Types Of Driving Licences in Nigeria

Introduction

In Nigeria, owning a driver’s license implies you are permitted to drive on the road. The document is usually issued by the Federal Road Safety Commission. The Nigeria driver’s license also referred to as a Nigerian driver’s license is a legal document issued by the Federal Government in order to confer the right to drive to its citizens and residents.

Brief History And Functions Of Federal Road Safety Commission

In February 1988, the Federal Government created the Federal Road Safety Commission. The functions of the Commission include;

• making the highway safe for motorists and other road users,
•  recommending works and devices designed to eliminate or minimize accidents on the highways
• advising the Federal and State Governments including the Federal Capital Territory Administration and relevant governmental agencies on the localities where such works and devices are required.
•  educating motorists and members of the public on the importance of discipline on the highway.

Types Of Nigeria Drivers License

Without a driver’s license, you can be arrested for bringing your car matter how expensive it is to the road. All driver’s licenses are not the same, hence you need to apply for the one relevant to you. According to the Federal Road Safety Commission, here are the 10 types of driver’s licenses available to Nigerians.

• Class A: Motorcycle
• Class B: Motor vehicle of less than 3 tones gross weight other than a motorcycle, taxi, stage carriage, or omnibus. (“Omnibus” means any motor vehicle that carries more than six persons excluding the driver while “Stage carriage” is an omnibus used for hire or cab in which a fee is charged.)
• Class C: A motor vehicle of less than 3 tonnes gross weight, other than a motorcycle
• Class D: Motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, taxi, stage carriage, or omnibus excluding an articulated vehicle or vehicle drawing a trailer.
• Class E: Motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or articulated vehicle
• Class F: Agricultural machines and tractors (This is mostly issued for farmers, who need to frequently operate agriculture facilities and equipment).
• Class G: Articulated vehicles (This is for people who drive vehicles with semi-permanent or permanent pivoting joints.)
• Class H: Earthmoving vehicles (This is for drivers who have to operate heavy equipment that is often designed for construction operations).
• Class J: Special, for physically handicapped persons.
• Class V: Convoy driving (This type of license is issued for individuals who drive holders of political and government officials for convoying purposes.)

Source: Federal Road Safety Corps

Required Documents To Get A Driver’s Licence In Nigeria

Unless your documents are complete, you won’t be issued a driver’s license in Nigeria. Below is a list of the required documents:

• Driving school certificate
• Learner’s permit
• VIO Test certificate
• Birth certificate/Age declaration.
• Eye Test certificate from FRSC-approved clinics.
• Evidence of driver’s permit payment (bank teller or printout).
• National Identification Number

How To Get a Driver License In Nigeria:

If you are obtaining a driver’s license for the first time in Nigeria, these steps will be of help:

• Attend training at an accredited driving school.
• Your driving school will then present you to the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) for a driving test.
• Once you pass the driving test, you will be given a certificate of proficiency from the VIO.
• Complete the driver’s licence application form at the Driver’s Licence Centre (DLC) or apply online via https://www.nigeriadriverslicence.org/
• Pay the licence fee online or at the Bank.
• Present your application form to the Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) Officer and VIO at the DLC for endorsement.
• Proceed to the FRSC Officer at the DLC for biometric data capture.
• Obtain a temporary driver’s licence valid for 60 days.
• Pick up the original driver’s licence at the BIR Office after 60 days.

How much does it cost for a new driving licence application?

Following are the latest fees for new driving license applications in Nigeria.

• Certificate of driving school: 8,000 NGN or more
• Certificate of VIO test: 1,000 NGN
• Certificate of eye test: 500 nairas NGN
• Driver’s licence payment: 6,350 NGN for 3 years or 10,450 NGN for 5 years.

Also Read;

• List Of Driving Schools In Lagos And Prices
• How To Apply – Check Original Drivers License In Nigeria
• FRSC Begins Full Enforcement Of NIN As Condition For Vehicle Registration

CONCLUSION

Before embarking on any journey on Nigerian roads, always ensure you have your driver’s license with you to avoid embarrassment or any trouble from police or other law enforcement agencies in Nigeria.