How to Order Indonesian Driving License Online: Quick and Simple Tips

Okay, guys, so I’ve been in Indonesia for a while now, and I finally decided it was time to get my hands on an Indonesian driving license, or as they call it, a SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi). I figured, why not share my experience with you all? It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, but it definitely had its moments.

Getting Started

First things first, I learned that if you’re a foreigner and you’re planning to stay in Indonesia for more than six months, you really need to get a local driving license. Made sense to me, as I was planning on sticking around for a while. I did some digging online to figure out what I needed to do.

Gathering Documents

Next up, I had to gather a bunch of documents. This was probably the most tedious part of the whole process. I made sure to follow a guide I found online, which was pretty helpful. It listed everything I needed, so I just went through it one by one.

• Passport and valid visa: Obviously, they needed to see that I was in the country legally.
• Temporary Residence Permit (KITAS): Since I had a long-stay visa.
• Medical certificate: I had to get a health check-up from a local clinic to prove I was fit to drive.
• Photos: Some passport-sized photos with a red background. I got these done at a local photo studio.

The Application Process

With all my documents in hand, I headed to the local police station that handles driving licenses. I had heard that it was best to go early in the morning to avoid long lines, so that’s what I did. It was a bit chaotic, but I managed to find the right counter and submitted my application.

I had to fill out a form with my details. It was mostly straightforward, but there were a few parts where I needed help from the officer. Thankfully, he was patient and helped me through it. Then came the waiting. They told me to come back in a few days to take the tests.

Taking the Tests

A few days later, I returned to the police station for the tests. There were two parts: a written test and a practical driving test.

• Written Test: This was a multiple-choice test on Indonesian traffic rules. I had studied a bit beforehand using some online resources, and it wasn’t too bad. I think I got most of them right.
• Practical Test: This was a bit more nerve-wracking. I had to drive around a course they had set up, demonstrating various maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. I made a few mistakes, but the instructor was pretty lenient.

Getting the License

After what felt like an eternity, I passed both tests! I was so relieved. They took my photo and fingerprints, and I had to pay a fee. Then, they told me to wait a bit while they processed everything.

Finally, after about an hour, they handed me my brand new Indonesian driving license! It was such a great feeling to finally have it. Now I can legally drive around and explore this beautiful country without any worries.

Final Thoughts

Overall, getting an Indonesian driving license was quite an adventure. It had its challenges, but it was definitely worth it. If you’re a foreigner planning to stay in Indonesia for a while, I highly recommend going through this process. It might seem daunting at first, but if you prepare well and follow the steps, you’ll be just fine. And trust me, the freedom of being able to drive around legally is totally worth the effort!

Hope this helps anyone who’s in the same boat. Drive safe, everyone!