Drivers registered on LankaRide fall into the following three categories:
- Standard Driver (transportation only)
- Tourist License Driver (transportation only)
- Guide License Driver (transportation & guided tours)
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these three driver types so you can choose the best option for your Sri Lanka trip.
| Standard Driver | Tourist License Driver | Guide License Driver | |
|---|---|---|---|
| License | – | ◯ | ◎ |
| Transport | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Knowledge | – | ◯ | ◎ |
| Guide | – | △ (in-vehicle only) | ◎ |
| Price | Low | Middle | High |
Standard Driver (Transportation Only)
A Standard Driver is a driver who does not hold any special tourism-related qualifications.
As such, this type of driver is responsible only for transporting you between tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other destinations.
Standard Drivers do not necessarily have in-depth knowledge of tourist sites — they serve purely as a means of transportation.
Tourist License Driver (Transportation Only)
A Tourist License Driver is a driver who has been issued a Tourist Driver License by the SLTDA (Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority).
The Tourist Driver License is an official national certification issued to drivers who commercially transport and chauffeur foreign tourists. To obtain a Tourist Driver License, the following requirements must be met:
Completion of a Designated Training Program: Drivers must attend and complete a training program for tourist drivers regularly conducted by the SLTDA (typically a 4-day course). This training covers customer service etiquette, safety standards for tourists, and more.
Proof of Clean Criminal and Driving Record: Applicants must submit a Declaration of Non-Conviction from the police, as well as proof of an accident-free driving history.
Health Verification: Drivers must meet health requirements to ensure they can safely transport tourists.
Periodic License Renewal: The license is not valid indefinitely. It has an expiration date, and drivers must pay an annual renewal fee and re-confirm their accident-free record and good health status.
It is important to note that this license qualifies the holder strictly as a “vehicle driver” — guiding activities at tourist sites are not permitted. The front of the issued ID card clearly states “NOT FOR Guiding.”
This means Tourist License Drivers are not authorized to enter heritage sites such as Sigiriya Rock or Anuradhapura, or national parks, and provide historical or cultural commentary (guiding) to tourists.
If you need guided tours inside these sites, you will need to either hire a site guide (a dedicated guide available at each location) or arrange a driver who holds the higher-level Chauffeur Guide License.
However, Tourist License Drivers are permitted to share information and explanations about tourist spots while inside the vehicle. They are generally more experienced, knowledgeable, and reliable than Standard Drivers.
Guide License Driver (Transportation & Guided Tours)
A Guide License Driver is a driver who has been awarded a Chauffeur Guide License by the SLTDA (Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority).
The Chauffeur Guide License is a national certification that combines the roles of both a private chauffeur and a professional tour guide into one. To obtain a Chauffeur Guide License, the following requirements must be met:
Education and Language Proficiency: Applicants must have passed the G.C.E. O/L (Sri Lanka’s secondary education qualification). Those registering as English-speaking guides must have passed the English subject (proficiency in other languages is also valued).
Driving Experience: Applicants must hold a valid driver’s license for vehicles seating up to 7 passengers, with a minimum of 5 years of driving experience.
Completion of a Professional Training Program: Drivers must attend and complete a specialized program (CTGL course) lasting approximately 3 to 3.5 months, conducted by SLITHM (Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management). This intensive course covers Sri Lankan history, geography, archaeology, flora and fauna, customer service, first aid, and more — all of which must be passed through examinations.
Background Check and Health Certification: Applicants must submit a police clearance certificate and a medical fitness certificate issued by a licensed physician.
Nationality and Age Requirements: Applicants must be Sri Lankan citizens and fall within the specified age range at the time of application (typically 21 to 60 years old, depending on the recruitment guidelines).
The Chauffeur Guide License is a highly specialized professional certification that guarantees both safe driving skills and deep knowledge of Sri Lanka, backed by the national government.
Unlike the Tourist Driver mentioned above, Chauffeur Guide License holders are authorized to perform the following:
- Guided tours inside tourist facilities (the key difference): They have the authority to enter tourist sites — such as Sigiriya Rock, Buddhist temples, and national parks — together with guests and provide expert commentary on history, culture, nature, and more.
- Full itinerary support: Rather than simply being a “driver to the next destination,” they serve as a dedicated travel companion throughout your entire trip, offering itinerary adjustments, restaurant recommendations, cultural advice, and a much more personalized level of service.
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