Driving in Sri Lanka For Visiting Foreigners, Tourist & Expats

Are you looking for an experience in Sri Lanka which is one of a kind and different from the regular old ways of travelling? Do you want to truly experience the beauty and authenticity of this classy island nation? Then there is no better way than to drive your way through Sri Lanka. This is one of the best ways of going off-grid and exploring the country on your own during your visit.

What to Expect on Sri Lankan Roads

You should also expect a lot of disorder while driving in Sri Lanka, along with blaring vehicle horns coming from every direction. Nightmarish, slow-moving traffic jams during office and school opening and closing times in cities like Colombo, Kandy, Dehiwala, and on the Katunayake Airport Road are quite common. Very poor and narrow roads and streets in rural Sri Lanka are also the norm.

Unique and Surprising Driving Habits

Some foreigners and expats often describe driving in Sri Lanka by saying that you can drive really slow on the fast lanes of Colombo like nowhere else in the world. At times, vehicles are even parked wherever drivers please — sometimes right next to a “No Parking” sign!

You may encounter drivers audacious enough to reverse directly onto a main road. It is also common to see vehicles driving at night without lights, while others may drive with multiple headlamps switched on. Cyclists in Sri Lanka usually do not wear bicycle safety helmets. However, motorcycle helmets are mandatory and very strictly enforced by the police.

Is Driving in Sri Lanka Enjoyable or Stressful?

All these factors — traffic congestion, poorly maintained roads, and mostly narrow highways — can make driving in Sri Lanka adventurous and enjoyable for some, but a complete nightmare for others if you are not prepared for what to expect on the roads.

Driving License Requirements for Foreigners

Before you take the wheel and try to rent or borrow a car or any vehicle in Sri Lanka, you must have a valid driving license from your country of origin or an international driving license.

Sri Lanka News Online reports that foreign driving license–holding tourists and expatriates who wish to convert their license into a Sri Lankan driving license are advised to first contact the Deputy Commissioner of the Motor Traffic Department in Sri Lanka.

Road Signs and Speed Limits in Sri Lanka

Most road signs in Sri Lanka follow international standards, but it is still recommended to get a road sign booklet to refresh your memory. In many parts of the island, the speed limits are typically 40 kmph, 60 kmph, and 72 kmph. Yes, that’s right — do not expect to drive faster than 72 km/h, certainly not 172 km/h!

International Driving Permit (IDP) in Sri Lanka

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is recognized worldwide, including in Sri Lanka, as a valid document identifying motorists as legally licensed drivers. However, having only an IDP may sometimes be inconvenient when renting a car or driving in a foreign country like Sri Lanka, where English is not widely spoken or understood.

As mentioned earlier, it is advisable to contact your travel agent, foreign agency, or ticketing agent in advance and complete the necessary arrangements if you plan to do a lot of driving in Sri Lanka. Authorities may require you to present several documents to obtain the required driving permit or license before taking the wheel on Sri Lankan roads.

Suggested Tour

• Sri Lanka Tour Packages
• Sri Lanka Ramayana Tour Package
• Sri Lanka Honeymoon Packages