Driving Licence Procedures: New, Renewal, Duplicate and Conversion
What this domain tests
Driving licence questions check whether you know the lawful route from learner to full licence, how to keep a licence valid, and what to do when a licence is lost, damaged or foreign. The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) is the licensing authority under the Motor Traffic Act; applications are processed through DMT and provincial/divisional offices.
New licence pathway
- Meet the minimum age for the vehicle class and pass the required medical fitness check.
- Apply with your National Identity Card, photographs and the prescribed form, then sit the written examination for the class.
- On passing, you receive a learner permit for that class. Drive only under the permitted supervision, display L plates where required, and obey the learner conditions.
- After the prescribed learner period, pass the practical trial test; the full licence is then issued.
Renewal, duplicate and conversion
- Renew before expiry with the old licence, NIC and a medical certificate if your age or class requires one. An expired licence does not authorise driving.
- For a lost or damaged licence, apply for a duplicate with your NIC and the required affidavit or police report. Once a duplicate is issued, the original is invalid.
- A foreign licence may be converted by providing the valid foreign licence, proof of residence/visa, medical certificate and passing any required written or practical test. An International Driving Permit is temporary and does not replace a Sri Lankan licence.
Worked example
A licence expires on 30 June. On 2 July the holder is stopped and says a renewal application has been submitted. Reasoning: submitting an application does not extend the licence. Unless a lawful grace period applies, driving after expiry is driving without a valid licence. The driver should not drive until the renewed licence is issued.
Traps that cost marks
Assuming a learner permit allows solo driving; using a licence of the wrong class; failing to declare a medical condition; treating a foreign licence as automatically valid; confusing a duplicate with a renewal.
Key points
- The written exam is the gateway to the learner permit, not the full licence.
- Licence classes are specific; driving outside your class is an offence.
- Renewal requires the old licence, NIC and medical evidence where prescribed.
- A duplicate invalidates the lost or damaged original.
- Foreign licence conversion is not automatic and may require testing.