Department of Motor Traffic – Official Driving Licence A valid driving licence issued by the Department of Motor Traffic is required to operate any motor vehicle on Sri Lanka's roads. Driving without a valid licence is a punishable offence under the Motor Traffic Act. Whether you're a first-time applicant, upgrading your licence to cover additional vehicle classes, or renewing an existing licence, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Sri Lankan driving licence system. We cover the full process — from eligibility and documents to the written exam, practical test, fees, and renewal. All driving licences in Sri Lanka are issued by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) , commonly referred to as the RMV (Registrar of Motor Vehicles). The head office is located in Werahera, Boralesgamuwa, with provincial offices across the island. You can find your nearest office and more information at www.motortraffic.gov.lk . Overview of the Sri Lankan Driving Licence System The Sri Lankan driving licence is governed by the Motor Traffic Act No. 14 of 1951 (and its subsequent amendments). The Department of Motor Traffic administers the licensing process, which includes issuing learner's permits, conducting written and practical tests, and issuing driving licences. Sri Lanka uses a class-based licensing system where each class corresponds to a specific category of vehicle. You can hold multiple classes on a single licence — for example, a motorcycle (Class A) and a motor car (Class B) — by passing the relevant tests for each class. Types of Driving Licences The Department of Motor Traffic issues the following types of driving authorizations: 1. Learner's Permit (Temporary Licence) A temporary authorization that allows you to practice driving on public roads. Valid for 18 months from the date of issue. You must display an "L" plate on the vehicle and be accompanied by a person who holds a valid driving licence for the same vehicle class (except for motorcycles). 2. Driving Licence (Full Licence) Issued after passing both the written and practical driving tests. Valid for 6 years for persons aged 18 to 60, 3 years for persons aged 60 to 70, and 1 year for persons over 70. Can cover one or more vehicle classes. 3. International Driving Permit (IDP) A supplementary document that translates your Sri Lankan licence into multiple languages for use abroad. Valid for 1 year . Must be used in conjunction with your original Sri Lankan driving licence. Vehicle Classes & Categories Sri Lanka categorizes vehicles into the following classes. Each class requires a separate test (written and practical): Age Requirements The minimum age to obtain a driving licence varies by vehicle class: Motorcycles (Class A, A1) Cars, three-wheelers, light vehicles (Class B, B1, C, G, J) Heavy vehicles & buses (Class C1, D, D1) Eligibility & Medical Requirements General Eligibility Must be a Sri Lankan citizen or a foreign national with a valid visa and residence in Sri Lanka. Must meet the minimum age requirement for the vehicle class applied for. Must not be disqualified from holding a driving licence by a court order. Must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle as certified by a registered medical practitioner. Medical Certificate (Form H.1) A medical fitness certificate is mandatory for all new applications and renewals (for applicants over 60). The examination covers: Vision test — minimum visual acuity of 6/12 in each eye (with or without corrective lenses). Colour vision must be adequate to distinguish traffic lights. Hearing test — ability to hear a conversational voice at a reasonable distance. Physical fitness — no physical disability that would impair safe vehicle operation (limb function, grip strength). Mental fitness — no condition such as epilepsy, severe psychiatric disorder, or substance dependence that could affect driving ability. General health — blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions are assessed for fitness to drive. Documents Required For Learner's Permit Application National Identity Card (NIC) — original and a photocopy. If under 18, a birth certificate is also required. Medical certificate (Form H.1) — issued by a registered medical practitioner, not older than 6 months. Two passport-sized colour photographs — taken within the last 6 months (35mm × 45mm, white background). Application fee — approximately Rs. 550. For Driving Licence (After Passing Tests) Learner's permit — must be at least 3 months old and still valid (within 18 months). National Identity Card (NIC) — original. Practical test pass slip — issued by the examiner upon passing the driving test. Licence issuance fee — approximately Rs. 1,210. Application Process – Step by Step The entire process from start to licence in hand typically takes 4 to 6 months. Here's the complete journey: Get Your Medical Certificate Visit a registered medical practitioner and obtain Form H.1. Ensure your vision, hearing, and general health meet the requirements. Cost: Rs. 500 – Rs. 1,500. Visit the Nearest DMT/RMV Office Go to your nearest Department of Motor Traffic provincial office with your NIC, medical certificate, and two photographs. You can find your nearest office at motortraffic.gov.lk . Submit Application & Pay for Learner's Permit Fill out the application form at the counter. Pay the learner's permit fee of Rs. 550. You will be given a date for the written examination. Pass the Written Examination Sit for the written test on your assigned date. The test covers road signs, traffic rules, and safe driving practices. Available in Sinhala, Tamil, or English. You must score at least 60% to pass. Receive Your Learner's Permit & Practice Upon passing the written test, you receive your learner's permit. You must hold it for a minimum of 3 months before you can take the practical test. Use this time to practise driving.

Book & Pass the Practical Driving Test After 3 months, book your practical driving test at the DMT office. Pay the test fee (approximately Rs. 450). On the test day, demonstrate vehicle control, road awareness, and traffic rule compliance. Collect Your Driving Licence After passing the practical test, pay the licence issuance fee of Rs. 1,210 and collect your driving licence. The licence is typically ready on the same day or within a few working days. Written Examination The written test is a multiple-choice examination designed to assess your knowledge of road rules and traffic signs. Key details: Traffic signs & signals — regulatory, warning, and informational signs Road rules — right-of-way, overtaking, lane discipline, speed limits Road markings — solid lines, broken lines, pedestrian crossings Safe driving practices — following distance, driving in adverse conditions, night driving Vehicle basics — dashboard indicators, tyre safety, basic maintenance Emergency procedures — accident protocol, first aid basics, breakdown procedures Practical Driving Test The practical driving test is conducted at a DMT office and evaluates your ability to safely operate the vehicle on the road. You must bring a vehicle of the class you are being tested on (either your own or from a driving school). What the Examiner Assesses Vehicle control — starting, stopping, reversing, gear changes, clutch control Road positioning — staying in lane, correct positioning at junctions Mirror usage & signalling — checking mirrors before manoeuvres, indicating in advance Obedience to traffic signs & signals — stopping at red lights, following road signs Manoeuvres — three-point turn, reversing around a corner, hill start (where applicable) Hazard awareness — responding to pedestrians, other vehicles, and road conditions General safety — seatbelt usage, speed control, safe following distance Below are the approximate government fees for the driving licence process. These fees are set by the Department of Motor Traffic and are subject to revision: Licence Renewal Process Driving licences in Sri Lanka have a fixed validity period and must be renewed before expiry. Driving with an expired licence is an offence and may result in a fine. Renewal Periods How to Renew Your Licence Visit Your Nearest DMT Office Go to any Department of Motor Traffic provincial office. You do not need to visit the same office where the licence was originally issued. Bring Required Documents Bring your current driving licence, NIC, and — if you are over 60 — a fresh medical certificate (Form H.1). Two passport-sized photographs may also be required. Pay the Renewal Fee & Collect Pay the renewal fee of approximately Rs. 1,210 and collect your renewed licence. In most offices, the renewed licence is issued on the same day. International Driving Permit (IDP) An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your Sri Lankan driving licence into several international languages. It allows you to drive in countries that recognise the IDP under the Geneva Convention (1949) or the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968). Where to Obtain an IDP Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) — No. 40, Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha, Colombo 03. The AAC is the most common issuer. Department of Motor Traffic — head office in Werahera also issues IDPs. Requirements for an IDP Valid Sri Lankan driving licence (original) National Identity Card or passport Two passport-sized colour photographs Fee: approximately Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 5,000 Frequently Asked Questions The minimum age depends on the vehicle class. You must be 17 years old for motorcycles (Class A/A1), 18 years old for cars, three-wheelers, and light vehicles (Class B/B1/G/J), and 21 years old for heavy vehicles such as buses and lorries (Class C/C1/D/D1). After obtaining your learner's permit, you must wait a minimum of 3 months before you can sit for the practical driving test. The entire process — from application to receiving your licence — typically takes 4 to 6 months, depending on test scheduling at your local Department of Motor Traffic office. You need your National Identity Card (NIC) or valid passport, a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner (Form H.1), two passport-sized colour photographs, your learner's permit (for the driving test stage), and the applicable fee. The learner's permit costs approximately Rs. 550. The driving licence issuance fee is approximately Rs. 1,210. Additional fees apply for each vehicle class added (around Rs. 310 per class) and for the practical driving test (around Rs. 450). Total costs vary between Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 4,000 depending on the number of vehicle classes. Driving licences must be renewed every 6 years for licence holders aged 18 to 60. After age 60, renewal is required every 3 years with a mandatory medical examination. After age 70, renewal is required annually. A Sri Lankan driving licence alone is not valid for driving in most foreign countries. You need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) or the Department of Motor Traffic. The IDP is valid for one year and is recognized in countries that are signatories to the Geneva or Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. If you fail the written test, you can re-sit it after 2 weeks. If you fail the practical driving test, you can retake it after 4 weeks. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time. Your learner's permit remains valid for 18 months from the date of issue. Yes. Foreign nationals residing in Sri Lanka can convert their valid foreign driving licence to a Sri Lankan licence by applying at the Department of Motor Traffic head office in Werahera. You need your foreign licence, a translation if it is not in English, your passport, visa, and a medical certificate. A driving test may be waived for licences from certain countries. Explore more government service guides on LankaGuide: Disclaimer: Fees, procedures, and requirements may change without prior notice. While we strive to keep this guide accurate and up to date, always verify current details on the official Department of Motor Traffic website ( www.motortraffic.gov.lk ) or contact your nearest DMT office before relying on this information. Last Updated: March 28, 2026 Was this guide helpful? If you have questions, found any errors, or have suggestions for improving this guide, please contact us . Share this guide with friends and family who need to apply for their Sri Lankan driving licence!