Thread: Drivers License

Hi - How do I get a local drivers license?

Thanks

How do you apply for a motor bike licence in Bali if you have a Kitas? And how often does it have to be renewed?

I am currently in negotiation for a job in Bali, and I am waiting on a contract. It will be legitimate employment with proper visas etc so I am not worried about that side of things but I am worried about riding a scooter as I do not have a motor bike licence in Australia (yet). I will look to buy a scooter in Bali, I am not interested in riding a motorbike, but believe that I will need a motorbike licence for scooters over 50cc and from what I have read most scooters are over 100cc's.

I am about to do the Driver Safe course in Adelaide (next weekend) to get my Learner's Permit. At this stage I am looking at moving to Bali in April next year so I dont think that I will leave enough time to get my P's - let alone a full licence - in Australia before I move to Bali. But I am going to get the process started (and also hopefully learn lots of priceless skills at the course) and I can then apply for my P's and then eventually a full licence when I fly back to Adelaide to visit..

I also dont have any details about the travel/health insurance provider or the policy fineprint yet that my future employer will pay for as the policy details will be included with my forthcoming contract.. I have used 1Cover in the past for holidays to Bali (havent actually driven a scooter in Bali, have only been a passenger) and the fine print reads that to be covered for insurance for scooters over 50cc you must either have a motorbike licence in your home country or in the country of travel. So without the travel/health insurance fineprint I am using 1Cover's policy as a guide.

As mentioned above, I dont think that I will have time to get my full licence in Australia before April (will ask more questions at the course next week about how long the process takes etc) so I am thinking that I will only be able to use the "licenced in the country of travel" option to be covered.

Thanks in advance for any comments. I understand the risks of travelling by scooter/motorbike in Bali - the statistics are bloody scary - but I will need to go by scooter to work each day so I am trying to find out as much info as possiible and do all of the right things to minimise any risks (and to make sure that I will be covered by insurance if anything - touchwood - bad should happen).

I think it is probably worth your effort to to get yor license by next April if you possibly can, then get an International license based on that. This would have you fixed up for your first 12 months in Bali. If you are staying longer than that, then getting a Bali license may be a good idea, but you can jump that hurdle when you reach it.

A license for a Kitas holder lasts for 1 year

I wouldn't waste your time and money getting your license in Australia when it will only cost you around RP 250,000 to get one here. I didn't even sit a test to get mine and even if they do make you take one all it requires you to do is drive around the block and back.

So my options are to try and fast track the Australian licence and get an International Licence (and renew it each year) OR if its not possible due to time constraints I can apply for a local licence for Rp250,000 (also to be renewed each year). Thanks - both answers are very helpful!

ronb, the employment contract would be for 2 years, possibly 3.

BKT, yes, it is expensive to get an Australian licence. The "Rider Safe"course, which in Adelaide is a mandatory 2 day course/lesson to get your Learner's Permit, has cost me AU$360. But... I am looking at it from the perspective that it is priceless training/advice for me as I only have a small amount of experience with scooters and have never ridden a motorbike (except as a passenger) so I feel that I need to do SOMETHING before I move to Bali..

Thanks again for your help. I have been reading this forum in the background for a few months now and have found it really useful. I have local friends in Bali that have been giving me advice but it is great to read from the perspective of expats. I am sure once I receive the employment contract I will (many) more questions..

...I only have a small amount of experience with scooters and have never ridden a motorbike (except as a passenger)...

Riding a scooter/motorbike or driving a car here, especially if you are inexperienced, is extremely dangerous.

I'm just mentioning this because there has recently been a spate of fatal accidents here, some involving westerners.
IMHO, Bali is not the place to test your newly-acquired skills (or lack of them).

I wish you all the very best.

Well I'm not sure what's involved in a "Riders Safe" course but I guess the only thing it will hurt is your wallet. If you don't feel confident then go for it.

I had never ridden a scooter or a bike before I came here either, I was a little nervous at first but after 5 minutes I was whizzing in and out of traffic and over taking cars with traffic coming the other way. I guess it all comes down to the individual

When I first moved to Bali I had a local friend teach me how to drive a scooter, every day for a few hours a day, for a week. We would go to quiet areas for me to practise. It helped a lot, not only to learn how to drive the scooter, but also to get used to the conditions of the road & other drivers and also to get familiar with the area and getting from place to place. By the end I felt much more confident driving and knew how to get around. I also got a tourist driver's licence every month, sometimes it's fast, sometimes you have to wait around for a while, but the process is pretty straight forward and efficient.