Types of Driving Licenses in Indonesia 2026: Classes, Requirements, and Fees
Published at • Pengemudi
A Surat Izin Mengemudi (SIM), or driving license, is a mandatory document for anyone driving a motor vehicle in Indonesia. Besides serving as proof of legal authorization, a SIM shows that the driver has passed the required knowledge and skills tests for a particular type of vehicle. Therefore, the license class must match the vehicle being driven, especially for professional drivers operating company vehicles, employee buses, or logistics trucks.
This article covers all types of driving licenses in Indonesia based on Police Regulation (Perpol) No. 5 of 2021, including a comparison table, minimum age requirements, and official fees applicable in 2026.
Based on Police Regulation No. 5 of 2021, driving licenses in Indonesia are divided into three categories:
Individual Driving License (SIM Perorangan), for driving privately owned or individually owned vehicles.
Public Driving License (SIM Umum), for driving public transportation vehicles or vehicles used to transport passengers and goods commercially.
International Driving License (SIM Internasional), for driving abroad.
The following table summarizes all driving license classes, the types of vehicles they cover, and the minimum applicant age.
SIM A is used to drive privately owned passenger and goods vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of 3,500 kg. This class covers most private cars, including sedans, MPVs, SUVs, and light pick-up trucks used for personal purposes. Drivers of company operational cars with black license plates generally only need a SIM A.
SIM C is divided according to motorcycle engine capacity. SIM C is for motorcycles up to 250 cc, SIM CI is for motorcycles from 250 cc to 500 cc, and SIM CII is for motorcycles above 500 cc. To upgrade to SIM CI or CII, applicants must have held the lower SIM C class for at least one year.
SIM D is intended for persons with disabilities who operate specially adapted motorcycles, while SIM DI is for specially adapted cars for persons with disabilities. These vehicles are generally modified with features such as hand-operated throttle and brake controls or adjustments to the steering system.
Read Also: Duties and Responsibilities of a Personal Driver
A SIM Umum is required for drivers operating public transportation or commercial vehicles carrying passengers and goods. The requirements are stricter than those for Individual Driving Licenses, including requirements related to age, driving experience, and competency. For companies that employ or hire drivers, understanding the differences between each SIM Umum class is important to ensure that drivers are properly licensed for the vehicles they operate.
SIM A Umum is used for public passenger and goods vehicles weighing up to 3,500 kg, such as taxis, travel cars, and city transportation vehicles. In terms of vehicle type, its coverage is similar to SIM A. The difference lies in how the vehicle is used: if the vehicle is operated for public or paid transportation, the driver is required to have a SIM A Umum.
Main requirements: minimum age of 20 years and possession of a SIM A that has been held for at least 12 months.
SIM B1 Umum is intended for drivers of public passenger and goods vehicles weighing more than 3,500 kg. Examples include tour buses, intercity buses, medium- to large-sized employee shuttle buses, and cargo trucks. This class is relevant for companies operating employee shuttle services or group transportation.
Main requirements: minimum age of 22 years and possession of either a SIM A Umum or SIM B1 that has been held for at least 12 months.
Read Also: Different Bus Capacities Explained
SIM B2 Umum is used for towing vehicles or vehicles pulling trailers or semi-trailers weighing more than 1,000 kg for public transportation purposes. Examples include container trucks, trailer trucks, and tanker trucks with trailers. This class is commonly required in the logistics, distribution, and mining sectors.
Main requirements: minimum age of 23 years and possession of either a SIM B2 or SIM B1 Umum that has been held for at least 12 months.
Drivers operating vehicles that do not correspond to their license class may be subject to traffic violations and penalties. For companies, the risks can be greater because they involve passenger and cargo safety as well as potential insurance claims in the event of an accident. Therefore, when hiring or renting a driver, make sure their SIM class matches the vehicle they operate, such as SIM A for operational cars, SIM B1 or B1 Umum for employee buses, and SIM B2 or B2 Umum for articulated trucks.
Read Also: Key Responsibilities of Company Drivers
An International Driving License (SIM Internasional) is intended for Indonesian citizens who plan to drive abroad. This license refers to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic and is valid in countries that recognize it. Holders of an International Driving License may only drive vehicles corresponding to the class of national driving license they hold.
Applicants must have a valid national driving license, a passport, and a completed application form. Applications are submitted through the official Korlantas Polri service.
An International Driving License is valid for three years, provided that the national driving license on which it is based is also still valid.
Based on Police Regulation No. 5 of 2021 and the latest Korlantas Polri requirements, applicants for a new driving license must meet four main requirements: age, administration, health, and passing the required examinations.
Original and photocopy of an E-KTP.
Registration form, which can be completed at the Satpas or through the Digital Korlantas Polri application.
Proof of active BPJS Kesehatan (JKN) membership.
Driving education and training certificate, particularly for applicants for a SIM Umum.
For license class upgrades, the previous SIM must have been held for at least 12 months.
Applicants must pass a physical health examination and a psychological test. Both can be completed around the Satpas or through official services designated by the Indonesian National Police.
Once all requirements have been fulfilled, applicants must take a theory test and practical driving test according to the SIM class they are applying for.
Driving license issuance fees are based on Government Regulation (PP) No. 76 of 2020 concerning Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP). As of 2026, these rates apply nationally and have not increased.
The fees above cover PNBP only. Applicants should also prepare for health examination, psychological test, and optional insurance costs, which may vary depending on the service location.
Making sure that a driver has the appropriate license class for the vehicle is an important part of driving safety and compliance, particularly for corporate operational needs. If you prefer not to recruit and manage drivers yourself, Prima Driver Management from PAR can be a practical solution.
Prima Driver Management provides professional driver services with officially licensed and experienced drivers, helping ensure that your business trips and daily company operations run safely and comfortably.
SIM A is used for private or individually owned cars with a maximum weight of 3,500 kg, while SIM A Umum is for vehicles with the same weight limit that are used for public or paid transportation, such as taxis and travel cars.
A bus weighing more than 3,500 kg requires a SIM B1 for individual use, or a SIM B1 Umum if it is used for public transportation, such as a tour bus or intercity bus.
Trailer trucks, articulated trucks, and towing vehicles with trailers weighing more than 1,000 kg require a SIM B2, or a SIM B2 Umum when used for public transportation.
The minimum age for SIM B1 Umum is 22 years, while the minimum age for SIM B2 Umum is 23 years. Applicants must also have held the preceding SIM class for at least 12 months.
The PNBP fee for a new SIM A is Rp120,000, while the renewal fee is Rp80,000. These amounts do not include health examination, psychological test, and insurance costs.
Yes. Based on the latest Korlantas Polri requirements, SIM applicants must provide proof of active BPJS Kesehatan (JKN) membership.
