It is essential to obtain a driving license in Nigeria, especially if you would want to drive freely without getting harassed or fined while driving, although many people get easily discouraged when it comes to doing the registration that follows after. This is a made easy guide to how you can obtain your driving license in Nigeria.
Things to Know Before Getting a Driving License in Nigeria
According to the federal road safety corporation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, The first prerequisite to obtaining a driver’s license is that you must be considered a Nigerian resident or tourist and also must be at least 18 years of age and above.
Cost Of A Driver’s License In Nigeria
In Nigeria, according to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the cost of a driver’s license is ₦12,000, valid for 3 years and ₦15,000 for 5 years, depending on the license category and the years of its validity. (Read: Can You Park A Motorcycle On The Sidewalk In Lagos?)
Processes Involved In Getting a Driving License in Nigeria
1. Attend a driving school class
This should be done in a school that has an associate degree which will be an authorized faculty in step with the Federal Road Safety Corporation. This is important to ensure that there’s a reduction in risky situations, such as accidents while driving on the road.
It also helps to understand proper driving behavior, including knowing what a particular road sign depicts and understanding traffic laws.
2. Visit The Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO)
This is done by taking a driving test which is conducted by the Vehicle Inspection Officers VIO officers. They will be involved in a vision test and knowledge test about road signs, their use, and also to see if the person is skilled enough to drive.
Then after which, a Certificate of Proficiency will be issued to the person if the test is passed.
3. Complete the driving license application form and Pay the license fee
This can be completed offline by paying at a designated bank or online, depending on which of the options suits the applicant.
If online is the choice, all the applicant needs to do is to go to the following website: https://www.nigeriadriverslicence.org/ and go ahead to fill out the form on the website, which would require the applicant to submit the following details:
- Driving school certificate number
- Input your personal and contact details
- Fill in the processing center you prefer
- The type of driver’s license ranges from A, B, C, D, and E class depending on the vehicle type and Motorcycle.
- Lastly, proceed to make payments online
- Afterward, print an acknowledgment slip.
4. Confirm payment and application form submission at State Board Internal Revenue Office
At this stage, the applicant submits his or her application form to the Nigeria Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) and vehicle inspection officer (VIO) at the Driver’s License Centre for confirmation.
Read: How To Get An International Driving Permit In Lagos
5. Biometric Data Capture
This is completed by proceeding to the Drivers License Center, where the applicant meets a Federal Road Safety Corporation Officer to capture his/her data by thumb printing using an electronic device, after which a temporary card will be issued.
6. Visit the Data Licence Center
Present your temporary card to pick up your original license card. After which, a permanent driver’s license collection will be ready at the Nigerian Board of Internal Revenue after sixty days of application.
Don’t wait till costs go higher before you purchase your driver’s license. It is essential to make hay while the sun shines.
