Indonesia Driving Licence : Driving licences in Indonesia are issued by the local Police Traffic Units (Satlantas). Here is an overview:
Types of Licences
- Indonesian Driving Licence – For Indonesian citizens and residents to drive in Indonesia.
- International Driving Permit – For foreign nationals visiting Indonesia to drive with their native licence.
Minimum Driving Age
| Licence Type | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle | 17 years |
| Car | 17 years |
| Commercial Vehicle | 20 years |
Licence Categories
- A – Motorcycle
- B1 – Sedan/hatchback cars
- B2 – Minibus
- C – Truck
- D – Bus
Licence Validity
- 5 years for regular licences
- 3 years for commercial vehicle licences
Obtaining a New Indonesian Driving Licence
To obtain your first Indonesian driving licence:
Eligibility
You must:
- Meet the minimum age requirement
- Pass the medical exam
- Pass the driving test
- Submit completed application
Required Documents
- Medical certificate
- Identity card
- Passport photos
Steps
- Take medical exam at approved clinic.
- Take computerized theory test at Satlantas.
- Upon passing, take practical driving test.
- Submit licence application with documents and fees.
- New licence will be issued within 5 working days if approved.
Renewing an Indonesian Driving Licence
Indonesian driving licences must be renewed before expiration:
Renewal Period
- Regular licences expire after 5 years.
- Commercial licences expire after 3 years.
Renewal Process
- Submit renewal application at Satlantas before expiry.
- Complete new medical certificate.
- Provide updated photos.
- Pay renewal fee.
- New licence will be printed.
Expired Licences
- It is illegal to drive using an expired licence.
- Licences expired 3+ years require retaking the exams.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Indonesian Licence
If your Indonesian driving licence is lost or stolen:
Reporting
- File a report with the police about the missing licence.
Application
- Apply for replacement licence at Satlantas with:
- Police report
- New medical certificate
- ID and photos
- Processing fee
Duplicate Licence
- A duplicate licence will be reissued with same details and validity.
Changing Your Address on an Indonesian Licence
When you change residence in Indonesia, update your driving licence:
Notification
- Inform Satlantas of new address within 30 days.
Application
- Submit to Satlantas:
- Application for address change
- Proof of new address
- Current driving licence
- Applicable fee
Updated Licence
- You will receive a reprinted card showing your new address.
- Driving with an outdated address can result in fines.
Taking the Driving Exam for an Indonesian Licence
To obtain an Indonesian driving licence, you must pass a driving exam:
Theory Test
- Computer-based multiple choice test on road signs and traffic rules.
- Offered in Indonesian, English, and Japanese.
- Passing score is 80% – valid for 6 months.
Practical Test
- Assess actual driving skills on test route.
- Includes parking maneuvers, lane changes, 3-point turn.
- Points deducted for errors.
- Passing score permits licence issuance.
Traffic Fines and Penalties in Indonesia
Driving violations may result in fines, imprisonment, and licence suspension:
Common Offences and Fines
- Speeding – IDR 250,000
- Running Red Light – IDR 300,000
- No Valid Licence – IDR 500,000
- No Helmet on Motorcycle – IDR 250,000
Serious Offences
- Drunk Driving – IDR 1,000,000 fine and imprisonment up to 6 months
- Reckless Driving – IDR 750,000 and licence suspension
- Hit and Run – Licence revocation + imprisonment up to 5 years
FAQs on Indonesia Driving Licence
1. How do I convert my foreign licence to an Indonesian licence?
You will have to take the exams and apply for an Indonesian licence from the start. Licences are not transferred.
2. Can I drive in Indonesia with just an International Permit?
No, an IDP is only valid with your original native driver’s licence.
3. Are there restrictions on female drivers?
No, there are no special restrictions on female drivers in Indonesia.
4. What vehicles can you drive with B1 licence?
An Indonesian B1 licence covers cars/sedans less than 3,500 kg GVW and with less than 8 seats.
5. Is an Indonesian licence valid in other ASEAN countries?
Under ASEAN agreements, an Indonesian licence may be valid for short visits to certain countries. Check reciprocal agreements.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding Indonesia’s driver’s licence rules and procedures is essential for staying legal on the roads. Always follow the proper application, renewal, and update processes to avoid issues driving in Indonesia.