[Updated in August 2025]: A new branch office of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has been established at the arrivals terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, Sri Lanka. Foreign visitors/tourists can now obtain a temporary driving license on arrival at the airport. The following article has been updated to reflect this.
Sri Lanka welcomed over 1.5 million tourists by August 2025, aiming to reach 3 million by the end of the year. In July, Australia ranked 7th among the countries sending visitors to Sri Lanka. One of the most common questions Australian tourists ask is:
Can I drive in Sri Lanka with my Australian driving licence?
The short answer is NO—an Australian driving licence alone is not directly valid for driving in Sri Lanka. However, Australian tourists can drive in Sri Lanka by obtaining one of the following:
- Recognition Permit / Endorsement from the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) -or-
- Temporary Sri Lankan Driving Permit issued by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) of Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan Motor Traffic Act only recognises International Driving Permits (IDPs) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. In contrast, IDPs issued by Australian authorities are based on the 1949 Geneva Convention.
Recognised agents authorised to issue an IDP to Australian driving licence holders
- Australian Automobile Association(AAA)
- National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA)
- Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV)
- Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA)
- Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ)
- Royal Automobile Club of WA (RAC)
- Automobile Association of Northern Territory
- Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT)
You may encounter fake international driver’s licences that claim to be valid for driving in Sri Lanka or worldwide. These counterfeit IDP’s are not recognised in Sri Lanka.
Therefore, Australian nationals are advised to obtain one of the above permits before driving in Sri Lanka.
How can Australian tourists drive in Sri Lanka?
| Options | Option 01 | Option 02 | Option 03 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endorsing Authority | Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) | Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) | Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) |
| Where to get it? | Arrivals Terminal, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) | Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), Werahera | Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC), Colombo |
| Processing Time | Issued over the counter Approx 15 minutes | 45 minutes to a few hours | Issued over the counter Approx 30 minutes |
| Physical Presence Required? | Yes – The applicant must be physically present at the DMT counter. | Yes – The applicant must be physically present at the DMT office. | No – A representative (rent a car company) can obtain the permit on behalf of the applicant. |
| Operating Hours | Around the clock, every day of the year (24/7, 365 days a year) | Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 3 PM (Check Sri Lankan holiday calendar) | Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM (Check Sri Lankan holiday calendar) |
| Documents Required |
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| More Information | Airport Website Google Maps Location | DMT Website Google Maps Location | AA Ceylon Website Google Maps Location |
| Cost | LKR 2000/- per month upto maximum 5 months | LKR 2000/- per month | LKR 8500/- for 6 months |
| Final Thoughts | ✅ More convenient – Can be obtained at the Airport. ✅ Located at the Arrival Terminal of the Airport (BIA). ✅ Faster processing as it’s issued over the counter. ✅ Cost-effective. | ❌ Less convenient – Requires in-person visit to DMT office. ❌ The DMT office is not in central Colombo (located in Werahera). ❌ Processing time can be longer if there is a crowd on the day. ✅ Cost-effective. | ✅ More convenient – Can be obtained even before arriving in Sri Lanka through a rental car company. ✅ Located centrally in Colombo. ✅ Faster processing as it’s issued over the counter. ❌ You must possess an IDP from your home country. |
Why Get a Temporary Permit or an IDP?
- Legal Compliance – Driving without a valid permit can result in fines or legal trouble.
- Car Rental Requirements – Most car rental companies in Sri Lanka require either an IDP or a temporary permit.
- Insurance Coverage – Many vehicle insurance policies only cover drivers with proper documentation.
Driving Rules in Sri Lanka for Australian Drivers
- Drive on the Left – Like Australia, Sri Lanka follows left-hand driving, making it easier for Aussie drivers.
- Speed Limits – Generally, 40 km/h in cities, 60 km/h on provincial roads, and 100 km/h on expressways.
- Seat Belts & Traffic Rules – Strict adherence to traffic rules, including seat belts and speed limits, is essential.
- Avoiding Fines – Traffic violations can result in fines, so always follow local regulations.
For more details on driving rules and regulations in Sri Lanka, visit this guide on driving in Sri Lanka.
Looking for a Reliable Car Rental in Sri Lanka?
If you’re planning to drive in Sri Lanka, consider renting a vehicle from a trusted rental car company, known for its well-maintained fleet and excellent customer service.
Representatives from Malkey Rent A Car can also assist you in obtaining all the valid documentation required to drive legally in Sri Lanka as an Australian tourist. This includes helping you with the AA endorsement for your IDP.
By ensuring you have the right documents, you can enjoy a smooth and legal driving experience during your visit to Sri Lanka!
