Sri Lankan Temporary Driving Permit

Choose the option that works best for you

How to Get a Temporary Driving Permit in Sri Lanka

Option A

Obtain at Airport Arrival

Obtain your Temporary Sri Lankan Driving Permit directly at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) arrivals counter upon landing. This official permit, issued by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), allows you to legally drive cars or motorcycles during your stay in Sri Lanka.

What you need:

Original passport with valid tourist visa
Original full foreign driving licence (learner, provisional, or temporary licences are not accepted)
International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended, or a certified English translation if your licence is not in English
Passport-sized photographs (usually 2 with white background)
Payment of LKR 15,000 per month (approximate)

Why choose this option:

Fast processing on arrival (3-5 minutes verification, permit issued same day)
No pre-application needed
Ideal for tourists needing quick and short-term permits
Permits are issued for 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year, depending on your preference
Perfect for cars and motorcycles

Important:

This on-arrival permit currently covers light vehicles and motorcycles only.
To drive heavy/commercial vehicles, you must pre-arrange permits through the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) or other authorized services before arrival.
Having an IDP significantly simplifies the process and is highly recommended but not absolutely mandatory if you have a valid full driving licence and certified translation.
Temporary permits require monthly renewals if staying longer.
Foreign tourists are not allowed to drive tuk-tuks (three-wheelers) in Sri Lanka. No tuk-tuk driving licences are issued to foreign tourists by the DMT or any on-arrival service.

Option B

Pre-Arrange Through Quick Ceylon Rentals

We’ll handle the entire process of obtaining your Temporary Sri Lankan Driving Permit through the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AA Ceylon) or Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) on your behalf. Your permit will be ready for you upon arrival in Sri Lanka, either delivered to your hotel or available for collection at the airport.

What we need from you:

Scanned copy of your passport and valid tourist visa page
Scanned copy of your full foreign driving licence (learner or provisional licences are not accepted)
Digital passport-sized photographs (white background, usually 2)
Arrival date and flight details
International Driving Permit (IDP) or certified English translation of your license if not in English (highly recommended)

Why choose this option:

Complete handling of all permit application steps by our professional team
Suitable for all vehicle types, including cars, and motorcycles
No queues or in-person visits required from you
Saves time and avoids hassle, especially for those driving commercial or specialized vehicles

Important Notes:

For heavy vehicles, pre-arrangement is mandatory as on-arrival permits do not cover these.
While an IDP is not legally mandatory to pre-arrange, it greatly facilitates the process and is strongly advised.
Permit fees and processing times vary; typically permits are ready before or on arrival.
Monthly renewals can be arranged if your stay is extended.

Below is a sample of the Temporary Sri Lankan Driving Permit issued by the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) for foreign visitors. This official document authorizes international tourists to legally drive vehicles in Sri Lanka when presented together with their International Driving Permit (IDP) or a valid foreign driving licence. The permit clearly displays your personal details, vehicle categories, and validity period.