- 1year
Your licence must be valid at least
- 2
Classes: A motorcycles, B light vehicles
- 5months
Longest temporary licence
Can I convert my licence?
Circular 2022/14 (PDF)Under section 131 of the Motor Traffic Act.
- Right country
Issued by a country that signed the 1968 Vienna or 1949 Geneva convention, or a SAARC country.
- Valid for a year
At least one year left on it.
- Full licence
Learner and provisional licences don’t count.
- Classes A and B
Motorcycles and light vehicles only. Any restrictions carry over.
What do I need?
Circular 2022/14 (PDF)Foreign nationals4 items
- Sri Lankan visa valid for at least a year
- NTMI medical certificate
- Practical driving test
- Your licence lasts as long as your visa
Sri Lankan and dual citizens4 items
- Sri Lankan passport and NIC
- NTMI medical certificate
- Practical driving test
- Visa from the country that issued the licence
Not eligible to convert?
Circular 2022/14 (PDF)You can get a temporary licence under section 132 instead. It lasts up to five months, or until your visa ends if that is sooner.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in Sri Lanka on my foreign licence?
You need a Sri Lankan licence. If your licence is from a Vienna or Geneva convention country or a SAARC country, and valid for at least a year, you can convert it.
Which vehicles does a converted licence cover?
Class A motorcycles and class B light vehicles only.
Do I need a driving test?
Yes, a practical test, plus a medical certificate from the NTMI.
What if my country doesn’t qualify?
You can get a temporary licence for up to five months, or for the time left on your visa.
Learn more on official sites
The pages this guide is based on.