Obtaining a DRIVER’s LICENSE

If you have a KITAS or KITAP, although restricted in number, you can apply for a driver’s license (SIM/Surat Ijin Mengemudi) in Indonesia. A driver’s licence to drive a car has a symbol A on the top right, whereas a C driver’s licence is used to drive a motorcycle. The law requires that you are 17 years old or older in order to be able to apply. The steps usually involve a written test and a driving test.

To obtain the licence, you need to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Semarang and perofrm a written test and actual driving test with a car or motorcycle that may be borrowed from a friend. Some departments may have vehicles ready for you to borrow.

To obtain a licence, you need to bring your:

1. Original passport
2. Original valid KITAS (Temporary StayPermit) card
3. Valid driver’s license, foreign or international driver’s license (as applicable)
4. Photocopies of your identity, entry stamp, and valid visa pages in your passport
5. Photocopy of your KITAS card
6. Photocopy of your current driver’s license (from your home country)
7. Doctor’s note of good health
8. An eye examination and finger prints sample will be performed before you are given your licence.