(Updated on May 2023)
If you’ve just arrived in Sri Lanka and you’re planning a road trip or need to drive or rent a vehicle during your stay, you’ve come to the right place! Obtaining a driving permit (or Recognition Permit) in Sri Lanka is quite straightforward. There are two main options available:
Option 1: International Driving License/Permit (IDP)
Option 2: Home-Country Driving License
With TukTuk Rental, We’ve Got You Covered!
If you decide to rent a tuktuk with TukTuk Rental, we will take care of all the arrangements and have everything ready for you before your arrival 🙂 Click here to book now!
Sri Lanka’s Unique Driving License Verification Requirements
Sri Lanka is one of the few countries that require you to verify your license within the country before you can legally drive. This means driving on an International Driving Permit or a foreign national license in Sri Lanka is strictly prohibited. You must obtain a Sri Lankan Recognition Permit by getting your non-Sri Lankan license “verified” in Sri Lanka.
To give you an idea of the regulations, here’s an excerpt from the Automobile Association of America (AAA):
“If you are looking for information on a regular Sri Lankan driving license (same as for a local Sri Lankan), you’ll have to look elsewhere!”
Definitions:
- International Driving Permit (IDP): A permit obtained in your own country before traveling abroad, typically from an automobile association such as The Automobile Association of America.
- Temporary Driving License: A license issued by the Sri Lankan authorities, allowing you to drive certain classes of vehicles in Sri Lanka. There are two authorities that issue this license: the Automobile Association of Ceylon and the Department of Motor Transport.
- Sri Lankan Driving License: A license available to residents or tourists with over 6 months on their visa, identical to the license obtained by local Sri Lankans.
Exploring Your Options:
Let’s take a look at the two options available for obtaining a Temporary Driving License:
Option 1: Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC)
Option 2: Department of Motor Traffic (BORALESGAMUWA)
What Do You Need?
Foreign Language Requirements
If your license is not in English, you’ll need to have it translated by a sworn translator, preferably at your own country’s embassy.
Outcomes
- AAC: 1-year Driving License (according to the period of validity left on your IDP)
- DMT: Temporary Driving License of variable length, valid for the duration of your visa (maximum 6 months)
Costs
- AAC: LKR 11,040 (Additional LKR 1,800 if you want the AAC to print your passport-size photo)
- DMT: LKR 1,000 per month (approximately)
Locations
- Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC): Google Map Link
- Department of Motor Traffic (BORALESGAMUWA office): Google Map Link
Option 1: With an International Driving Permit (IDP)
If you have an international driving permit, you can obtain a 1-year driving license in Sri Lanka by visiting the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) in Colombo. Here’s what you’ll need:
- LKR 7,662.50 ($25 USD approximately, exchange rates fluctuating!)
- International Driving Permit (IDP) or National Country License
- Passport, driver’s license, and visa (just in case!)
The obtained permit will allow you to drive vehicles specified in your IDP, as well as those mentioned in the surrounding documentation provided by your IDP.
Don’t have an IDP yet?
If you’re still in your home country, apply at your local motoring agency for an IDP. If you’ve already left your home country, you can use an alternative option like IDL Service. The IDP provided by IDL Service is accepted by the AAC in Sri Lanka.
Driving Motorcycles, Scooters, and TukTuks
- Motorcycles: If you can drive a motorcycle in your own country, it will be listed and covered under the IDP as “Type A.”
- Scooters: To drive a scooter in Sri Lanka, you’ll need a motorcycle license from your own country. Scooters with engines over 100cc are classified as motorcycles. However, with a regular car license, you can drive a moped (maximum 49.99CC).
- TukTuks: If you have an IDP or your own country license with a “Type B” endorsement for cars, the AAC will write “3WHEEL” specifically on your license. Just remember to ask for it when you visit the AAC. In other countries, this is covered under “Type A,” and the IDP even states “three wheel” under Type A. The Automobile Association of Ceylon issues a tuktuk license if you have a Type B (car) endorsement.
Option 2: With a Normal Driving License
If you have your normal country-specific driving license, you can obtain a license to drive in Sri Lanka either at the Automobile Association of Ceylon or the Department of Motor Traffic. The process for the AAC is the same as mentioned above for the IDP, but instead of the IDP, you should present your regular license.
If you prefer a cheaper license, you can get a license for up to 6 months from the Department of Motor Traffic, depending on the length of your visa. Please note that the DMT does not issue licenses to drive tuktuks.
What Do You Need?
When you obtain a temporary driving permit from the Department of Motor Traffic, you will receive a license that allows you to drive vehicles identical to those specified on your existing license. For example, if you have a “car” license, you will be able to drive a car, and if you have a “motorcycle” license, you will be able to drive a motorcycle.
Motorcycle License
To drive a motorcycle, you need a specific “A” type license on your national license for approval. For more information, refer to section 3.
TukTuk License
Unfortunately, the Department of Motor Traffic does not issue licenses to drive tuktuks. The only way to obtain a tuktuk license is through the AAC using an IDP.
Location [IMPORTANT]
The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has two different offices in Colombo. The larger office, located in BORALESGAMUWA, is the one you need. It is inland of Mt Lavinia in South Colombo. Here’s the Google Map Link.
Department of Motor Traffic (DMT):
- >15 days to 6 months on Visa: Head to counter H, located near the back of the center. Fill out the application form and submit your documentation. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.
- <15 days on Visa: If you have a visa with less than 15 days remaining, go to counter 39, which is located outside section H. You might need to first go to counter H and then be redirected to counter 39.
Conclusion
Now that you have a clear understanding of the requirements and options for obtaining a driving license in Sri Lanka, you can confidently plan and explore this beautiful country on your own terms. Remember to prioritize safety and abide by local traffic regulations. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Safe travels with DHPL Travels!
