Obtaining a driving licence in Nigeria grants you the right to legally drive a car. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of acquiring your Nigerian driving licence. We will inform you about eligibility criteria, the application procedures, required documents, and how to ensure your application photo meets the official standards.
Eligibility for a driving licence
To qualify for a Nigerian driving licence, you must:
- Have reached the minimum age of 18 years old. This age requirement applies to all categories of driving licences in Nigeria.
- Successfully complete a certified driving course from an FRSC-approved driving school. These courses provide comprehensive training on traffic rules, road signs, and safe driving practices.
- Pass the driving test administered by the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO). The test assesses your practical driving skills and knowledge of road safety regulations.
- Provide valid proof of identity and address. Acceptable forms of identification include a national ID card, voter’s card, or international passport, while proof of address can be a utility bill or bank statement in your name.
How to apply for your driving licence
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you can proceed with the application process for your Nigerian driving licence. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful application:
- Obtain and complete the driving licence application form. You can get the form from your state’s Board of Internal Revenue office or download it from their official website.
- Gather all the necessary documents (outlined in the next section) and ensure they are valid and up to date.
- Submit your completed application form, along with the required documents and applicable fees, to the Board of Internal Revenue office in your state.
- Schedule and take your driving test at the Vehicle Inspection Office. This test will evaluate your practical driving abilities and knowledge of traffic rules.
- Upon passing the driving test, your application will be processed, and your driving licence will be issued.
Required documents for driving licence application
To apply for your Nigerian driving licence, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- Completed and signed application form.
- Valid means of identification, such as a national ID card, voter’s card, or international passport.
- Proof of address, which can be a recent utility bill (electricity, water, or telephone) or bank statement bearing your name and address.
- Certificate of completion from an FRSC-approved driving school, indicating that you have successfully completed the required training.
- Passport photograph that adheres to the official specifications
Ensure that all documents are original or certified true copies and are valid at the time of application.
Cost and processing time
The cost of obtaining a Nigerian driving licence varies depending on your state of residence. On average, the fees range from ₦6,350 to ₦10,450. This cost includes the application fee, driving test fee, and the production of your physical driving licence card.
After submitting your application and passing the driving test, the processing time for your driving licence typically takes between 1-2 months. However, this duration may vary based on the workload and efficiency of the issuing authority in your state.
Driving licence validity period
In Nigeria, driving licences are valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance. It’s important to keep track of your licence’s expiration date and initiate the renewal process before it expires. To renew your driving licence, you’ll need to submit a renewal application form along with the required documents and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Collecting your driving licence
Once your driving licence application has been approved and processed, you’ll be notified to collect your physical licence card from the Board of Internal Revenue office where you initially submitted your application. When going to collect your licence, ensure that you bring a valid form of identification to verify your identity.
Get your driving licence photo with Smartphone iD
One of the most important parts of your driving licence application is providing a compliant passport photograph. While this photo is typically taken on-site at the Board of Internal Revenue office, it’s advisable to bring along one or two printed passport photos as a backup. The Smartphone iD app provides real-time guidance to capture a perfect passport photo from your smartphone. The photo is then verified by our team of experts and advanced AI to ensure it meets the official standards. Once approved, your digital passport photo is delivered straight to your email, ready to submit with your application.
Sources
https://nigeriadriverslicence.org
