How to: Get a Sri Lankan Driver's License (Step 1 of 3)

Hi there!

If you're above 17, want to apply for a driver's license in Sri Lanka but don't really know where to start-you've come to the right place. I was exactly where you were a while ago (dazed and confused!), so I did what any "normal" human-being would do..I googled it.

Surprisingly, the only website that popped up on the first page of Google ('cause who looks at the second page..right?) was the one created by the department of motor traffic. Now don't get me wrong, this website gives you a pretty good basic overview of what needs to be done (You can check it out by clicking: (http://www.motortraffic.gov.lk/web/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83&Itemid=140&lang=en); but chances are, you'll still be a little bit perplexed once you get to the places they direct you to and you'll still want to ask someone  if you're doing a process correctly-just to make sure.

Now mind you, you'll be going to a "government institution". If you didn't already know, their first priority isn't exactly customer satisfaction-it's more of a "let's survive these 8 hrs of work with as little suffering as possible" kind of work ethic; so you'd probably be the victim of unhelpful shrug offs or just a quick word or two to get you off their backs. Honestly, I do feel for them to a certain extent though; I mean, they're probably asked the same question at least a hundred times a day (and that'll take a toll on anybody...especially if you're not given any type of incentive to take the extra heat).

Coming back to topic (I trail off quite easily-it seems), there are three main steps you need to follow in order to get your licence:

1. Obtain a medical certificate and schedule a written exam date
2. Pass the written exam and get a learner's permit
3. Pass practical trials and get a driving license (and of course...*dance for joy*)

This whole process takes approx. 3 - 4 months as you can only do your practical trials after a minimum of 3 months post your written exam. This blog will only focus on Step 1 as that's all I've done so far.

Below is a breakdown of where you need to go, what you need to take and what you need to do as per the information I got through the Department of Motor Traffic website and my personal experience as at August 2017.

First things first, you need to be present in person to complete the below processes AND you need to be at least 17 years of age to get your learner's permit (not 16..this ain't the US) and at least 18 to face the practical test.

Stuff you need

1. National Identity Card (NIC) OR Valid Passport with NIC number
• Note: I've seen people go through the hassle of writing approval request letters for their old or worn out NIC, so if you have a valid passport, take it just in case.
2. ORIGINAL Birth Certificate
• Only if this is the first time you're getting a Sri Lankan license.
3. A Pen (super important!)
4. Approx. Rs. 3000 - 4000 in cash (depending on the type of license you're getting-might be more if you're not a local)

Process #1: Get a medical certificate

Time Taken: Approx. 2.5 hours

Where: National Transport Medical Institution

Address: 170 High Level Rd, Nugegoda

Hours: 

Open on weekdays · 7:30AM–4:30PM

Phone: 011 2 852868

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gmfJBPtgTUp 

Note that you can do Process #1 at the Department of Motor Traffic (Werahera - Boralesgamuwa) itself, but they have no air conditioning (so you have been warned!)
Since I did this process at Nugegoda, all info. hereon for Process #1 will be for this location.

What you need to do

Caution: this might not be the most sensible, user-friendly and/or efficient process design, so you might be tempted to curse under your breath, occasionally.

1. Once you arrive at the location, if you have a vehicle, you should be able to park at the parking lot adjacent to the building.
2. Pick up a form from the security office and fill it (using your trusty awesome pen!)
3. Climb the stairs and walk straight towards the weighing scale and stand on top of it.
• A guy there will note your height and weight on the respective fields of your form
4. Go back outside and stand in a line towards the entrance according to your form number.
5. When the security guard calls your number, go back inside, pass the weighing scale and enter the room to your right.
• Note, ONLY YOU can go inside, not your parents, not your friends, just you (unless they need a medical too...if so, they need to fill a form as well)
6. Join the queue and use the time to make yourself presentable (using the mirror they've aptly provided) for your head-shot.
• Don't cut across the barricade they've placed for obvious reasons. Nobody likes an over-stepper. 
7. Once it's your turn, sit on the chair provided, handover your NIC + filled form to the respective personnel in front of you, make sure they spell your name and address correctly and SMILE at the webcam.
8. Leave the room and head straight to the Cashier; if you've applied for a light vehicle licence (like me!) you'll have to pay Rs. 750.
9. Collect your receipt and walk back to the entrance and turn left and climb up the stairs.
• Your family/friends can accompany you upstairs.
10. Walk straight towards the first row of chairs and sit;
11. If there isn't anybody seated (it's supposed to be a sitting queue), enter the room to your right and sit on a vacant chair.
12. Once it's your turn, go sit in front of a personnel, handover your documents and let them prick your finger for blood. They'll let you know your blood type in a few minutes.
13. Exit the room and sit where-ever until the guys near the "blood room" call out your number and the room number you need to enter through the mic (they'll probably call a range of numbers, so pay attention!)
14. Before you enter the room, remove your footwear.
15. Leave your form on the table and participate in the eye test. The doc will consequently check your blood pressure and heart rate. 
• Make sure you have your NIC with you for this.
16. Exit the room and sit until the personnel at table near the entrance of the hall calls your number
17. Once they do, you can collect your medical certificate (Hooray!)

Note: Your medical certificate is valid for a period of 6 months! So make sure you get your licence before this period ends.

Process #2: Schedule a date for your written exam

Time Taken: Approx. 2 hours

Where: Department of Motor Traffic DMT RMP

Address: Department of Motor Traffic Rd, Boralesgamuwa

Phone: 011 2 518926

Hours: 

Open weekdays · 8:30AM–4PM

    Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2z7Z9XTNXyQ2

What you need to do

1. You can't park inside the department, but there's a parking lot on to your left which should have sufficient parking.
2. You need to walk into the premises and proceed to building H.
3. Where's building H-you may ask? Good question-there's no map so just try and follow my directions:
• Walk in straight (passing all the learner's vehicles) and turn right towards the canteen.
• Pass the canteen and turn to your left (you should see a direction board for building H).
• Enter through the security hut and it's the building to your right.
4. Go directly to the reception area, handover your NIC + Original Birth Certificate + Medical Certificate and obtain a token (don't forget to take back your documents!) 

   

   Department of Motor Traffic - Building H Reception

5. DO NOT LOSE YOUR TOKEN UNTIL YOU SCHEDULE YOUR WRITTEN EXAM DATE 

   

   Driving licence application token

6. Now the waiting begins..grab a seat (hopefully where you get the fan) and wait until your number is called. You need to enter through the door below once it's called, so feel free to watch some TV until then.

   

   Entrance to the Application Office

7. Once your number is called, enter and join the queue 
   
8. You'll be asked to sit and (hopefully!) will be called in quite fast by the personnel at Tables 1 to 16(?)
9. Handover all your documents (NIC + Original Birth Certificate + Medical Certificate) to the respective personnel and SMILE at the webcam. (Note: this happens super fast so try and be as photogenic as possible throughout the process...just keep smiling to avoid your driving licence picture turning into a MUGSHOT)
10. Collect your driving licence application, find the nearest table and take out your trusty (awesome!) pen.

    

    Driving Licence Application Front

11. You need to sign and write the current date on the rear side of this form.

    

    Driving Licence Application Rear
12. Proceed to any counter from counters 17 to 28 and handover your Application form + NIC + Birth Certificate + Medical Certificate to the respective personnel.
13. Once they handover the documents back to you, proceed to any counter from counters 31 to 33 (cashier) and stand in the queue.

    

    Cashier Counters 31 to 33

14. Once your turn arrives, pay the respective amount (Mine was Rs. 2000 - not sure why it varies from person to person, the lady before me paid Rs. 1850), obtain your written exam date and collect your receipt.
15. You're Done!!!

Honestly, a lot of confusion would be minimized if they had more visual boards/instructions around the premises. But until they do, hope this blog helps you with your future driving licence escapades.

Feel free to share your experience in the comments below to keep future blog visitors up to date with any change in procedure. Until my next blog..