Sri Lanka Temporary Driving License: Apply at the Airport in 30 Mins (Full Guide!)

Last updated on August 18, 2025

Dreaming of cruising Sri Lanka’s scenic coastal roads or misty hill country? Forget crowded tours, here’s how to snag a Sri Lanka temporary driving license on arrival and unlock the ultimate freedom to explore!

3 Reasons This is a Game-Changer:

✔ Skip the hassle – Get your license at the airport in under 30 mins!
✔ Go off-grid – Discover hidden beaches, tea trails, and villages most tourists miss.
✔ Save $$$ – Ditch pricey private drivers and set your own itinerary.

How to Get Your Sri Lanka Temporary Driving License?

Imagine, You land in Colombo, breeze through customs, and instead of haggling with taxi drivers, you stroll to the Airport Traffic Police Office (yes, it’s right there in Bandaranaike International). With a few simple steps, you’ll be holding a 30-day temporary license (upto 5 months) and ready to hit the road like a local.

Here’s the lowdown:

1. Bring These 3 Things:

• Your passport + visa
• An international driving permit (IDP) or a valid license from your home country
• LKR 2,000–5,000 ($ 6–15) – small price for total freedom!

1. Pro Tip: Land during office hours (8 AM–6 PM). Night owls, note: You’ll have to wait till morning or visit a local police station later.
2. Drive Like a Local (But Safer!)

• Sri Lanka drives on the left—channel your inner British road-trip vibes.
• Expect “organized chaos” in cities; rural roads are smoother sailing.
• Fuel up at Ceypetco stations—they’re everywhere, and super affordable.

Why This Beats Renting a Driver

I’ll never forget the time I ditched my pre-booked driver in Mirissa, rented a tuk-tuk instead, and stumbled upon a secret beach where fishermen grilled fresh lobster for $3. That’s the magic of self-driving here—you’re not just a tourist, you’re an explorer.

Bonus: Google Maps works shockingly well, even in the hills of Ella. Just download offline maps for backup!

Top 3 Scenic Drives to Test Your New License

1. Colombo to Galle Coastal Run (3 hours)

• Stop at: Ahangama (surf breaks), Hikkaduwa (sea turtles), and secret cinnamon plantations marked only by roadside chalk signs.

1. Kandy to Ella Hill Country (6 hours, but worth every bend)

• Pull over at: Ramboda Falls for pineapple snacks, Tea Factory 68 for unmarked Ceylon tea tastings.

1. Jaffna Peninsula Loop (Remote & Rewarding)

• Local tip: Rent a bike for the Adam’s Bridge viewpoint at sunrise—few tourists make it up here!

Avoid These Rookie Mistakes

• Overestimating distances: Google Maps doesn’t account for stray cows or spontaneous tea breaks. Add 20% buffer time.
• Ignoring tuk-tuk etiquette: Flash your lights twice to signal you’re letting one pass (they’ll wave thanks!).
• Forgetting cash: Many rural toll booths and petrol stations don’t take cards.

“But Is It Safe?” (Your Questions Answered)

✅ Yes—if you’re alert. Night driving isn’t ideal (poor lighting, sudden potholes). Stick to daylight.
✅ Police stops? Rare for tourists—just show your license + passport copy. Pro move: Keep a screenshot of your visa.
❌ Avoid: Renting scooters in Colombo. The traffic’s next-level intense—save two wheels for countryside villages.

Your Turn!
Would you brave Sri Lanka’s roads for the freedom to roam? 🛣️ Or is the thought of “Colombo rush hour” too wild? Drop your thoughts below—and tag a friend who’d love this hack!

P.S. Sharing = Caring 📌 Pin this for your future island-road-trip plans!

(Photo by Tomáš Malík on Unsplash)