Tips on learning to drive a Sri Lankan Tuk-tuk

Driving a tuk-tuk is incredibly easy, but it is also very unique. On a tuk-tuk , you have a brake pedal on your right foot (which is your rear brake) and on the right handlebar, you have a throttle. Then on the left handlebar, you have a clutch and gears.

When it comes to the technical side of things, the left hand will work primarily, while the other hand and foot will work very naturally; especially if you have ridden a motorcycle or ATV before.

Learning to drive your own tuk-tuk will take a bit of practice, so choosing a rental company that offers driving lessons is a good idea as well. During my lessons, I practiced with my instructor on small roads with very little traffic.

During this part of the tutorial, I got into the habit of changing gears and getting a feel for the turning circle and indicators of the tuk tuk. After that, I drove around the busy streets until I was ready to deal with the main road.

The lessons are a great way to give you more confidence on the roads of Sri Lanka and by the end you should have learned to drive smoothly.

Driving on the roads of Sri Lanka can sometimes be a bit crazy. In some areas, there are a lot of people and it can be too much. However, one of the best things you can do is stay on the left side of the road and let everyone pass.

This is because buses and cars can travel at speeds of 60 to 70 mph and they will not want to get stuck behind you. 

If you are afraid to drive, I highly recommend heading north or downtown first. Here you will find easy roads to learn the rules and become a seasoned tuk tuk driver. If you drive south to Marissa, you are on the busiest roads first.

In Sri Lanka, you must drive on the left side of the road and the tuk tuk can only travel at a maximum speed of 40 kilometers per hour. 

You should also keep an eye on the police, especially if you like to go fast. They are attentive and find speeders quickly. If you are caught, expect to pay a fine on the spot. Another threat is wildlife. Drive carefully while driving through the Maduru Oya National Park. 

If you have chosen to rent a tuk tuk Sri Lanka, you have made an excellent choice. This is an adventure that you will never forget and tell the tales to your future generations.

In the beginning, you might not like driving the tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka; however, after a day or two, you will regain your confidence and by the time your trip ends, you will be one of the pro tuk-tuk drivers in the country and fly back home with memories worth a lifetime.