Types of SIM in Indonesia, Functions & Requirements for Its Creation

The Driver's License (SIM) is not just an identification card, but also a key to driving legally. But do you know, friends, the types of SIM that are valid in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, every driver is required to have a Driver's License (SIM), especially if they own a motor vehicle, whether it is a motorcycle, car, public transport, or cargo vehicle.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the types of SIM that are valid in Indonesia along with the requirements and vehicles applicable in Indonesia.
Types of SIM Valid in Indonesia
The obligation to have a SIM is regulated in Law Number 22 of 2009 Article 77. The SIM itself consists of several types. The types of SIM are:
1. SIM A
Type A SIM is intended for those who have vehicles with a maximum weight of 3,500 kg. Whether it is an individual cargo vehicle or an individual passenger car.
2. SIM B
Type B SIM is intended for drivers with a minimum weight of 1,000 kg. This SIM is further divided into two categories, namely:
- SIM B1
This is a type B SIM intended for vehicles weighing more than 3,500 kg. Usually, people who commonly obtain this SIM are individual bus drivers. It can also be issued to individual cargo vehicle drivers.
- SIM B2
Type B2 SIM is only intended for drivers with vehicles weighing 1,000 kg. Such as heavy equipment, individual tandem trucks, and towing vehicles.
3. SIM C
The type of SIM used by motorcycle riders is SIM C. Like SIM B, SIM C is also further divided into several categories, namely:
- SIM C1: is a type of SIM C issued for riders with motorcycles under 250 cc.
- SIM C2: is a type of SIM C intended for motorcycle drivers with cc above 250 cc up to 500 cc.
- SIM C3: is a type of SIM C intended for motorcycle drivers with motorcycles over 500 cc.
4. SIM D
What is SIM D for? The answer is that type D SIM is a special SIM intended only for drivers with special needs or disabilities who have become drivers.
5. General SIM
This one is a SIM commonly used for public vehicle owners. The ownership of a general SIM is regulated in Law Number 22 of 2009 Article 62. General SIM is also divided into several types. The types of general SIM are:
- General SIM A: is a type of general SIM intended for owners of public and cargo motor vehicles. Especially, those weighing no more than 3,500 kg.
- General SIM B1: is a type of general SIM intended for owners of public and cargo motor vehicles. Especially, those weighing more than 3,500 kg.
- General SIM B2: is a general SIM intended for public vehicles that have trailers or tandems. In this SIM, the trailer or attached vehicle used must weigh more than 1,000 kg.
So, do you understand the difference between SIM B1 and general B1 or general A SIM? If you intend to apply for the above SIM, check the requirements below.
Requirements for Obtaining SIM

Now, obtaining a SIM is becoming more effective and efficient, as it can be done online. For those who are still confused about how to apply for a SIM online, you can see here SIM Online - How to Register, Create New, and Renewal.
To have a SIM, a driver must meet various requirements. Regardless of the type of SIM they wish to have. The requirements for obtaining a SIM are:
1. Must Meet Certain Age
Every person who wishes to have a SIM must meet a minimum age requirement. For those who want to have SIM A, C, and D, they must be at least 17 years old. As for SIM B, they must be at least 21 years old.
2. Complete Administrative Requirements
If they have met the minimum age limit, prospective SIM owners must complete the administrative requirements. Some of the administrative requirements are:
- Filling out a form from the police.
- Obtaining a Health Certificate from a doctor.
- Creating a fingerprint record.
- Must pass a psychological test.
3. Take the Test
The next requirement that must be fulfilled is to take the test. Prospective SIM owners will first be asked to take a theory test. After that, only then will the prospective SIM owner take the practical exam.
If successful, the prospective SIM owner can obtain a SIM, and must meet several other requirements. If not, the prospective SIM owner will have to retake the exam.
4. Must Have SIM A or SIM B1
This one is specifically for those who want to have SIM B1 or B2. For those who want to have SIM B1, they must have SIM A for at least 12 months. As for those who want SIM B2, they must first have SIM B1. For a minimum of 12 months.
5. Meet the Requirements for Those Who Want to Have a General SIM
Requirements also apply to those who want to create a general SIM. The requirements are roughly the same. The requirements for obtaining a General SIM are:
- Must be at least 17 years old (General SIM A), 22 years old (General SIM B1), and 23 years old (General SIM B2).
- Pass the theory and practical exams.
- Have a personal SIM A for at least 12 months. (for those who want to have a General SIM A)
- Must have a personal SIM B1 or General SIM A for at least 12 months. (for those who want to have a General SIM B1)
- Have a personal SIM B2 or General SIM B1 for at least 12 months. (for those who want to have a General SIM B2).
After fulfilling all these requirements, you can register with the police. The SIM registration can now be done online via the nearest traffic police website.
Read Also: How to Handle Lost SIM Online Easily and Quickly
Vehicles Valid in Indonesia & Their Types of SIM
In Indonesia, there are several types of vehicles that are valid. Each vehicle has its own function. The types of vehicles are:
1. Light Vehicles
The first type of vehicle is a light vehicle. This vehicle is a motor vehicle with 4 wheels, weighing around 1,000 kg-3,500 kg.
Some examples of this type of vehicle are cars, oplet, pickups, microbuses, and micro trucks. People who own these vehicles must have a SIM A. Whether personal or public.
2. Heavy Vehicles
In contrast to the previous type of vehicle, this type of vehicle has a weight of around 3,500 kg or more.
This vehicle is commonly used to carry heavy goods or a large number of passengers. The owner of this vehicle must have a SIM B1 or B2. Both public and personal.
3. Motorcycles
This type of vehicle is commonly known simply as a motorcycle. Its main characteristic is its two wheels and motor power. This type of vehicle is divided into two types, namely underbone and automatic motorcycles.
Underbone motorcycles are those that still use a gear shifting system. While automatic motorcycles tend to be automatic and only use a single acceleration system. People who use this vehicle must have SIM C1, C2, or C3. Depending on the cc of their motorcycle.