Breaking Barriers: Driving License Access for People with Disabilities

New Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Sri Lanka

Persons with disabilities in Sri Lanka are now set to gain greater mobility and independence as they can apply for driving licenses under new provisions. This significant development was announced by Parliamentarian Sugath Wasantha de Silva, who highlighted the removal of long-standing barriers that previously prevented individuals with hearing or speech impairments, as well as those with partial visual capacity, from obtaining licenses.

The move follows years of discussions aimed at ensuring that the country’s 1.6 million people living with disabilities can fully participate in society. MP de Silva, who also serves on the advisory committee to the Ministry of Transport, emphasized that one of the main challenges had been the lack of proper medical certification and the absence of vehicle adaptations for various physical conditions.

He noted that over 400,000 hearing and speech-impaired citizens have already demonstrated their ability to drive safely. The new measures recognize their right to mobility and independence, which is essential for their daily lives and social participation.

"According to the Department of Population and Statistics, the total disabled population in Sri Lanka is 87 percent or 16 million. We as a government must create an environment for them to fully participate in society and enjoy their full rights," de Silva said. He added that the Parliamentary Forum on Persons with Disabilities focuses on giving disabled people an unhindered social life.

Challenges Faced by the Disabled Community

People with disabilities face numerous challenges when it comes to using transportation facilities. One of the key issues has been the difficulty of obtaining a driver's license for those who are hearing or speech impaired but otherwise physically fit, as well as for those with vision in only one eye. Another challenge is the lack of driving equipment adapted to suit their physical conditions.

These restrictions have limited the daily lives of many individuals within the disabled community. Only by removing these barriers will they be able to enjoy the unhindered social life envisioned by the government. As a result of ongoing discussions, provisions have been made for hearing-impaired individuals to obtain driver’s licenses.

This initiative was first introduced as a pilot project but was later suspended. However, by addressing the existing barriers, the community can now finally obtain licenses.

Proven Ability and Recognition

More than 400,000 deaf and speech-impaired people live among us, using sign language as their primary means of communication. These individuals have no problems with their eyesight or the movement of their limbs and meet all the qualifications to become drivers. Over the years, they have proven their ability to drive without accidents. This new decision is a recognition of their ability and their right to mobility.

At the event, Dr. Arosha Vidyabhushana, Chairman of the National Institute of Transport Medicine, explained that a pilot project to issue driving licenses to hearing and speech-impaired persons was first launched in Gampaha in 2022 under a Cabinet paper. The project was later expanded islandwide in January 2024, and since then, no road accidents have been reported.

Conditions and Renewal Process

Driving licenses are now issued to hearing and speech-impaired individuals between the ages of 18 and 60, with a four-year renewal period. These licenses come with several conditions, including displaying special signboards on vehicles and meeting recommended medical requirements.

Authorities, including the Department of Motor Traffic and the Ministry of Transport, are working with advisory committees to ensure that the framework guarantees accessibility without compromising road safety. This collaborative effort aims to support the disabled community while maintaining the integrity of the country’s traffic regulations.