Your stay in Sri Lanka can be more adventurous if you have the opportunity of self-driving to discover the streets of Sri Lanka.Exploring the island by Car, Van, Scooter or Tuk Tuk is a unique experience. You are 100% free and independent to do what you have planned and to go where ever you want.If you are planning to drive in Sri Lanka there are two ways to obtain legal license to do so.
One is Obtaining a temporary driving permit from the Department of Motor Traffic and
Two is to get an International Driving Permit endorsed by the Automobile Association of Sri Lanka (AA)
A Temporary Sri Lankan Driving License can be obtained from the Department of Motor Traffic in Werahera (30 to 40 minutes’ drive from Central Colombo depending on Traffic).Issuance fee for a temporary driver's license for a period of one month, on a foreign driving license, will cost LKR 1000/- (roughly around USD 6 depending on the Exchange Rate)
The Department of Motor Traffic is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
To obtain a Temporary Sri Lankan Driving License, the following documents are required,
- Driving License from your Home Country (English Copy or Translation) plus a Photocopy
- Passport and photocopy of the photo page
- Sri Lankan Visa Page of your Electronic Travel Authorization.
You can obtain an International Driving License from your home country. If your license is not in English it is a must to get a Translation from the Embassy or from an authorized translator.
Once you get the International License from your home country you can get it endorsed through Automobile Association in Sri Lanka (10 to 15 minutes drive from Central Colombo depending on Traffic). This will cost you LKR 4400/- (roughly around USD 25 depending on the Exchange Rate)
The Automobile Association of Ceylon is Open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4.30 PM
Required Documents to get the IDP endorsed,
- International Driving Permit
- Original License (If the license is not in English, the Translated version will be required)
- Passport
- Sri Lankan Visa
Road-tripping at your own pace is a very good way to experience Sri Lanka‘s beautiful landscapes, diverse cultures, and stunning wildlife. Having the authority to drive gives you the independence to see incredible Sri Lanka at your own pace in your own unique way.