Why Do You Need a Sri Lankan Driving Permit?

Sri Lanka is one of the few countries where you must validate your international or foreign license locally before driving. This means that simply driving with an International Driving Permit or a foreign license is not legally permitted. You’ll need to get your license “verified” in Sri Lanka, and the document you receive is called a Sri Lankan Recognition Permit.

This requirement ensures that all drivers meet local standards and regulations for road safety. Without this permit, driving any vehicle—scooter, tuk-tuk, or otherwise—on Sri Lankan roads is illegal.

If you’re looking for information on obtaining a permanent Sri Lankan driving license for long-term stays or residency, this would be a different process, which is not covered here.

Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile is an international organisation with two primary functions surrounding use of the automobile.

Automobile Association of Ceylon

40 Sir Mohomad Macan Markar Mawatha, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka

Definitions

International Driving Permit (IDP)

The permit you obtain in your home country, typically from an automobile association (e.g., The Automobile Association of America), before traveling abroad.

Temporary Driving Licence

The license issued by Sri Lankan authorities permits you to drive specific classes of vehicles within Sri Lanka. There are two entities responsible for issuing this license: (1) the Automobile Association of Ceylon and (2) the Department of Motor Traffic.

Sri Lankan Driving Licence

The license available to residents or tourists with a visa duration of over six months is the same license that a local Sri Lankan would acquire.

Options for Obtaining a Temporary Driving License

You have two options for obtaining a Temporary Driving License in Sri Lanka:

At the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC)

At the Department of Motor Traffic (Boralesgamuwa)

Below is a summary of the options, with further details provided for both International Driving Permits (IDP) and licenses from your country of origin:

1) Obtaining a Temporary Driving License with an International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) can be obtained from motoring associations in your home country and looks similar to the example shown below.

Steps to Get a Temporary License with an IDP

If you have an IDP, you can get a 1-year driving license in Sri Lanka by visiting the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) in Colombo ([link to Google map]).

Documents Required:

• LKR 7,662.50 (approximately $25 USD, depending on exchange rates)

• International Driving Permit (IDP) or your National Driver’s License

• Hard copies of your Passport, Driver's License, and Visa (just in case!)

The permit you receive will allow you to drive vehicles listed on your IDP, based on the documentation associated with it.

Don’t have an IDP?

• 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 apply for an IDP via this online agent: IDL Service. This is the only online-issued IDP accepted by the AAC in Sri Lanka!

Driving Motorcycles

If you're licensed to drive a motorcycle in your home country, this will be indicated on your IDP as Type A.

Driving Scooters

To drive a scooter in Sri Lanka, you need a motorcycle license from your home country. Scooters above 100cc are classified as motorcycles in Sri Lanka. However, with a regular car license, you can drive a moped with a maximum engine size of 49.99cc.

Driving Tuk-Tuks

If you have an IDP or a national license with a car endorsement (Type B), the AAC will add a "3WHEEL" endorsement to your license. This enables you to drive a tuk-tuk. Just make sure to request it specifically when applying. In some countries, this is covered under Type A on the IDP, but the AAC issues a tuk-tuk license based on a Type B car endorsement.

2) Obtaining a Temporary License with a Normal Driving License

If you have your regular country-specific driver’s license, you can obtain a temporary license to drive in Sri Lanka either at the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) or at the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).

At the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC)

Follow the same process as outlined for the IDP but replace the IDP with your national license.

At the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT)

For a more affordable option, you can get a temporary license valid for up to 6 months at the DMT, depending on your visa length. Although the process itself takes about 30 minutes, it’s important to account for travel and traffic, as the DMT office is outside Colombo. In total, expect this process to take around 3 hours, or possibly a full day, depending on how busy it is.

Note: The DMT does not issue a license for driving tuk-tuks.

Documents Required at the DMT:

• LKR 1,000 (approximately $7 USD)

• Photocopies & Hard copies of your Driver's License, Visa, and Passport

• If you have less than 15 days on your visa, you will need 2 passport-size photos

Note: There is a photocopy center outside the DMT in case you forget to bring photocopies.

What You’ll Get:

The temporary license issued by the DMT will allow you to drive vehicles that match the class of your current license.

For example:

• A car license allows you to drive a car

• A motorcycle license allows you to drive a motorcycle, etc.

Driving Motorcycles

You need a specific Type A license on your national license to be allowed to drive a motorcycle in Sri Lanka.

Driving Tuk-Tuks

Unfortunately, the DMT does not issue tuk-tuk licenses to foreign drivers. The only way to get one is through the AAC with an IDP and a Type B endorsement.

3) Challenges with Tuk-Tuk Licensing at the DMT

Since December 2016, discussions with the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have aimed at clarifying the laws for foreigners driving tuk-tuks in Sri Lanka.
Although Sri Lanka is a signatory to the Geneva and Vienna conventions on road traffic, the DMT does not currently issue a Type B1 permit for three-wheeled vehicles (tuk-tuks), even though this is common in other countries.

In July 2017, after months of negotiation, the DMT issued a letter confirming that drivers with a Type B (car) license can drive a tuk-tuk, provided they pass a practical exam. However, the practical implementation of this ruling is still pending.

For the most up-to-date information, please contact us at info@goodyssey.net.

Important Locations

There are two Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) offices in Colombo.

The one you need is located in Boralesgamuwa, inland from Mount Lavinia, in South Colombo ([link to Google map]).

At the DMT Office

• For 15+ Days on Your Visa: Head to Counter H at the back of the center, past the driving test and medical areas, where there's a dedicated counter for Temporary Driving Licenses for foreigners.

• For Less Than 15 Days on Your Visa: Go to Counter 39 outside Section H. It’s a good idea to visit Counter H first to be directed.

The process involves filling out an application form and submitting your documents. It usually takes around 15 minutes.

4) Vehicular Types and Permits

Below is a comprehensive list of the different types of vehicular permits available in Sri Lanka.

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