There has been major changes to the motorbike licences issued to tourists in Bali. Here is a rundown.
Licences are no longer issued in Denpasar but at Kerobokan. You need to take your passport with you even if you have held a licence previously as they need to sight your visa.
The licences are now valid for 3 months and are valid all over Indonesia not just Bali.
You are required to complete a written test (in Indonesian), have your photo taken, then wait approx 2-3 hours for your licence to be issued, the cost is 150,000rp.
The alternative method of obtaining your licence is to pay a total fee of 200,000rp and the police will assist you with your test ;)They will then issue you with a receipt for your payment and you return to the station the following day to collect your licence. If you are pulled over by the police in the mean time, they will accept your receipt as proof of licence till the next day.
A word of caution to all riders and passengers on bikes - Do not carry any kind of bag over or across your shoulder. Instances of tourists being knocked off bikes and bags stolen are common and seem to be on the increase. If your bike has a big enough boot under the seat, then use it. If not, tuck your bag/purse into your waist band and pull your top over it. I have seen the results of such crime, don't risk serious injury and trauma.
Happy trails