Quick Essentials

  • Airport Temporary Licence (BIA): bikes & light cars. Official page: airport.lk/services/Driving  |  News (Aug 2025): Daily Mirror
  • Tuk-tuk needs class B1 on the Sri Lankan permit (arrange via AAC/DMT or your rental).
  • Expressways: motorcycles & three-wheelers not allowed. See RDA FAQ / User Guide.
  • Helmets are mandatory for rider and pillion. Gazette: 2287/28  |  summary.
  • Insurance: third-party compulsory; ask for comprehensive (own-damage) and confirm the excess.
  • Hotlines: Police 119 · Ambulance 1990 (Suwa Seriya) · Tourist 1912 (SLTDA).

How to Get Licensed (Tourists)

  1. Airport Temporary Licence (fastest for bikes/cars): Apply on arrival at BIA. Bring passport, visa, and home licence/IDP. Official link: Airport Temporary Driving Licence.
  2. AAC/DMT Recognition Permit (for tuk-tuks): Ask your rental to arrange a permit that explicitly lists class B1 (motor tricycle). AAC currently requires an IDP to issue the recognition permit. More: AAC info / guide.

Road Rules, Helmets & Insurance

  • Drive on the left. Overtake on the right. Follow posted speed limits.
  • Expressways: not permitted for bikes/tuk-tuks—use A/B/C roads.
  • Helmet law: rider & pillion must wear approved helmets. See official Gazette.
  • Insurance: third-party is compulsory; comprehensive highly recommended. Confirm coverage, exclusions and excess in your rental contract.
  • Carry: Sri Lankan permit, passport (or copy), insurance proof, and vehicle’s revenue licence.

Typical Prices & Deposits (2025)

  • Scooter 110–125cc: ~ US$7–15/day
  • Motorbike 150–200cc: ~ US$12–25/day
  • Tuk-tuk: ~ US$14–25/day
  • Deposits: often US$100–150 (check insurance & excess)

Tip: Prefer a cash/card deposit over handing over your passport. Confirm what’s included (helmets, permit handling, roadside assistance, phone holder, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Option A (fast for bikes/cars): Apply for the Temporary Driving Licence on arrival at Colombo Airport (BIA). Official info: https://www.airport.lk/services/Driving (see also: https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Foreign-tourists-can-now-get-driving-licenses-at-BIA/108-315832). Option B (for tuk-tuks): Get a Recognition/Temporary Permit via AAC/DMT. Since 30 Mar 2025, AAC requires an IDP to issue the recognition permit (see https://www.rofi.lk/blog/driving-in-sri-lanka-and-recognition-permit/ or https://tuktukrental.com/how-to-get-an-international-licence-in-sri-lanka/).

No—airport counter currently issues temporary licences for motorcycles & light vehicles. To drive a tuk-tuk (three-wheeler), your Sri Lankan permit must explicitly include class B1, typically arranged via AAC/DMT through your rental company.

Sri Lankan permit (airport temporary licence or AAC/DMT recognition), passport (or high-quality copy), proof of insurance, and the vehicle’s revenue licence (usually displayed by the rental).

No. Motorcycles and three-wheelers are not permitted on Sri Lankan expressways (E-roads). Use A/B/C roads instead. See RDA FAQ: https://www.exway.rda.gov.lk/index.php?page=faq and user guide: https://www.exway.rda.gov.lk/index.php?page=user_guide.

Helmets are mandatory for rider and pillion under the 2022 Protective Helmets Regulation. Approved types (including full-face) are allowed. See the Gazette: https://documents.gov.lk/view/extra-gazettes/2022/7/2287-28_E.pdf; summary: https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Full-face-helmet-law-relaxed-new-regulations-issued-to-rider-pillion/108-243150.

Scooter 110–125cc ≈ US$7–15/day; 150–200cc motorbike ≈ US$12–25/day; tuk-tuk ≈ US$14–25/day. Deposits often US$100–150. Always confirm inclusions: helmets, permit handling, comprehensive insurance, roadside assistance, phone holder, etc.

Third-party insurance is compulsory in Sri Lanka. For rentals, ask for comprehensive (own-damage) cover and check the excess/deductible and exclusions before you sign.

Police: 119. Ambulance: 1990 (Suwa Seriya). Tourism hotline: 1912. Save them in your phone. More info: https://sltda.gov.lk/en/dial-1912 and https://www.1990.lk/.

Plan scenic A/B roads, avoid night riding outside cities, and allow extra time in hill country and coastal routes—average speeds are slower than map ETAs.

Contact

Opening Hours

  • Mon–Sun: 24 Hours
  • Public Holidays: 24 Hours

Need help arranging your permit or rental?

For bike-only trips, you can apply at the airport counter on arrival: Airport Temporary Licence.

Sri Lanka bike & tuk-tuk rental guide