Driving licences for hearing impaired under pilot project

A programme will be implemented to provide light vehicle driving licences to hearing impaired people for the first time in Sri Lanka. 

As a pilot project, light vehicle driving licences will be provided for individuals with total deafness living in Gampaha District initially.

Accordingly, hearing impaired applicants underwent the medical examinations and a written test was conducted for them on November 6. Seventy six people appeared for the written test and 44 out of them passed. They were given temporary driving licenses (Learner permit) for practical training at the Gampaha Motor Traffic Department office at a ceremony held under the patronage of State Transport Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna yesterday.They will be given permanent driving licences after three month practical training.

According to the Department of Population and Statistics, it has been reported that there are 388,000 hearing-impaired people across the country, of which 39,000 are in the Gampaha district. It is also reported that nearly 1000 hearing impaired people from all over the country have applied for driving licenses. Especially considering the personal needs and to facilitate the self-employment of hearing impaired persons, Transport State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna intervened to make this endeavour successful for the benefit of hearing impaired people who have been applying for driving licences for a long time.