Driving & Riding in Bali for UK and European Travellers: Licence, IDP & Insurance
Short answer: to ride a scooter legally in Bali you need your home licence with a motorcycle category (A, A1 or A2) plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) that shows the same category. For a car, a category B licence plus IDP is enough. Get the IDP before you leave home — you can’t get one in Bali. A car-only (B) licence does not cover scooters, even though most rentals will hand you the keys anyway.
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This is the single most misunderstood part of renting in Bali. Rentals rarely check, police often do, and travel insurers always do — after an accident. Here’s the specific situation for travellers from the UK and Europe.
What you need
| You want to rent | Home licence | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter (any cc) | Category A, A1 or A2 (full motorcycle entitlement) | IDP showing that category |
| Car | Category B | IDP |
| Scooter with car-only licence | Not legally covered — consider a car, a driver, Grab/Gojek, or an Indonesian SIM C | |
Note: in some European countries a car licence allows 125 cc scooters at home after a course or a number of years. That domestic rule does not automatically carry over to Indonesia; what counts is the category printed on your licence and IDP. Read International Driving Permit in Bali and riding without a licence.
Getting an IDP in the UK
- UK IDPs are issued over the counter at participating PayPoint shops (they moved from the Post Office in 2024). Bring your photocard licence, a passport-style photo and your passport.
- There are different IDP types (1926, 1949, 1968). Check the UK government’s IDP guidance for which one Indonesia requires before you go.
- Make sure the motorcycle category is stamped if you plan to ride.
Getting an IDP elsewhere in Europe
- Germany: Internationaler Führerschein from your local Führerscheinstelle / Bürgeramt.
- Netherlands: from ANWB.
- Belgium, France, Spain, Italy and others: from the national licensing authority or automobile club.
Processing times vary from same-day to several weeks — apply early. Procedures change, so check the official site in your country.
Insurance pitfalls
UK and European travel insurers commonly exclude motorcycle and scooter accidents unless you hold the correct licence for the vehicle at home, wear a helmet and ride within local law. Some cap engine size (e.g. 125 cc) or require a specific add-on. Riding on a car-only licence is the most common reason claims are refused. Read does travel insurance cover scooter accidents? and scooter rental insurance.
Driving on the left
For UK drivers, Bali’s left-hand traffic feels natural (though the chaos does not). Continental Europeans should take an hour or two to adjust in a quiet area — especially at roundabouts and when turning right across traffic. See driving on the left in Bali.
Police checkpoints
Police regularly check tourists in Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and on the way to Uluwatu. You’ll be asked for your licence, IDP and the scooter’s registration (STNK, which should be under the seat). Without the right documents you can be fined. See police checkpoints & fines.
No motorcycle licence? Your options
- Rent a car (B licence + IDP) — see self-drive car rental.
- Book a car with driver — no licence needed.
- Use Grab/Gojek for short trips.
- For long stays, get an Indonesian SIM C — see SIM C for foreigners.
Not sure what you can rent? Ask us
Send us a photo of the category section of your licence (cover your licence number) and we’ll tell you honestly whether a scooter or a car fits — and arrange either, or a driver, for your dates.
Send us on WhatsApp: your nationality, licence categories, whether you have an IDP, your dates and delivery address.
We reply in English within minutes (08:00–22:00 Bali time), confirm the price in writing, and deliver to your hotel or villa. No booking fee, no deposit up front — you pay when the vehicle arrives and you’ve checked it.
WhatsApp us now +62 818-0800-1102
Ready to ride? Compare daily, weekly & monthly rates on our Bali scooter rental page — delivered to your hotel or villa in 34 areas.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ride a scooter in Bali with a UK car licence?
Not legally. You need a motorcycle category (A, A1 or A2) on your licence plus an IDP showing it. A car-only licence also often voids travel insurance for scooter accidents.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit in the UK?
At participating PayPoint shops, which took over IDP issuing from the Post Office in 2024. Check the UK government guidance for the type Indonesia requires.
Do European travellers need an IDP in Bali?
Yes. Bring your national licence with the right category plus an IDP from your country’s licensing authority or automobile club, obtained before departure.
Can I rent a car in Bali with a European licence?
Yes, with a category B licence plus an IDP. Bali drives on the left, so continental drivers should practise in a quiet area first.