Driving licenses

Member since 10 January 2016

thanhgiang2303Member04 January 2017 00:35:30

Hi, my name is Jane and I recently move to Colombo. I'm planning to buy a motorbike, I like driving myself to work instead of get on a tuktuk. But the thing is I don't have a driving license. I used to live in Vietnam and it was so easy to buy a bike and drove everywhere without license (which I shouldn't done). The police actually stopped me sometimes but by giving them 10-20$, they let me go. Here in Colombo so far as I read, you have to have a license if you want to drive around and for a foreigner to get a license here, you have to have a license in your country first, is it correct? I mean I don't know, all the information I got online is just so confusing. So is there anyway for me to get a driving license (apply for a test) then I can buy a bike? Also, how much it should be for a second hand motorbike and where can I find it? Thanks so much for reading and hope to hear from you soon. Have a good day!

See also

Living in Colombo: the expat guide - Guide
Driving in Sri Lanka - 8 Replies
How to get a local Sri Lankan driver license issued - 9 Replies
Driving in SL - 7 Replies
Driving license in Sri Lanka - 6 Replies
Driving in SL - 7 Replies
Public transportation in Colombo - 3 Replies

samsrilanka Active member

Member since 12 April 2012

samsrilankaActive member12 January 2017 17:26:36

Hi Jane, if you have a Residence Visa here in Sri Lanka, it is VERY easy to get a license, just go to the Driving License Office in the morning and you should have a license within a couple of hours!

If you don't, you may still be able to get a Driving License, just about everything can be bought in this country, if you need help, contact me on Private Message.

Good Luck!

HassanW Member

Member since 26 January 2017

HassanWMember27 January 2017 01:31:56

nothing to worry u can apply with your passport what about the learning part? you have to pass the theory and the practical first find a Learners near by you. and and apply through them so its easy to get through them after that you can buy a motor bike

once you apply for the examination they will give you a date for written exam once you pass the written examination they will temporarily issue the license certificate for you with that you can ride it for 3 months after 3 months you should go for practical examination once you pass the practical examination they will issue a permanent license that's its simple .

Danushika Fonseka Member

Member since 30 January 2017

Danushika FonsekaMember30 January 2017 09:22:32

Hi, I can just suggest you some online websites where you can buy second hand bikes from other Sunday news papers and Ikman website at the same time Hitad also cool

Rishinath Member

Member since 05 February 2017

RishinathMember05 February 2017 12:03:41

it normally takes 3 months, but if u want it urgently I can give u some tips.

adilabdullah55 New member

Member since 09 February 2017

adilabdullah55New member09 February 2017 17:51:32

mail me on ** i have a contact who will do it in a day. Regards

Moderated by Christine 9 years ago
Reason : please share contact details via pm. Thank you

HassanW Member

Member since 26 January 2017

HassanWMember09 February 2017 23:45:23

Dear Mr.Abdulla
She wants to take the license in genuine way so everyone please help in correct way not the shortcut
It will show your abilities and character, how you are

-Hassan -

samsrilanka Active member

Member since 12 April 2012

samsrilankaActive member07 July 2017 16:04:41

Hassan, normally I would not get involved in other's replies, but I can't help but see that you have completely misunderstood the situation, and the person, and the query.

She already has said that she has been driving around in her country without a license, and bribing cops, etc.

Does this sound like a person who wants to do it in the "genuine and correct way"?

For you to put down Abdulla and call into question his character and abilities, when you yourself are so very wrong about this issue, is, I think not only unwarranted, but shows a lot about you and your character.

I would suggest you stick to offering advice, and not call other people's character and abilities into question, due to them offering help to others.

Thank You!