The Tuk Tuk Guidebook
Let's see Sri Lanka while driving a tuk-tuk
How It Works
The latest way to travel around Sri Lanka in style. Hire a tuk-tuk and drive it yourself as an expert
How it functions
Let's first look at what you need to do to drive a tuk-tuk.
Driving a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka is very easy if you have a valid driving license. We're here to make it even easier and happier. Here's how.
Book a tuk-tuk from our tuktukslrental.com site
First, confirm your trip by entering the start date and location, as well as the end date and location, and then select the type of tuk-tuk you want and additional options.
Book hereNeed additional facilities?
Security
Do you have valuables? We'll provide security for them.
Surf Equipment
Do you have any surfing equipment? We have surf racks.
Baby Seats
Do you have small children? We'll provide baby seats.
Tech Accessories
Do you need Bluetooth speakers / phone charging facilities / coolers? We provide all your needs.
Additional facilities
Baby Seat
Carry your little ones comfortably and safely.
Surfboard Rack
The easiest way to carry your surfboard safely.
Seat Belt
This ensures your safety even better.
Bluetooth Speaker
The way to listen to your favorite music while traveling.
Cooler/ Esky
The easiest way to keep your drinks chilled.
Train Transfer
Travel by train without having to carry your bags. We'll carry your bags.
We will plan your trip
If you want to see beautiful places in Sri Lanka, tuktukslrental.net can plan your trip. We will teach you how to see more places in less time, for free. All you have to do is book a tuk tuk ride with us.
How to Plan a Trip
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country. If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka for a few weeks or a month, make sure to make the most of your time. Decide in advance on the places you want to visit and make a list of them. If you need help with this, talk to our team. We are ready to arrange a free tour session for you. Tell us what you need. tuktukslrental.net service is open 24 hours a day for you.
Book a meeting with us
Tuk tuk trip planning with us.
30 Minutes
Conference Details (Zoom/Teams)
Select Date & Time
How to get a local license to drive a tuk-tuk
You are few steps behind to collect your local license. A foreigner needs a local license to drive a vehicle in Sri Lanka. Don't worry we're here. As soon as you book your tuk tuk trip, send us a clear photo of your driver's license and passport. We'll take care of the rest.
License Requirements
To get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Sri Lanka, you need to visit the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC). You have to bring your national driving license and two passport-size photos, then complete the application form and pay the applicable fee.
*Conversion of Foreign Driving License into Sri Lankan Driving License
Procedure for issuing a Sri Lankan driving license to a holder of driving license issued outside of Sri Lanka, under the provisions of section 131 of Motor Traffic Act.
01. Common Considerations
- The driving license produced for the conversion must be issued by one of the countries signatories to the Vienna convention of 1968 or Geneva convention of 1949 listed in schedule 1, or a SAARC country listed in schedule 2
- The driving license produced for the conversion (foreign license) must be valid for at least one year from the date of conversion.
- Only full driving license are considered for conversion. Training/learner's license/permit, novice license, temporary license, probationary license or other similar types of licenses are not considered for conversion.
- Conversion is applied for motorcycles vehicle class (denoted by A in Sri Lankan license) and light vehicles class (denoted by B in Sri Lankan license) only.
- All restrictions and conditions applied in the foreign license (e.g. corrective lens user, automatic transmission only, hearing aid user, etc.) will be applied in the converted Sri Lankan license.
02. Conversion of Foreign Driving License for Foreigners
All conditions mentioned in "01. Common Considerations" and following conditions are applicable.
- Sri Lankan visa for at least one-year duration.
- Certificate to confirm mental and physical fitness, issued by the National Transport Medical Institute.
- Passing the practical examination conducted by an Examiner of Motor Vehicles.
- If the driving license is not issued by the home country of the applicant, visa for the country which issued the license (validity of the visa must overlap the validity of the driving license).
- Validity period of the Sri Lankan driving license must be decided based on the remaining Sri Lankan visa of the applicant.
03.Conversion of Foreign Driving License for Sri Lankans/Sri Lankan Dual Citizens
All conditions mentioned in “01. Common Considerations” and following conditions are applicable. Document verifications must be produced where applicable.
- i. Valid Sri Lankan passport and Sri Lankan national identity card (Sri Lankan citizenship)
- ii. Certificate to confirm mental and physical fitness, issued by the National Transport Medical Institute.
- iii. Passing the practical examination conducted by an Examiner of Motor Vehicles.
- iv. Visa for the country which issued the driving license (validity of the visa must overlap the validity of the driving license).
04. Issuing a temporary Sri Lankan driving license under the provisions of section 132 of Motor Traffic Act
A temporary driving license shall be issued as per the section 132 of Motor Traffic Act, to foreign national applicants who does not meet the requirement in paragraph “02. i.”. All conditions from “b.” to “g.” in “01. Common Considerations”, as well as following conditions are applicable in issuing a temporary driving license to a foreign national visiting Sri Lanka.
- i. The maximum validity of the temporary driving license will the lesser period from 5-month validity or remaining Sri Lankan visa period of the applicant.
- ii. Fee is applied based on the number of months of validity of the temporary license
05. Exceptions
All conditions mentioned in "01. Common Considerations" and following conditions are applicable.
- a. Sri Lankan driving license will be issued to foreign diplomats and staff members of foreign missions in Sri Lanka and without considering aforementioned conditions, according to the written requests from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka.
- b. For citizens of countries which has signed reciprocal driving license exchange agreements, Sri Lankan driving licenses will be issued according to the provisions of relevant agreements.
- c. In occasions where significant justifications are produced for converting the heavy vehicle classes of foreign driving licenses, consideration is given to such conversions with the special approval from the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic and subject to passing a practical test.
06. Procedures mentioned in this circular shall not obstruct Sri Lankan and foreign national applicants from obtaining a Sri Lankan driving license through the normal procedure.
Reference: Department of Motor Traffic - Sri Lanka
Driving Lessons
Once you arrive in Sri Lanka, you will be given a private driving lesson by one of our affiliated tuk tuk instructors. This will teach you in simple terms how to safely ride a tuk tuk on Sri Lankan roads.
1
Now Ride Your Tuk Tuk
After you have been given a driving test by your driving instructor and are confident enough to drive, you can start riding Tuk Tuks around Sri Lanka. We are committed to providing you with 24/7 support if you need our assistance.
Driving Lesson Details
Before you drive a tuk tuk on the roads of Sri Lanka, you will be given proper instructions and training by a qualified tuk tuk driver. You will also be given prior training on how to fix the tuk tuk yourself if something goes wrong. This will take a very short time, and we kindly request that you take your time for it. If you are a slow learner, we are willing to spend more time than planned.
Can a foreigner drive a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka? Is it legal?
If you have a valid driving license from your home country, you can drive a vehicle in Sri Lanka. You will also need to meet two other qualifications:
1. Sri Lankan Driving Permit
2. Valid Vehicle Insurance
Meanwhile, choosing a safe tuk-tuk for your trip, taking private driving lessons, 24-hour roadside vehicle repair facilities, and obtaining a repair kit will make your tuk-tuk trip even easier.
Sri Lankan Driving Permit
To drive any vehicle within Sri Lanka, you must have a special local license. This is because several countries, including Sri Lanka, do not accept international driving licenses. Due to this legal issue, even if you have a valid license from another country, you must obtain a special driving license approved by the Sri Lankan government. Driving a vehicle in Sri Lanka without such a special license is a serious offense that can be punished.
If you book a tuk tuk ride through our agency, we will arrange for the relevant special vehicle license to be obtained for you.
Insurance Information
Vehicle Insurance
Your safety is ensured by having appropriate vehicle insurance for all vehicles driven within Sri Lanka. Our company obtains special insurance coverage for all foreigners who rent tuk-tuks. This further ensures your safety. The insurance we have obtained covers you, the driver of the vehicle, the passengers, and the third party.
Personal Travel Insurance
In addition to the insurance coverage we provide, if you also take out individual insurance coverage, it will double your protection. Even if no one who has hired a tuk tuk has ever had to face a serious accident, it is extremely important for you to have personal insurance coverage in your country in case you suddenly have to face such an accident.
Travel Kit & Extras
Travel Kit
Basic Toolset, Reserve Fuel Tank, Spare Tyre, Lockable Storage Box, Phone Holder and USB Charging Port
Extras
Surfboard roof racks, Baby-seats, Cooler / Esky, Bluetooth Speakers and Train transfer.
Secure Online Payment
Safe & Secure Payments
All your payments can be made via credit or debit card. We also remind you that a deposit of $150 is required for this. This deposit will be given to a designated account or in cash at the end of your trip.