(Updated in September 2025)
If you have just landed in Sri Lanka and want to go on a road trip, or you’re busy planning the ultimate tuktuk adventure, and you’re wondering about licensing requirements, we have got all the information you need!
Getting a driving license (known as a Recognition Permit) in Sri Lanka is relatively easy. Below, we will outline all the steps required to obtain a local Recognition Permit for driving in Sri Lanka. When you rent with us at tuktukrental.com, we handle most of the paperwork before you arrive in the country. Simply send us your documents digitally, and your Sri Lankan driving permit will be ready and waiting for you upon arrival in the country.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive a tuktuk in Sri Lanka?
Yes, the Automobile Association of Ceylon requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to process your Sri Lankan Recognition Permit.
It is highly recommended that you obtain your physical IDP (which can be applied for with (A) or (B) endorsement) from your home country before traveling to Sri Lanka. Here’s more information on how to do that: https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/.
Unable to obtain an IDP in your home country?
If you are having trouble obtaining your IDP from your home country before leaving, there are several online providers you can apply to for an IDP:
- InstantEDP (Use code ‘TukTukRide’ and get 50% off)
- International Travel Permits (Use code ‘TukTukExpress’ for a discounted delivery)
- IDL GAA
While you might also find other providers in the market, remember, it is the responsibility of the renter to ensure the validity of the IDP and to submit it in advance for us to arrange your Recognition Permit (we need at least one business day to arrange your permit after you submit the IDP). You MUST have a physical copy of your IDP in hand when you begin your rental with us.
How do we help you with the process?
Once you’ve obtained your IDP, you can simply submit it here – https://tuktukrental.com/licence-form-select/, and we’ll arrange your Recognition Permit for you to start your tuktuk adventure upon arrival.
Click here to book your tuktuk now!
4 Comments
by Hanneke Beune
Als je in Colombo bent kun je bij:
Automobile Association of Ceylon
40 Sir M.M.M. Mawatha, Colombo 03
Je rijbewijs halen ZONDER een international rijbewijs.
Je krijgt hem dan voor 3 maanden met je normale Nederlandse rijbewijs.
Met een internationaal rijbewijs in combinatie met je NL rijbewijs krijg je hem voor een jaar!
Het kost 7.072,50 LKR. Dat is ongeveer 21 Euro. Maar natuurlijk afhankelijk van de wissel koers.
Je moet een pasfoto meenemen maar die kun je beter daar laten maken voor 700 LKR wat is ongeveer 2,-
by Wietse
Hi Hanneke, klopt inderdaad. Staat ook zo uitgelegd in de blog 🙂 Met je Internationale Rijbewijs, krijg je hem voor de geldigheid van je IRB.
by Katrien
Hoe zit het voor een Belgisch rijbewijs?
by Wietse
Zelfde als Nederlandse (en alle EU rijbewijzen).