In Nigeria, driving without a license is a punishable offense that could attract fines or seizure of the vehicle and its documents. Thousands of vehicles are on the roads daily and every driver behind the wheels of a vehicle must be legally authorized to do so.
A driver’s license is issued by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to adults from the age of 18 and above. When issued, the license is valid for three to five years after which it expires. Drivers are to return to the FRSC office to renew their licenses.
Any individual who wishes to own a Nigerian driver’s license is can obtain it through the physical or online process. It costs N12,000 for three years and N15,000 for five years.
Some of the documents drivers need to obtain a driver’s license in Nigeria are:
- Birth certificate
- Driving school certificate from an FRSC-accredited driving school. (This costs N8,000 or more depending on driving school.)
- Eye Test certificate from an FRSC-accredited clinic. (This costs N500 or more.)
- National Identification Number
- VIO Test certificate (This costs N1,000 or more.)
- Proof of payment for driver’s license/learner’s permit
- Learner’s permit
Getting Your Driver’s License Online
Here is a list of steps to follow to get your Nigerian driver’s license online:
- Enroll and graduate from an FRSC-accredited driving school.
- Take and pass the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) driving test.
- Obtain a certificate of proficiency from the VIO.
- Visit FRSC’s driver’s license website. https://www.nigeriadriverslicence.org/ and fill out the application form with accurate details.
- Pay for the driver’s license online or at any bank of choice.
- Print out the acknowledgment slip after payment confirmation.
- Go to the Driver’s License Center (DLC) for biometrics capturing by an FRSC Officer.
- Obtain a temporary driver’s license which is valid for 60 days.
- Return to get the original driver’s license after 60 days.
Getting Your Driver’s License Physically
The process for getting a driver’s license physically is similar to that of getting it online. The differentiating factor is that the driver’s license application form is filled out physically on a sheet of paper at the Driver’s License Center (DLC).
The form contains basic information about the driver’s license holder. Some of the questions asked in the form are title, all names, sex, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, nationality, address, state of origin, LGA, phone number(s), occupation, mother’s maiden name, height, blood group, next of kin, phone number of next of kin, nationality of next of kin, and others.
It is important to fill out this form carefully to avoid making any mistakes that could alter the process. Cross-check all responses before submission.
Let us know in the comments what process you used in obtaining your driver’s license and how the experience was.
