for foreign residents (such as SKTT, where applicable).

Applicants are generally required to pass:

• A theory test (often available in English).
• A practical driving test, particularly for first-time applicants in Indonesia.

The SIM is usually valid for up to five years, after which it must be renewed.

Important:

It costs IDR 120,000 to make a SIM A, but this may add up closer to 150,000 with fees. It's important to note that fees are frequently adjusted, with additional local admin fees applying.

General driving conditions in Indonesia

If you decide to drive in Indonesia, be prepared for hazards you may not have encountered before! These include motorcycles carrying multiple passengers or large items, street food carts stopping without warning, animals crossing the road, and vehicles merging suddenly in heavy traffic. In fact, it's just about anything you can think of.

Road junctions can be particularly challenging (especially in large cities) where congestion is common, and traffic lights are not always strictly observed. Extra caution is advised here, particularly at night.

Many streets outside of the main cities are narrow and may be partially obstructed by parked vehicles. During the rainy season, flooding is common, which inevitably affects road conditions and visibility.

Fuel prices in Indonesia remain relatively affordable at the time of writing, and toll roads are widely used around major cities and on the main routes that connect cities. Toll fees are generally low compared to international standards and can help reduce travel time.

Important:

If you want to drive but don't want to buy a car, car rental in Indonesia is relatively affordable. Most rental agencies ask that drivers be at least 21鈥�23 years old, depending on the company.

Traffic regulations in Indonesia

Indonesia follows international traffic rules and drives on the left-hand side of the road.

You should make sure your vehicle is in good condition and carries basic safety equipment. While not all items are explicitly required by national law, it's always worth having:

• A warning triangle.
• A basic first aid kit.
• A fire extinguisher.

Foreign drivers must be able to present:

• A valid driving license (see below).
• Vehicle registration documents.
• Valid motor vehicle insurance (at least third-party insurance).

Speed limits and safety rules in Indonesia

Speed limits vary depending on road type and location:

• Urban areas: usually around 50 km/h
• Intercity roads: up to 80 km/h
• Highways and toll roads: up to 100 km/h in some sections

Speed limits are enforced through police checks and, in some areas, fixed or mobile speed monitoring.

Seat belts are mandatory for both the driver and front-seat passenger. Although rear seat belts and child safety seats are not uniformly regulated nationwide, every person in the car is strongly advised to wear seat belts (where available). Meanwhile, parents who are traveling with young children should request appropriate child seats when renting a vehicle.

Driving under the influence in Indonesia

Indonesia applies very strict rules on driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The tolerated blood alcohol level is extremely low, to the point where you should just assume a zero-tolerance policy.

Penalties for drink driving include heavy fines, detention, license suspension, and, for foreigners, possible immigration consequences. To reiterate, driving after consuming alcohol is strongly discouraged.

Useful phrases in Indonesian for foreign drivers

• My car broke down 鈥� Mobil saya mogok
• I have a flat tire 鈥� Ban saya kempes
• I had an accident 鈥� Saya mengalami kecelakaan
• Where is the police station? 鈥� Di mana kantor polisi?
• Where can I buy petrol? 鈥� Di mana saya bisa membeli bensin?

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