Having to spend a significant amount of time at the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) to obtain a driving licence has been a persistent challenge for many. As a result, some individuals resort to paying touts to expedite the process.
This cycle of events was brought to an end through measures aimed at facilitating the public, such as the introduction of a one-day service at the DMT. While this service was intended to alleviate the burden on individuals visiting the DMT in Werahera and Colombo, another issue arose regarding drivers’ licences following restrictions on imports to Sri Lanka during the Covid pandemic resulting in a shortage of the special cards used to issue driver’s licences.
Commissioner of Motor Traffic, Driving Licences, Vasantha Ariyaratne
Deputy Commissioner, Driving Licence Printing Section, Surangi Perera
The ensuing issues resulted in a major backlog in the process. A paper permit was issued instead, which was not very durable.
Motor Traffic Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe and Ministry of Transport Secretary Ranjith Rubasinghe, along with State Minister for Transport Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Minister of Transport Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, took proactive steps to swiftly address this issue.
At the time, there were 957,268 unissued drivers’ licences awaiting printing and distribution, alongside the daily influx of new applications. Following extensive investigation and discussions, it was agreed to expedite the printing and issuance of these licences within a six-month period. Consequently, the printing process commenced after importing the cards following the liberalisation of imports.
During the period from March 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, 957,268 driver’s licences were slated for printing. This figure could also be recorded in the annals as a historical accumulation of driver’s licences within Sri Lanka’s transport sector.
Driving licences being printed expeditiously
While steps were taken to print and issue the licences, as of the 8th of this month, 482,904 driving licences have been printed and distributed to drivers. Consequently, an additional 474,364 driving licences are scheduled to be printed and issued by October.
As a result, 26 additional employees were assigned to the drivers’ licence printing department, with operations scheduled round the clock. This proactive measure aims to expedite the issuance and finalisation of piled-up driver’s licences. With this strategy, all drivers’ licences accumulated for issuance until the end of August will be processed and finalised, surpassing the initial goal of completing the process by the end of October.
Commendable
As a result of these efforts, over 8,500 driver’s licences, which had been accumulating daily, are now being printed and dispatched to applicants. This significant increase in productivity is not limited to the driver’s licence section alone but extends across all departments involved in processing and mailing the licences, showcasing a commendable service contribution at every stage of the process.
Under the guidance of the Werahera Motor Transport Commissioner (Driving Licences) and the Deputy Commissioner, the printing and mailing of driving licences have reached a new milestone, with over 10,000 new licences processed daily. This figure includes not only the printing of new driving licences but also addresses a portion of the daily influx of new applications, which ranges between 2,000 and 2,500.
Every day, new driving licences are issued from applications received via both the online and regular systems. Currently, applications are being processed online from 10 districts, while the traditional method is used for the remaining 15 districts. Approximately 600 new driving licences are printed and sent out from the DMT offices in the Hambantota and Anuradhapura districts.
The hard-working officials of the Motor Traffic Department, Werahera. Pix: Wasitha Bulathsinhala
Under the current system, the round-the-clock service aims to ensure that all pending drivers’ licences are printed and distributed to applicants by the end of August. Consequently, there will be no queues for driving licences after August. Presently, applicants opting for same-day services will receive their driver’s licences on the spot, while others will receive them by post within three months.
The DMT has implemented advanced booking facilities, offering the convenience of scheduling appointments in advance. Moreover, all technical infrastructure is in place to cater to various services seamlessly. Access to services is facilitated by contacting the district offices via designated telephone numbers. A unified telephone number has been introduced across all districts, differing only in the district code number, ensuring easy access to services nationwide
Special one-day services have been established to cater to applicants requiring expedited processing, particularly those planning to travel abroad for residence or employment as drivers.
In many countries, the normal Sri Lanka driver’s licence is recognised by authorities and the Police and can be used for around one year until that country’ licence is obtained (also see below). Measures have been implemented to swiftly issue driver’s licences under the “Priority” category, prioritising essential services such as military duty. These initiatives ensure prompt service delivery to individuals with urgent needs or commitments.
Abroad
Preparations have also been finalised to efficiently issue International Drivers’ Licences (IDL) to expatriates. With this permit, Sri Lankans travelling abroad can legally drive for one year or more without the need to obtain a driver’s licence in the respective country.
The Werahera DMT office is currently equipped to handle all aspects of issuing driving licences, including the provision of international permits, ensuring comprehensive services for both local and international needs. The DMT recently began issuing driver’s licences to the hearing impaired in a number of districts, those drivers and motorcycle riders have to display a symbol on their vehicle regarding their auditory impairment. This program will be expanded to cover the entire island in due course.
