By the H.B.S. Rent a Car team · Published · Updated
More visitors now rent a car and drive themselves rather than book a driver for the whole trip. There are good reasons, and there are good reasons not to. This page sets out both so that you can choose, or combine the two.
Why people choose self-drive
- Freedom: stop at a viewpoint, a tea stall or a beach when you like, with no schedule to explain.
- Privacy: a family or a couple has the car to itself, with no third person in the conversation.
- Flexibility: change the plan at the last moment, take a side road, stay an extra night.
- Cost: on a long hire for a group sharing, self-drive may cost less than paying for a driver every day.
- Reaching places that buses and trains do not serve.
Why people choose a driver
- No stress: someone else deals with the traffic, the left-hand drive and the hairpins.
- Local knowledge: a driver knows the road conditions, the good restaurants and the places to avoid.
- Rest: after a long flight or a long day of sightseeing, you can sleep in the car.
- No need for a local driving permit: the driver holds the licence; ask us what applies to your case.
- Evening plans: you can dine and drink without worrying about driving back.
Side-by-side comparison
| Question | Self-drive | With a driver |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs a licence and permit? | You, plus an International Driving Permit or AAC endorsement if you are a foreign national | The driver |
| Who pays for fuel? | You (full-to-full or same-level policy) | Depends on the package; confirm when you book |
| Who pays for tolls and parking? | You | Depends on the package |
| Who is responsible for fines? | You | Depends on the agreement |
| Best for | Confident drivers, residents, flexible itineraries | First visits, mountain roads, groups, long days |
| Stress level | Medium to high on busy roads | Low |
| Night driving | Best avoided | Driver knows the road, but plan to arrive early |
A sensible combination
You do not need to commit to one for the whole trip. Many guests take a driver for the arrival day and the drive to the hills, then switch to self-drive on the coast. Others do the reverse. Talk to us about what suits your plan: see self-drive rental and chauffeur-driven tours.
Who should not self-drive
If you have little driving experience, if you are tired, if you are nervous about busy roads, or if you are unlikely to follow the rules (for example, you drive after drinking), do not self-drive. Our terms require a valid licence and one to two years of experience, and the insurance does not apply if the driver is intoxicated or grossly negligent.
Frequently asked questions
Is self-drive safe in Sri Lanka?
Is self-drive cheaper than a driver?
Can I switch from a driver to self-drive during the trip?
Related pages
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