Obtaining a New Smart Card Driving Licence

Method 1: You can obtain the licence online at the following offices.

1. 1Werahera Head Office
2. 2Kurunegala District Office
3. 3Kalutara District Office
4. 4Hambantota District Office
5. 5Gampaha District Office
6. 6Anuradhapura District Office
7. 7Jaffna District Office
8. 8Monaragala District Office

Method 2: You can obtain the licence offline at all other district offices.

Requirements for All Issuances

• The applicant must attend in person.
• Bring your National Identity Card, or a valid foreign passport bearing your National Identity Card number.
• At offices using the online method, you do not need to bring photographs — the required photo is taken during the examination process.
• For offices using the offline method, two passport-size black-and-white photographs with a light-coloured background are required.
• When obtaining a driving licence for the first time, the original birth certificate must be submitted.

Obtaining a New Light Vehicle Driving Licence

• The minimum age to obtain the licence is 17 years.
• Once you reach the minimum age, you must sit the written examination.
• After passing the written examination, a Learner Permit is issued valid for a maximum of 18 months, which can be used for practice.
• The minimum age to sit the practical (trial) test is 18 years. At least three months must also have passed since obtaining the Learner Permit.
• You must sit and pass the practical test.
• You must have a valid medical fitness certificate obtained from a National Transport Medical Institute within the last six months.

Obtaining the Revenue Licence

The Revenue Licence is issued for one year at a time, and must be renewed every year for all vehicles.

For vehicles in the Western Province, the first Revenue Licence is usually issued by the Provincial Commissioner of Motor Traffic's office. From the second licence onward, it can be renewed at the relevant Divisional Secretariat office.

Documents Required to Renew the Revenue Licence

1. 1A copy of the vehicle registration document, certified by the Commissioner of Motor Traffic or the relevant financial institution (e.g. a leasing company).
2. 2The previous year's Revenue Licence.
3. 3A valid insurance certificate for the coming year.
4. 4For commercial vehicles, the relevant fitness certificate.
5. 5For buses or passenger transport vehicles, the required passenger service permit.
6. 6Emission test certificate (Echo Test) — not applicable to hybrid and electric vehicles.

Obtaining It Online

The Revenue Licence can be obtained online. Visit the relevant government link to check whether you're eligible for this service, which covers motor cars, motorcycles, dual-purpose vehicles, and three-wheelers. For other vehicle types, please check with your Divisional Secretariat office. To use the online service, you'll need a valid insurance certificate from a recognised insurer and a vehicle emission certificate (not applicable to hybrid and electric vehicles). See the official website for further details.

Issuing Fines for Traffic Law Violations

Fines may be issued for the following road traffic offences.

• Failing to carry your driving licence while driving.
• Not driving in accordance with speed limit regulations.
• Not complying with road traffic laws.
• Not using seat belts.
• Not displaying the Revenue Licence, or failing to produce it when required.
• Not keeping the emission certificate or fitness certificate in the vehicle.
• Not having a number plate.
• Not wearing a safety helmet while driving.
• Using the vehicle in violation of the Revenue Licence's conditions.
• Using improper signals while driving or on other occasions.
• Crossing a railway level crossing when the red light is on.
• Emitting excessive smoke.
• Reversing a motor vehicle a long distance along the road.
• Making excessive noise with a motor vehicle.
• Not complying with the orders and signals of police officers and others.
• Not complying with road signs.
• Stopping or parking a motor vehicle on the road.
• Driving an emergency or public service vehicle without proper authorisation.
• Driving a special-purpose vehicle without a licence.
• Failing to obtain proper authorisation to drive a vehicle carrying chemicals, hazardous waste, or similar materials.
• Failing to obtain the licence required to drive a vehicle belonging to a specific class.
• Engaging in instructor duties without an instructor's licence.
• Driving in a manner where the vehicle cannot be kept under control.
• Misusing hazard warning devices.
• Travelling, or allowing travel, on a motor vehicle's running board or similar.
• Exceeding the permitted number of people seated in the front seats of a motor vehicle.
• Distributing advertisements etc. from a motor vehicle while it is in motion.
• Not taking the required safety precautions when refuelling.
• Not taking the required safety precautions when a motor vehicle is stopped, unattended, or has broken down on the road.
• Exceeding the permitted number of persons, or the permitted quantity of goods, that may be carried in a motor vehicle in addition to personal luggage.
• Exceeding the permitted number of persons, or the permitted quantity of goods, that may be carried in a bus in addition to personal luggage.
• Carrying goods in a lorry, motor tricycle, or van beyond the maximum permitted weight or axle weight.
• Carrying more persons in a lorry than the permitted number.
• Violating regulations.