MyGlob Editorial
There's no better feeling of freedom in Bali than hopping on a scooter and weaving through rice fields to a hidden beach. But behind that easygoing image is a legal reality many visitors overlook: to ride a scooter or drive a car in Bali, you must hold a valid licence for that vehicle, and for most foreign tourists that means carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with your home country licence. Skipping it can cost you a fine, derail your trip, and, most seriously, leave you uninsured if anything goes wrong. This guide explains what the IDP is, why it's effectively mandatory, and how to get and use one properly in 2026.
What an International Driving Permit actually is
An International Driving Permit is an official translation of your existing national driving licence into multiple languages, recognised under international conventions. It is not a standalone licence: it only validates the licence you already hold back home, and it must always be carried together with that original licence. You apply for it in your own country before you travel, usually through an authorised automobile association or government body. It cannot replace having a genuine licence, and crucially, it must cover the right vehicle category.
Why you need it to rent (and ride) a scooter in Bali
Indonesian law requires drivers to hold a valid licence for the class of vehicle they operate. For a motorbike or scooter, that means your home licence must include a motorcycle entitlement, and your IDP must reflect that same motorcycle category. A standard car licence does not legally permit you to ride a scooter, even a small one. Many tourists ride anyway, but doing so without the correct licence and IDP is illegal, and Bali's police regularly run checks, particularly in tourist areas.
The insurance trap that catches travellers out
This is the part people regret missing. Most travel insurance policies will only cover a scooter or motorbike accident if you were riding legally, meaning with the correct licence category and a valid IDP, and usually only if you were wearing a helmet. Scooter accidents are unfortunately common in Bali, and medical treatment or evacuation can be extremely expensive. If you were riding without the right documents, your insurer can refuse the claim entirely, leaving you to pay out of pocket. The IDP is cheap insurance against a potentially ruinous bill.
How to get an International Driving Permit
Arrange your IDP before you leave home, because you generally cannot obtain a valid one once you've arrived in Bali. The process is usually simple: apply through the authorised issuing organisation in your country (often a national automobile association), provide your valid driving licence, a passport-style photo, and the fee, and ensure the permit lists the vehicle categories you intend to drive, especially the motorcycle category. The IDP is valid for a limited period, so check its expiry covers your whole trip. Carry it alongside, never instead of, your original licence.
At the police checkpoint: what to expect
Police checks on scooter riders are routine in Bali. If you're stopped, you'll typically be asked for your licence, IDP, and the vehicle's registration. If your papers are in order, helmet on, you'll usually be waved through quickly. If they're not, you can face an on-the-spot fine. Always carry the original documents, keep digital copies as backup, and don't rely on talking your way out, since the simplest protection is simply having the correct paperwork.
Renting safely and riding responsibly
When you rent, choose a reputable operator, inspect the scooter, photograph any existing damage, and confirm what the rental includes. Always wear a proper helmet, and ideally bring or buy one that fits well. Bali's roads can be chaotic: heavy traffic in the south, narrow rural lanes, sudden rain, and unfamiliar local riding habits. If you've never ridden a scooter, Bali's busy roads are not the place to learn. Ride defensively, avoid riding at night in unlit areas, and never ride after drinking.
Alternatives if you don't have the right licence
If you don't hold a motorcycle licence or didn't arrange an IDP, you have plenty of legal options. Hire a private driver for the day, which is affordable and lets you relax and take photos; use ride-hailing apps and local taxis for shorter hops; or join organised tours for popular sights. These are safer and stress-free, and for many first-time visitors they make for a better trip than wrestling with unfamiliar scooters in heavy traffic.
The bottom line for 2026
If you want to ride a scooter in Bali in 2026, do it properly: hold a home licence with a motorcycle category, get a matching International Driving Permit before you leave, always wear a helmet, and carry your documents every time you ride. It keeps you legal, keeps your insurance valid, and protects you on roads that demand respect. Rules and requirements can change, so confirm the current details with the official issuing body in your country and with up-to-date Indonesian sources before you travel.
