Procedure for Obtaining a Driver's Licence for Disabled Persons

time
4 mins read
feature image

Driving a vehicle is not an easy task. That's why, before issuing a driver's license, a written test, a practical test, and a physical examination are conducted. This physical examination helps identify individuals with disabilities. Some time ago, disabled individuals did not have the ability to obtain a driver's license. However, a mechanism is currently being developed to allow disabled people to obtain a driver's license. Today, MotorGuide tells you about it.

How to get a driver's license?

The Department of Motor Traffic states that a new method has been developed for disabled individuals to obtain driver's licenses. Accordingly, a preliminary examination is conducted through a committee to determine if a disabled person has the proper physical fitness to drive the vehicle they applied for, based on their disability.

Here, the practical test assesses whether the existing disability is an impediment to using the features and controls of the relevant vehicle.

So, if the committee recommends that the individual's disability is not an impediment to driving the vehicle, they can obtain a driver's license under the normal procedure.

What are the additional details?

After successfully passing this preliminary examination, the individual can appear for the written and practical tests. A special committee has already been appointed for this purpose.

The committee consists of an Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Motor Traffic, a Chief Motor Transport Examiner, and a Medical Officer.

What is the disability status?

The State Minister stated that many people have the ability to drive vehicles with automatic gear systems even with disabilities, and attention is being focused on issuing them a non-commercial driver's license under that category.

Accordingly, if any disabled person with bone, muscle, or neurological disabilities can drive a vehicle, a regular driver's license will be issued based on the department's recommendation.

Previously, driver's licenses for disabled individuals were only issued for specially adapted vehicles.

General Requirements

  • The applicant must appear in person.
  • National ID card or a valid passport with the National ID number must be brought.
  • When obtaining services from offices using the online system, it is not necessary to bring photographs, as the relevant photographs will be taken during the computer process.
  • For offices using the offline system, two passport-sized black and white photographs with a light-colored background are required.

Obtaining a new driver's license

  • If aged 17 years or above, you can register and appear for the written test.
  • If you pass the written test, a Learner's Permit valid for a maximum of 18 months will be issued.
  • The holder of this permit can practice driving.
  • To appear for the practical test, one must be 18 years old and have held the Learner's Permit for at least 3 months.
  • You must appear for and pass the practical test.
  • A maximum of 3 attempts are allowed for the written test (including instances of non-appearance) and a maximum of 4 attempts for the practical test.
  • If unable to pass within that period, the application will be cancelled.

Required Documents

  • National ID card or a valid passport with the National ID number.
  • Original birth certificate.

Here, the birth certificate registered in the relevant Registrar's division must be submitted. A photocopy, a copy issued by a Medical Registrar, a free-issued copy, an English translation, or an extract from the birth certificate is not sufficient.

  • Fitness medical certificate obtained from the National Transport Medical Institute within a period not exceeding 6 months.
  • If a foreigner, passport and a visa valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.

So, this is how disabled individuals can obtain a driver's license. If you are someone who has not obtained a driver's license due to a minor disability until now, contact the Department of Motor Traffic and get your driver's license.

Nipuna Marasinghe

Written by

Nipuna Marasinghe

Similar News

  • Traffic Rules & Regulations

    What's the Story Behind Sri Lanka's New Green Number Plates in 2026?

    time
    4 mins read
  • Traffic Rules & Regulations

    Pilot Project to Introduce the Demerit Points System for Traffic Offences Begins

    time
    2 mins read
  • Traffic Rules & Regulations

    Green background number plates to be issued for electric vehicles

    time
    1 mins read
  • Traffic Rules & Regulations

    Seat Belt Violations and the New Demerit Points System

    time
    4 mins read
  • Traffic Rules & Regulations

    Congestion Charging Zones in Colombo and Suburbs in 2026

    time
    4 mins read
  • Traffic Rules & Regulations

    Gov Pay Making Traffic Fine Payments Easier

    time
    4 mins read
  • Traffic Rules & Regulations

    The Mobile App Integration of Smart Driving Licenses (Smart DL) Introduced in Sri Lanka in 2026

    time
    5 mins read
  • Traffic Rules & Regulations

    What is Multi Lane Free Flow on Expressways?

    time
    5 mins read
  • Traffic Rules & Regulations

    Multimodal Transport Hubs and New Traffic Signal Systems Introduced in 2026

    time
    6 mins read
  • Traffic Rules & Regulations

    Mandatory Rear Seat Belt Regulations on Expressways in 2026

    time
    4 mins read

Latest Car Reviews

  • Mazda 3 Sedan 1.5L 2025

    Sedan

    Rs 19.5M - 21.5M

  • Toyota Alphard Hybrid 2025

    MPV

    Rs 65M - 80M

  • Honda City RS 1.0 VTEC Turbo CVT 2025

    Sedan

    Rs 14.7M - 15.3M

  • Hyundai Exter SX Smart AMT 2025

    SUV

    Rs 10M - 11.5M

  • Kia Sportage Hybrid 1.6T HEV 2026

    SUV

    Rs 26.5M - 36.5M

  • Kia EV5 Standard Range 2026

    SUV

    Rs 26M - 32M

  • BYD Racco 300Premium 2026

    Kei

    Rs 11.5M - 11.5M

  • Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol 2026

    SUV

    Rs 37M - 44M

  • Toyota RAV4 2.5L Petrol 2026

    SUV

    Rs 48M - 50M

  • Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid AWD 2026

    Compact SUV

    Rs 420M - 50M

  • Hyundai i20 Sportz (O) IVT 2025

    Hatchback

    Rs 10.2M - 12.9M

  • Toyota Glanza V AMT 2025

    Hatchback

    Rs 10.5M - 12.1M

Latest Bike Reviews

  • Yamaha FZ-S V4 2026

    Motorcycles

    Rs 1.2M - 1.5M

  • TVS NTorq 150 TFT 2026

    Scooters

    Rs 1.1M - 1.2M

  • Suzuki Burgman Street 125 Ride Connect TFT Edition 2026

    Scooters

    Rs 1.2M - 1.3M

  • Honda PCX160 ABS 2026

    Scooters

    Rs 1.7M - 1.9M

  • Yamaha XSR155 2026

    Motorcycles

    Rs 1.5M - 1.8M

  • Honda CB350 DLX Pro 2025

    Motorcycles

    Rs 2.5M - 2.8M

  • Royal Enfield Classic 350 2025

    Motorcycles

    Rs 2.4M - 2.8M

  • Kapla ZL9 2026

    eBikes

    Rs 387K - 389K

  • Yamaha Ray ZR 125 Fi Hybrid 2025

    Scooters

    Rs 700K - 830K

  • Honda SP 125 2025

    Motorcycles

    Rs 650K - 780K

  • Hero Splendor Plus 2025

    Motorcycles

    Rs 600K - 730K

  • Bajaj Platina 100 2025

    Motorcycles

    Rs 600K - 800K

hero

Post your car or bike ad on ikman in 2 mins!