LK DMT Light Vehicle Written cheat sheet

New licence path: learner permit (written test) → learner period with L-plates and a supervising driver → practical driving test → issuance of the full licence; the learner permit alone never authorises solo driving.

Learner permit eligibility: minimum age 18 for light vehicles (cars/dual-purpose), with a medical fitness declaration and valid identity documents presented at the DMT counter.

Renewal: Sri Lankan light-vehicle licences are typically valid to the holder's birthday-based cycle (commonly renewed every 5 years for holders under 60 and more frequently for older holders); renewal requires the existing licence, NIC, medical certificate where age-triggered, and payment of the prescribed fee.

Duplicate licence: applied for on loss/damage with a police report (for loss), NIC copy, and fee; the replacement carries the original licence number and class entitlements.

Conversion of a foreign licence: requires a valid foreign licence, proof of residency/visa status, and passing the local written and/or practical test as directed; foreign licences are not automatically exchanged.

Class entitlements are printed on the licence (e.g., A1, A, B, C, D, G, J); driving a vehicle outside your endorsed class is an offence even if you hold a licence for another class.

Driving while unlicensed or with an expired licence is a punishable offence; carrying the licence (or a valid digital/alternate proof accepted by DMT) while driving is mandatory.

Address or name changes must be notified to the DMT and reflected on the licence; mismatched details can invalidate insurance claims.

Every motor vehicle used on a public road must be registered with the DMT and display valid registration plates; registration is tied to the vehicle, not the driver.

Ownership transfer requires the completed transfer form signed by both parties, the Certificate of Registration, valid revenue licence, emission test certificate, and NIC copies of buyer and seller, lodged at the DMT within the prescribed period.

The seller remains liable for offences and revenue arrears until the transfer is recorded by the DMT; a private agreement alone does not change the registered owner.

Revenue licence (annual road tax) is issued per vehicle class and weight/engine capacity; it must be current whenever the vehicle is used on a public road.

Registration plates must meet DMT specifications (correct size, font, spacing, reflective material); altered or decorative plates are an offence.

Engine or chassis changes, colour changes, and body-type conversions require DMT approval and amendment of the registration record.

A vehicle imported or assembled must clear customs and homologation requirements before first registration; unregistered use attracts seizure.

On sale, both parties should retain copies of the transfer documents; the buyer should verify there are no outstanding fines, loans, or registration caveats before paying.

Sri Lanka drives on the left; overtaking is done on the right except where a lane is marked for left-side passing or a vehicle is signalling a right turn.

Speed limits: default 50 km/h in built-up areas and 70 km/h outside built-up areas unless signs state otherwise; expressway limits are posted and enforced.

Seat belts are mandatory for front and rear occupants where fitted; helmets are mandatory for riders and pillion passengers on motorcycles.

Blood alcohol: Sri Lanka's legal limit is 0.05% BAC (0.08% is not the standard); driving under the influence carries licence suspension and prosecution.

Following distance: use the two-second rule in dry conditions, doubling to four seconds in rain, at night, or behind heavy vehicles.

At pedestrian crossings (zebra), drivers must give way to pedestrians on or entering the crossing; stopping on the crossing is prohibited.

Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited except with a hands-free device; any hand-held use is an offence.

At an uncontrolled junction, give way to traffic approaching from the right and to vehicles already in the junction; signal intention early.

Sign shape carries meaning: circles give orders (red ring = prohibition, blue = mandatory), triangles warn, and rectangles inform or guide.

Red octagon = STOP (full stop, give way, proceed only when clear); inverted red/white triangle = GIVE WAY (slow, yield, proceed when safe).

Solid white centre line = no crossing/overtaking; broken white line = overtaking permitted when safe; double solid lines = strict no crossing.

Yellow markings in Sri Lanka denote parking restrictions and no-parking zones; yellow box junctions must not be entered unless the exit is clear.

Traffic light sequence: red → red+amber → green → amber → red; a flashing amber means proceed with caution and give way where required.

Police or authorised officer hand signals override traffic lights and road signs; obey the officer.

Level crossing signs and flashing red lights require a full stop; never enter a crossing unless the far side is clear.

Direction arrows painted on the road are mandatory lane instructions; being in the wrong lane at a junction is an offence.

Class A1: motorcycles up to 100 cc; Class A: motorcycles above 100 cc - both require a separate practical test for the class.

Class B: light motor cars and dual-purpose (jeep/cab) vehicles not exceeding the prescribed weight/seat limits - the standard 'car' licence.

Class C: light motor lorry (goods vehicles) within prescribed weight; Class CE/heavier classes cover larger lorries and combinations.

Class D: light motor bus/passenger vehicles; Class DE covers heavier passenger transport; separate medical and training requirements apply to passenger-carrying classes.

Class G: light motor tractor / agricultural and construction equipment; Class J: specifically for three-wheelers (auto rickshaws).

Learner permits are issued per class; the practical test must be passed on a vehicle of the class applied for.

Driving a vehicle above the weight/seat threshold of your class is treated as driving without a valid licence for that vehicle.

Riding/driving a class you are not endorsed for voids insurance cover and attracts fines, demerit points, and possible licence cancellation.

Emission testing is mandatory annually for vehicles (typically those over one year old) and must be current to obtain or renew the revenue licence.

Tests are carried out at DMT-approved emission testing centres; the certificate is valid for 12 months from the test date.

Petrol vehicles are tested for CO and HC at idle and high idle; diesel vehicles are tested for smoke opacity (Hartridge smoke units) against prescribed limits.

A failed test requires repair and retest; the vehicle cannot legally be licensed until a pass certificate is produced.

The emission certificate is tied to the vehicle registration number and chassis/engine number; it is not transferable between vehicles.

After an engine replacement or major emission-system repair, a fresh emission test is required before renewal.

The emission certificate must be presented with the revenue licence application; missing or expired certificates block licence issuance.

Tampering with emission control equipment (catalytic converter removal, EGR disablement) is an offence and will cause test failure.