Driver’s License in Indonesia for Motorbikes and Cars
Currently, the requirements for foreign drivers (especially for Russian-speaking drivers) have significantly increased.
There is a serious consideration on the island to prohibit foreigners from renting scooters and motorcycles, allowing us only to use local taxis and designated tourist transport. Raids and spontaneous checks on the roads are being conducted, particularly in tourist areas like Badung, specifically Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua.
This initiative is undoubtedly unfortunate, but its reasons are understandable:
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Record Traffic Jams: The number of people visiting after the COVID pandemic is increasing. At its peak, traffic jams reached truly alarming levels, especially in major tourist locations.
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Many Training Centers: Russian individuals are opening small schools without paying taxes and engaging in illegal business activities. To learn how to legalize your business in Bali, read HERE - Legalization in Bali - https://bali-legal.com/en/legalizaciya-na-bali-en.
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Frequent Violations of Traffic Rules on Motorbikes.
What Requirements Does Indonesia Impose on Motorcycle/Scooter Drivers?
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1. Follow Traffic Rules. The main rules include:
Do not run red lights.
Do not cross the stop line at intersections.
Wear upper clothing while riding a motorcycle. A T-shirt is sufficient, but a bare torso is not allowed.
No more than two people may ride on one motorcycle at the same time.
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2. Always Wear a Helmet: Always wear a protective helmet when riding around the island, even for short distances. If you are not wearing a helmet, you are more likely to be stopped and have your documents checked.
Responsibility for these violations is outlined in Articles 289, 291, and 292, resulting in imprisonment for up to 1 month or a fine of up to 250,000 IDR. Of course, most people just receive a fine. Nevertheless, DO NOT BREAK THE RULES — this is the simplest advice!
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3. Driving Without Vehicle Documents or Driver's License: This is the most serious issue, as it carries the harshest penalties.
If you are driving without a license, the responsibility is covered under Article 281, resulting in imprisonment for up to 4 months or a fine of up to 1,000,000 IDR.
ADVICE!
Do not pay attention to how locals drive and what rules they follow. They will not be stopped because we are perceived as wealthy individuals (that's what they think here), while they are not. Most importantly, THEY ARE AT HOME, AND WE ARE HERE AS GUESTS!
Get a driver's license for a bike or car in 1 day without exams
Get rid of the risk of getting a fine when stopped by the police (from 35 - 70 USD).
Valid in 10 more Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, etc.
Simplify travel between the islands of Indonesia and on long trips.
What Driver's Licenses Are Accepted in Indonesia and How to Obtain Them
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INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE
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How Driver's Licenses Should Look (in Booklet Form for Russian Citizens)
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ATTENTION!!!
In the example, I intentionally included a common mistake that many make. This is a driver's license for category B (automobile). Until recently, Indonesian police did not differentiate between categories on licenses and considered such a document valid. Now, you must have a mark for category A (motorcycles) on your license. Only these licenses are accepted.
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LOCAL DRIVER'S LICENSE
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Surprisingly, you can obtain a local driver's license without taking any exams or proving your qualifications. They are issued to holders of a KITAS without a sponsor (what is KITAS can be read here - KITAS Company - https://bali-legal.com/en/kitas-company-en) or to newcomers with any visa who have a local sponsor.
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Interestingly, many people get licenses for both a car (if they plan to rent one) and a motorcycle at the same time.
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Local licenses are valid not only in Indonesia but also in the territories of the so-called "friendly ten" Asian countries: Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines.
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This is a photo from Thailand's Traffic Police, confirming this fact.
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HOW TO OBTAIN A LOCAL DRIVER'S LICENSE?
With the right approach, you can obtain a driver's license in Indonesia in just one day and avoid fines, prison sentences, the need to explain yourself to local law enforcement, and defend yourself in court.
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Submit an application on the website;
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Receive a consultation from our manager;
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Fill out the questionnaire and make the payment;
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Arrive at the police station at the scheduled time;
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Our representative will meet you and assist with all procedures;
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Receive your driver's license!
You do not need to undergo psychological stability tests, vision checks, make copies of documents, stand in lines, or take a final exam...
After your identity is verified, the documents will be sent for printing, and in about 15 minutes—usually without waiting in line—you will receive your driver's license, which will look like this:
THAT SAME DAY – YOU BECOME A LEGAL PARTICIPANT IN ROAD TRAFFIC!
How much does it cost?
If we show respect for the country we live in by adhering to its laws, customs, and regulations, we will earn respect in return. Let's commit to following traffic rules in Indonesia. By doing so, we can reduce the number of road checks and eliminate the fines that local police rely on for income.