Types and Classes of the Driving Licence (SIM)
A complete guide to private and commercial SIM classes in Indonesia and the vehicles each class is intended for.
Definition and Classes of SIM
The SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi — the Indonesian driving licence) is proof of registration and identification granted by Polri (the Indonesian National Police) to a person who has met the administrative requirements, is physically and mentally fit, understands traffic regulations, and is skilled in operating a motor vehicle.
SIM classes are divided into two broad groups: SIM Perseorangan (private SIM) for personal vehicles, and SIM Umum (commercial SIM) for vehicles used to carry people or goods for payment.
Private SIM Classes
| Class | Intended for | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| SIM A | Private passenger cars and goods vehicles with a maximum permitted laden weight (JBB) not exceeding 3.500 kg | 17 years |
| SIM B I | Private passenger cars and goods vehicles with a JBB exceeding 3.500 kg | 20 years |
| SIM B II | Private heavy equipment vehicles, tractor units, or motor vehicles with a semi-trailer or trailer | 21 years |
| SIM C | Motorcycles with an engine cylinder capacity of up to 250 cc | 17 years |
| SIM C I | Motorcycles with an engine cylinder capacity above 250 cc and up to 500 cc | 18 years |
| SIM C II | Motorcycles with an engine cylinder capacity above 500 cc | 19 years |
| SIM D | Motorcycles for riders with disabilities (equivalent to SIM C) | 17 years |
| SIM D I | Cars for drivers with disabilities (equivalent to SIM A) | 17 years |
Commercial SIM Classes
A SIM Umum must be held by drivers of public motor vehicles, that is, vehicles used to carry people or goods for payment. A SIM Umum cannot be applied for directly without prior experience of holding a private SIM in the class below it.
| Class | Intended for | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| SIM A Umum | Commercial passenger cars and goods vehicles with a JBB not exceeding 3.500 kg | 20 years |
| SIM B I Umum | Commercial passenger cars and goods vehicles with a JBB exceeding 3.500 kg | 22 years |
| SIM B II Umum | Tractor units or commercial motor vehicles with a semi-trailer or trailer | 23 years |
Validity Period
Every class of SIM is valid for 5 years from the date of issue and may be renewed. A SIM that has passed its validity period cannot be renewed, so the applicant must follow the procedure for issuing a new SIM, including the tests.
Note for Applicants in Central Kalimantan
SIM classes and minimum ages apply nationally. What differs between regions is service availability: not every Satpas (the police driving licence issuing office) in Central Kalimantan handles the tests for all classes, particularly SIM B II and the commercial classes. Confirm with your intended Satpas before you come, especially if you are travelling from a regency far from the provincial capital.
Required Documents
- Original KTP (Kartu Tanda Penduduk — the Indonesian national identity card) of the applicant
- Minimum age limit according to the SIM class
Fee Breakdown & Legal Basis
| Fee Component | Category & Authority | Amount | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM Class Information | PNBP (central government) | Depends on the SIM class | PP No. 76 Tahun 2020 tentang Jenis dan Tarif atas Jenis PNBP pada Polri |
- UU No. 22 Tahun 2009 tentang Lalu Lintas dan Angkutan Jalan (Law No. 22/2009 on Road Traffic and Transport)
- Peraturan Kepolisian (Perpol) No. 5 Tahun 2021 tentang Penerbitan dan Penandaan SIM (National Police Regulation No. 5/2021 on the Issuance and Marking of Driving Licences)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between SIM A and SIM C?
SIM A is intended for private passenger and goods vehicles with a maximum permitted laden weight of 3.500 kg, while SIM C is for motorcycles.
Are there sub-classes within SIM C?
Yes. SIM C is divided into SIM C (up to 250cc), SIM C I (250cc - 500cc), and SIM C II (above 500cc).
What is the minimum age to hold a private SIM A?
The minimum age for a private SIM A is 17 years.