Can I drive in Indonesia with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “You need an Indonesian licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your Australian driver's license.” (Smartraveller advice for Indonesia, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Indonesia: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
You need an Indonesian licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your Australian driver's license.
Check that your licence or permit is appropriate for the type of vehicle you're driving, including motorbikes and mopeds.
Your travel insurer will deny any claims you make if:
- you're unlicensed
- you don't hold the correct type of licence
Source: Smartraveller: Indonesia, page updated 16 October 2026, “still current at” 17 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in Indonesia
IDP needed in Indonesia: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with an Australian licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in Indonesia? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Other licences in Indonesia
| Licence | In Indonesia | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Indonesia
- British passport: Indonesia entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Indonesia
- Australian passport: Indonesia
- Italian citizens: Indonesia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Indonesia with an Australian driver's licence?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “You need an Indonesian licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your Australian driver's license.” (Smartraveller advice for Indonesia, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Indonesia with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “You need an Indonesian licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your Australian driver's license.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Indonesia?
The Smartraveller advice for Indonesia does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
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