LK DMT Light Vehicle Written
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Light Vehicle Written examination is the theory-stage assessment that the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) of Sri Lanka uses within its driving licence process. Candidates who intend to obtain a light vehicle driving licence - typically private car and similar light-category vehicles - sit this written paper before progressing to the practical test. The DMT publishes the licence pathway on its website under Driving License, with separate pages for Vehicle Classes, New Driving License, Renewal of Validity and Extension of Driving License, Duplicate Driving License and Change of Particulars, Extension of Driving License, Conversion of Old Driving Licence to New and Conversion of Foreign License. The written test draws on road rules and safe driving practice, road signs, signals and markings, vehicle classes and emission testing, and the administrative side of licensing and vehicle registration. The DMT site does not publish the examination structure, question count, duration, pass mark or fee for this written examination, so candidates should confirm those details with the DMT directly rather than rely on second-hand figures. For preparation, work through the DMT's published licence and vehicle-class pages, its downloadable forms and FAQs, and its specimen section, then practise sign and marking recognition until it is automatic. The DMT head office is at No. 341, Alvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05, Narahenpita, and the Werahera office is in Boralesgamuwa. Driving licence enquiries can be sent by WhatsApp to 078 649 0500 on weekdays from 9am to 4pm.
What you'll study
About LK DMT Light Vehicle Written preparation
How do I book or confirm my slot for the Light Vehicle Written examination?
The DMT website has an Appointments section and a Driving License section, but the source page does not describe the written examination booking procedure. Contact the DMT directly to confirm how and where your written test is scheduled. Driving licence issues can be raised by WhatsApp on 078 649 0500 on weekdays from 9am to 4pm.
How many questions are on the paper, and how long do I get?
The DMT source page does not state a question count, duration, pass mark or fee for the Light Vehicle Written examination. Treat any number you hear from other candidates as unverified. Confirm the current structure with the DMT before you sit the paper, and plan your practice around untimed accuracy first, then speed.
What score do I need to pass, and what happens if I fail?
Neither the pass mark nor the retake policy appears on the DMT source page, so both must be confirmed with the department. Do not budget for a specific number of attempts. Ask about the retake interval and any fee when you book, and use the waiting time to drill the sign and marking categories you missed.
Which topics should I study first?
Start with road signs, signals and markings, because they appear in almost every question and are quick to learn by category. Then move to road rules and safe driving practice, followed by vehicle classes and emission testing. Leave licence procedures and registration or transfer paperwork for last, since they are best learned by reading the DMT's own pages.
Is the exam hard? What trips candidates up most?
The written paper rewards careful reading more than memorisation. Common failure modes are confusing similar-looking signs, mixing up vehicle class definitions, and guessing at procedural details such as renewal, duplicate licence or transfer steps. Because the DMT does not publish structure details, candidates also lose marks by preparing for the wrong format. Verify the format first, then drill weak categories.
Where can I find official study material?
Use the DMT website itself: the Driving License and Vehicle Classes pages, Downloads, FAQs, Specimens and the vehicle registration and emission testing sections. These are the department's own published materials. Third-party question banks are not official, and the DMT page does not list any prescribed textbook, so build your notes from the departmental pages.
How do I contact the DMT about licence matters?
The head office is at No. 341, Alvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05, Narahenpita, phone +94 112 033333. The Werahera office in Boralesgamuwa is on +94 112 518 926. Driving licence issues can go by WhatsApp to 078 649 0500 on weekdays from 9am to 4pm, and the Commissioner General WhatsApp number is 074 245 3300.
Does the written test cover emission testing and vehicle registration?
Emission testing and registration are separate DMT services with their own web pages, and the source does not specify the written paper's syllabus. Study them anyway, since licence holders deal with both. Eco Test issues can be raised on 076 020 9210 and black smoke reports on 070 350 0525, on weekdays from 9am to 4pm.