Who doesn’t like the experience of driving a motorcycle? For me, it is the ultimate experience of freedom. The freedom to get around and explore everywhere. The space to clear my mind, preferably around natural environments like rice fields, seas, or palm trees. The freedom to explore an Asian town or to get around feels effortless. So, I get you when you are after this experience. I love to drive a motorbike in Asia, and it would be a highly recommended experience to go after when you enjoy the freedom of exploring and moving around. It is fantastic, and I miss it when I can’t drive.
I wrote this article to let you know about the risks and what you need to drive safely. I’m a slow driver myself and enjoy the ride itself that way. Motorcycle accidents happen, so any cautiousness is good to take care of.
What to consider before driving on a motorbike vehicle?
– Do you have a valid motorbike license from another country? If yes, obtain an International Driving Permit. If not, if you cannot drive in your own country, you are legally not allowed to drive in an Asian country. So that you know, a car driving license is different from a motorbike license.
– Can I drive without a motorbike license in Asian Countries? Yes, you can. Most rental companies will allow you to drive a motorbike without asking for a valid license. When caught by the Police, you will receive a financial fine, which differs per country.
– Will I be covered by health insurance when driving without a license? This depends on your health insurance. For example, my previous Dutch National Health Insurance covers me fully. However, my current nomad insurance is exempted from illegal activities, meaning I am not covered when driving without a proper local license.
Would you like to move around legally?
– Uber and Grab have a local motorbike taxi service. For minimal amounts, you can get around. In Indonesia, it is possible to get a ride below one euro! And the service is mostly good! I highly recommend supporting these locally friendly drivers with a tip as it makes it easy for everyone to get around affordable.
– Get a local driving license. Depending on the country, gaining a local motorbike license is possible. For example, getting an official driving license in Thailand will take 1,5 to 2 days of training and a final test. After that, you are all set! And you know, you can even get it on a tourist visa. Lucky us :). Getting a local driving license in Bali is possible, but they restrict it to the visa type. A local motorbike driving license is affordable, and with some driving experience and traffic knowledge, it is very doable to pass the test also. Click here to learn about the process for a local Thai motorcycle license.
– Remember to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the country where you gained your local driving license. You are only allowed to get it after a trial period. The national authorities of the motorcycle license can give the IDP. Some companies offer online IDP, a translation from your official permit. I have heard mixed signals on whether these translations are authorized or not.
What is the risk of following the crowd and driving without license?
Have I seen major motorbike accidents? Yes, I heard about motorbike accidents with or without a license. Major crashes rarely happen due to the number of people driving, but accidents happen! Think about the motorbike tattoo from a hot exhaust pipe; it is almost classic. Without a proper license, you are mostly directly accountable for any damage caused by an accident, even when you are not at fault, especially when you are a foreigner.
Finally, drive safely, remember to wear a helmet, and enjoy this little freedom ride.
Would you happen to have any suggestions or questions? Let me know in the comments 🙂 Thanks for reading.
Warmly,
Anique
