Free tool
Can youRIDE?in Bali, legally
Answer four quick questions and get an honest read on whether you would be riding a scooter in Bali legally and insured. This is general information, not legal advice.
Your result
You would not be riding legally
Indonesia requires a home motorcycle licence AND an International Driving Permit that covers motorcycles. Without both, police can fine you at checkpoints and, more importantly, your travel insurance will almost certainly not pay out for an accident. A car and driver or Grab/Gojek is the safer call.
- You said you do not hold a motorcycle licence at home. A car licence is not enough to ride a scooter legally in Indonesia.
- You said you do not have an International Driving Permit covering motorcycles. Police at checkpoints do fine tourists riding without one.
- You are not sure about your insurance. Read the policy wording: many exclude motorbike accidents unless you hold the correct licence.
- You said you have not ridden before. Bali traffic is busy and unpredictable, and it is not the place to learn.
- Whatever you decide: wear a proper helmet, avoid riding at night or after drinking, and remember scooter accidents are the most common serious injury for tourists in Bali.
This tool gives general information based on your answers, not legal or insurance advice. Verify the current rules with official sources and read your own policy.
Riding or not, a Goodbars eSIM keeps your maps and Grab working across Bali. See eSIM plans
Common questions
Do I need a licence to ride a scooter in Bali?
Yes. To ride legally in Indonesia a foreigner needs a motorcycle licence from home plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) that includes the motorcycle category. A car licence alone is not enough, and police do fine tourists at checkpoints.
Will my travel insurance cover a scooter accident in Bali?
Often only if you hold the correct licence and IDP. Many policies exclude motorbike accidents outright, or void cover if you were riding illegally. Read your policy wording before you ride, because medical and evacuation costs can be enormous.
What happens if I ride without the right licence?
Police at checkpoints can issue on-the-spot fines, and if you have an accident your insurer can refuse the claim, leaving you to pay medical and repair costs yourself. Riding legally is about the insurance as much as the fine.
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali as a beginner?
It is risky. Bali traffic is dense and unpredictable, and scooter accidents are the most common serious injury for tourists. If you have never ridden, a car and driver or ride-hailing is usually the safer choice.
What is an International Driving Permit?
An IDP is an official translation of your home licence, issued in your own country before you travel. For scooters it must include the motorcycle category, and it is only valid alongside your actual home licence, so carry both.