The Flow and 5 Types of SIM A Tests That Prospective Drivers Need to Know

The process of obtaining a driver's license (SIM) is usually a long one that prospective drivers must go through. In fact, there aren't many stages in the creation of a SIM, but the test materials can be taken more than once. Many people often fail at the practical exam stage, requiring them to go back and forth to the police station to retake the test.

The SIM A test is an exam that must be passed by prospective drivers of four-wheeled vehicles weighing under 3,500 kilograms. There are two types of SIM A: individual SIM A (for personal vehicles) and public SIM A (for public vehicles such as taxis or angkot). Drivers of yellow plate cars are required to have a public SIM A.

New SIM A Application Process

For prospective drivers who have never applied for a SIM A, the entire registration, payment, and examination process must be done in stages. Currently, the application and renewal process for SIM A can be done more easily because there is now Online SIM. In general, here is the process that prospective drivers will go through.

Document Collection and Administrative Requirements

Like the process of creating a permit or other official documents, the first thing applicants must do is register themselves. The registration process can be done by visiting the SIM Administration Unit (Satpas) directly. The documents to be prepared include a form, 2 photocopies of the ID card, and a copy of the diploma/graduation certificate.

Obtaining a Health Certificate

Applicants will also be required to provide a health certificate from a doctor, which can be obtained from the nearest clinic or hospital. So, make sure to prepare this document before registering!

Paying the Registration Fee

Once the form is filled out and the required documents are submitted, the applicant must pay a registration fee of IDR 120,000 for SIM A. There is an optional insurance fee of IDR 30,000, but it is not mandatory. There should be no additional fees charged when processing SIM A.

Taking the Theory and Practical Exams

After completing the administrative process and payment, the applicant can proceed to the examination stage. If visiting Satpas directly, also prepare the documents in a folder to be submitted to the staff at the available counter. Applicants have the opportunity to retake the exam if they fail, but the waiting period is quite long, ranging from 7 to 30 days.

Verification of Personal Data and SIM A Photo

If the document collection and exam stages are passed, the applicant will be processed at the SIM collection counter. Yes, this is the time to prepare for the SIM photo, fingerprint scanning, and signing the valid SIM A. This verification process usually only takes a short time, but applicants must still queue to wait for their turn to be called like in other stages.

Types of SIM A Tests for Prospective Drivers

The most challenging stage in applying for SIM A is the examination stage. In fact, just like general exams, the SIM A test can also be retaken. There is no need to wait a semester or a year. However, it can be troublesome to have to go back and forth to Satpas, right? It's better to prepare yourself first to face the following exams.

1. Theory Exam with 30 Questions

In the first stage, applicants will be asked to take the SIM A theory exam. The theory exam for obtaining a SIM was originally conducted in written test form. However, the exam format has now changed to an application system using a computer. So, applicants do not need to bring writing tools and can just enter the exam room.

Inside the exam room, applicants will be asked to answer 30 questions within 15 minutes. Don't worry, the exam questions are multiple-choice. The selected answers only need to be determined as correct or incorrect. SIM A applicants do not need to answer perfectly; if they successfully answer 21 questions with a minimum score of 70, they will be declared passed.

This theory exam is also conducted with an Audio Visual Integrated System (AVIS) so that SIM A applicants only need to see and listen to the question instructions on the computer. Once they have answered the last question, the results of the theory exam will also appear directly on the computer screen. The AVIS format exam is expected to provide a realistic picture of road situations for prospective drivers.

2. Practical Driving Exam

A driving permit cannot be issued if the ability to drive has not been tested. Yes, this part must be done by participants to be assessed in front of the officers. Usually, people can repeat this stage 3 to 5 times. If you can pass the test in less than three attempts, you should be proud.

So, what practical tests must SIM A applicants perform? In fact, the skills that will be tested are basic driving skills. For those who have taken driving courses, the practical exam material is not much different from the skills that have been practiced during the course.

Here are five skills that prospective drivers need to practice when applying for SIM A.

- Driving straight (forward and backward)

- Driving zig-zag (forward and backward)

- Parking the car in series in reverse

- Parking the car parallel

- Stopping on a slope

Now, the most difficult test is usually the zig-zag driving test. Yes, many people might think that in reality, what is the use of driving zig-zag in reverse. However, this is actually intended to assess how skilled someone is when driving in a limited area. So, keep practicing to pass the practical exam!

3. Simulator Exam (For Public SIM A Only)

This exam does not have to be taken by all applicants. This test is only for public SIM A applicants who will drive yellow plate cars. The simulator practical exam will involve more complex simulations, including U-turn tests, braking, concentration, anticipation, and others.

Why must public SIM A drivers take the simulator exam? Public passenger vehicle drivers will certainly use SIM A as their daily livelihood. It is not impossible for someone to drive all day. Therefore, their concentration and skills must be more reliable to ensure passenger safety.

4. Psychological Exam

Starting in March 2020, the psychological exam has become one of the requirements mandated by the Central Java Police. SIM A applicants need to take a psychological test with a time limit of 20 minutes. This is expected to reduce the rate of traffic accidents related to a person's psychological health while driving.

So, that is the sequence of processes and types of tests that someone must undergo to obtain SIM A. For those preparing to have SIM A, keep studying and practicing so you don't have to go back and forth when processing your SIM application!

Author: Rizkita Darajat