How to drive a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka

Documents to carry

Keep these in the tuk tuk at all times — police checkpoints are common and officers will ask to see them.

• Your home-country driving licence.
• Your physical International Driving Permit (IDP) booklet.
• Your Sri Lankan AAC Recognition Permit (we arrange it before you arrive).
• The vehicle's revenue licence and insurance papers — they come with the tuk tuk.

Getting to know the controls

Your driving lesson at handover covers all of this hands-on. A manual tuk tuk is closer to a scooter than a car: the throttle, clutch and gears are all on the handlebar.

1. 1Right grip: twist towards you to accelerate.
2. 2Left lever: the clutch. Squeeze it whenever you change gear.
3. 3Left grip: twist to select gears — neutral, then first, second, third and fourth.
4. 4Foot pedal: the brake. Use it gently on loose or wet surfaces.
5. 5Practise starting off, stopping and turning on a quiet road before heading out.

The Electric Tuk is automatic — no clutch, no gears — which makes it the easiest choice for first-time drivers.

Road rules that matter

• Sri Lanka drives on the left.
• Three-wheelers are not allowed on the expressways — use the A and B roads instead.
• Follow the posted speed limits; tuk tuks are slow, so stay left and let faster traffic pass.
• Never drink and drive — the limits are strict and enforced.

Local driving culture

Traffic flows on courtesy and the horn rather than strict lane discipline. Drive predictably and you'll fit right in.

• A light tap of the horn means 'I'm here' — use it on blind bends and when overtaking.
• Buses drive assertively. When one is coming, ease over and let it pass.
• Watch for dogs, cows, pedestrians and cyclists, especially in villages.
• Flashing headlights usually mean 'I'm coming through', not 'go ahead'.

Night driving and weather

In heavy monsoon rain, pull over and wait it out — showers usually pass within an hour. Roads are slippery for a while afterwards, so brake early.

Elephants and wildlife

Wild elephants sometimes stand near roads around national parks and in the dry zone.

• Keep a generous distance and keep the engine running.
• Never feed elephants or stop right beside one for photos.
• If an elephant blocks the road, wait patiently or turn back slowly.

Fuel

Petrol tuk tuks run on regular petrol, available at fuel stations across the island. Attendants fill up for you — just tell them how much.

• Fill up whenever you're below half a tank in rural areas — stations can be far apart.
• Pay in rupees; cash is the norm at most stations.
• For the Electric Tuk, charge overnight at your accommodation — we'll show you how.

Daily checks

1. 1Check the tyres look properly inflated.
2. 2Test the brakes, horn, lights and indicators before setting off.
3. 3Park in a safe, shaded spot overnight and lock the steering.

Breakdowns

1. 1Pull over somewhere safe, away from bends.
2. 2Message us on WhatsApp with your location — we're available 24/7.
3. 3Use the tool kit and spare wheel if it's a simple fix; otherwise we'll arrange help or direct you to a nearby service centre.

Accidents

1. 1Stop, make the area safe and check whether anyone is hurt.
2. 2Call the emergency numbers below if anyone needs help.
3. 3Contact us straight away — we'll guide you through the police report and insurance.
4. 4Take photos of the scene and the vehicles involved.