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Driving licenceIndonesia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Indonesia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Indonesia

15. Driving licence

A driving licence is an official document authorising a person to drive one or more specified categories of motor vehicle. It may contain conditions, restrictions, category codes and expiry dates that determine which vehicles the holder may drive.

Drivers must hold a licence that is valid for the vehicle category and jurisdiction concerned. A licence may be provisional, full, restricted, suspended or withdrawn, and additional qualifications may be required for professional driving.

Front of an Indonesian driving licence.
Wikimedia.org • CC BY-SA
Which driving-licence entitlement is needed for an ordinary car in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, an ordinary private car is generally covered by SIM A, subject to applicable licensing conditions. A different entitlement may be needed for motorcycles, heavy vehicles, trailers or passenger transport.

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • Indonesia — Act Articles 77–85; SIM A and treaty-based foreign recognition

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • BPK — Law 6/2023, Article 55, amendments to Act 22/2009

Can a visitor drive in Indonesia using a driving licence issued abroad?

Recognition depends on where the licence was issued, the category, its validity and the visitor’s status or length of stay. Check the local licensing authority before driving; temporary residence or employment can change the conditions.

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • Indonesia — Act Articles 77–85; SIM A and treaty-based foreign recognition

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • BPK — Law 6/2023, Article 55, amendments to Act 22/2009

Does an International Driving Permit replace the original licence in Indonesia?

No. An International Driving Permit accompanies the underlying valid driving licence; it does not replace it. Carry both when using an IDP, and check which permit or translation is accepted for your licence and visit.

🔗 gov.uk • UK Government, IDPs and underlying driving licences

1 Indonesia 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bridge 5 Toll road 6 Slope 7 Roundabout 8 Pedestrian crossing 9 Railway crossing 10 Turn prohibition 11 School area 12 Curve 13 Priority at the next junction 14 Traffic lights 15 Driving licence 16 Parking 17 No parking 18 No stopping 19 Reversing 20 U-turn 21 Uncontrolled crossroad 22 Licence plate 23 Bus 24 Police 25 Ambulance 26 Pothole 27 Path 28 Particulates 29 Air pollution 30 Rush hour 31 Road code 32 Street gutter 33 Cargo bike 34 Forestry vehicle 35 Construction vehicle 36 Semi-trailer truck 37 Trolleybus 38 Speed pedelec 39 Delivery vehicle 40 Idling 41 Tow truck 42 Four-wheel drive 43 Bicycle 44 Motorcycle equipment 45 Rail track 46 Caravan 47 Trailer 48 Tow hitch 49 Fire truck 50 Siren 51 Convoy 52 Emergency vehicle lighting 53 Agricultural machinery 54 Electric bicycle 55 Electric vehicle 56 Pedelec 57 Quadricycle 58 Microcar 59 All-terrain vehicle 60 Van 61 Recreational vehicle 62 Scooter 63 Trikke 64 Personal mobility device 65 Skateboard 66 Segway 67 Kick scooter 68 Roller skates 69 Mailman 70 Hitchhiker 71 Toddler 72 Child 73 Disability 74 Rickshaw 75 Motorail 76 km/h 77 mph 78 Speedometer 79 Ride height 80 Dirt road 81 Driving 82 Start-stop system 83 Manual transmission 84 Automatic transmission 85 Throttle 86 Tachometer 87 Steering wheel 88 Power steering 89 Visual scanning 90 Mirror 91 Fuel 92 Fuel gauge 93 Petrol 94 Diesel 95 Diesel exhaust fluid 96 Car insurance 97 First aid kit 98 Fire extinguisher 99 High-visibility clothing 100 First aid ...