How To Obtain an International Driver’s License in Nigeria, Cost and How to Apply Online

You may want to think about obtaining an international driving license in Nigeria if you want to travel overseas and rent a car to independently explore diverse landscapes. Why is a Nigerian international driver’s license required? You may be wondering why we require an international driving license from Nigeria. Is a regular driver’s license insufficient to demonstrate your driving skills?

When you want to stay entirely inside Nigerian borders, an international document is obviously not necessary, but those who want to travel overseas should apply for an international driving license due to the many advantages it offers.

First, they may drive in that other country without taking another driving exam thanks to their international driving license. It also functions as a kind of identification and, additionally, a valuable certification of your competence in case you wish to seek a driving position.

Can I drive in Nigeria with my foreign license? You may inquire. Without a doubt, if you are not Nigerian. Locals should not use international licenses within their own country. Despite the fact that getting a Nigerian license is a prerequisite for the application for an international driving license, This implies that any license from either of those two is valid for establishing your driving abilities; the international license is just valid for use abroad.

Application for an International Driving License in Nigeria

Before beginning the application process, you should be aware of several prerequisites for an international driver’s license.

• The candidate must be at least 18 years old.
• He or she must be mentally stable.
• The applicant must be able to articulate his or her justifications for applying for an international driver’s license.
• The candidate must possess a current national driving license from Nigeria.
• As you can see, you must first hold a Nigerian driver’s license in order to apply for an international driver’s license in Nigeria. Please see our previous post, Driving License Application from A to Z, for specific instructions if you haven’t already gotten one. We just provide a quick summary of the fundamental stages here within the context of this essay.

How to obtain a driving license in Nigeria:

• Complete the driver education program at a driving school that is accredited. The list of driving schools in Abuja, Lekki, and Ikeja is provided below.
• Visit the Driver’s License Center to apply for a license to drive.
• Make all the required payments online or at participating banks.
• Attend the theory or practical driving exam while being supervised by a VIO (vehicle inspection officer). 
• Get a temporary license to drive while you wait for the official one to be awarded after 60 days.

After receiving your complete driver’s license, go as follows to receive your foreign driving permit: 

• Write a letter of application outlining your need for an international driver’s license and the nation you plan to use it. 
• For the application form, go to the Central Motor Registry or the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity. Fill out the form completely. 
• Send in the application letter, application form, necessary paperwork (such as a current passport photo, a scanned copy of your signature, and a valid Nigerian driver’s license), and documentation of your payment of the needed costs. 
• Then the authorities will go through your application packet and check your identification papers. 
• If successful, the Nigerian Police’s Interpol office will process and send your international driver’s license.

The cost of a foreign driver’s license

Nigeria’s Central Motor Registry, which collaborates closely with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency throughout the process, is the organization in charge of providing foreign driver’s licenses. The price of an international driving license varies depending on the type of permit you need. In accordance with the three levels of cost of an international driver’s license, there are three types of documents:

• $39.99 (N14,500) is good for a year.
• $54.99 (N20,000) is good for two years.
• $69.99 (N25,500) for 3 years of use

Most Important Driving Rules

If you want to get the most out of your trip to Nigeria, driving is the best way to go. Tourists can drive in the country as long as they present the necessary documents and follow the driving regulations. Fortunately, most of the road rules imposed by Nigerian authorities are similar to other countries, so it is easy to get used to. Read on below to learn the most important driving rules.

Carry Important Documents With You Always

Before getting on the road, always ensure that you have your passport, driving license, international driver’s license, and car insurance documents. You may encounter police checkpoints in Nigeria where you must present these essential documents. If you are caught without a driving license issued, you can get fined for unlicensed driving.

You can apply for an International Driver’s Permit on our application page. Submit the requirements and receive a digital copy of your IDP within two hours. You can also opt to obtain a physical IDP at your home address. Just reach out to our phone numbers for assistance.

Avoid Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is a serious offence. The country strictly enforces a 0.05% legal blood alcohol limit (BAC) for the general population, including professional and novice drivers. Alcohol affects your ability to drive and focus on the road, leading to injury, or worse, death. As such, never drink and drive to ensure your safety on the road.

You can encounter random breath testing and police checkpoints in Nigeria. Anyone caught driving under the influence of alcohol can be fined by the Nigerian police force. You can also spend jail time for a maximum of two years, depending on the severity of the violation. You must avoid drunk driving to prevent serious consequences.

Drive Below the Speed Limits

Overspeeding is one of the leading causes of road fatalities. When getting around the country, make sure to drive below the speed limit to prevent accidents and overspeeding fines to adhere to the road safety rules. The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 50 Kph. When traversing expressways, the maximum speed is 100 kph. If the roads are defective or the weather is bad, lower your speed accordingly to reduce the risk of driving mishaps.

Wear Your Seatbelt Always

Nigeria has a national seat belt law that requires all occupants in the car, including front-seat and rear passengers, to buckle up. If you are caught not wearing a seatbelt, you can get fined and penalized by the traffic police.

There is currently no law for child restraints. It is only recommended, but not required, to fasten toddlers and children in car seats when driving in the country. It helps reduce the risk of injuries in case of sudden stops or accidents.

Top Destinations in Nigeria

Nigeria is a multifaceted country located in West Africa, with a population of over 201 million people. It is a melting pot in which different cultures, histories, languages, and people exist and thrive. Visiting the country provides you with endless activities and attractions that keep your body and mind engaged.

Whether you want to discover wildlife, experience city life, or learn colonial history, Nigeria offers these and more. This diverse African nation has beautiful valleys, rolling landscapes, spectacular beaches, and vast rainforests. Moreover, every region in the country celebrates its own cultural and entertainment festivals. This country is definitely one of the best places to explore for an unforgettable trip to Africa. Here are the top destinations to visit in the country!

Lagos

With a population of almost 15 million, Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and Africa. This sprawling megacity offers various sights for travellers brave enough to explore the area. Hidden within the busy streets are several tourist attractions where one can easily spend their whole day.

If you want to lounge under the sun, go to several beach resorts in Lagos like Elegushi Royal Beach and La Campagne Tropicana Resort. For nature lovers, you will enjoy visiting the Lekki Conservation Center in Lagos, where you can see a variety of fauna and flora. Do you want to experience nightlife like a local? Head over to the New Afrika Shrine and dance to Afrobeat music. These are just a few of the hundred sights you can see in Lagos.

Abuja

Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, might not be as big as Lagos, but it also offers various attractions that suit any kind of tourist. From historical buildings and monuments to parks and nature reserves, visiting Abuja will certainly keep tourists busy.

When touring the capital city, it is a must to drop by the numerous art galleries where you can appreciate and buy artworks. You can also marvel at the architectural buildings and well-maintained traffic systems in Abuja. It is one of the easiest cities to navigate, owing to its planned landscapes. Finally, do not leave Abuja without visiting Millenium Park. As the largest park in the city, it is home to a wide range of fauna and flora. It offers a haven for tourists.

Zuma Rock

Outside the capital city of Abuja stands the enigmatic Zuma Rock. Regarded as the Gateway to Abuja from Suleja, it lies along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway and can be seen from the west of the city. It is 725 feet tall, making it two times the height of the Uluru Rock in Australia and four times as high as NECOM House, Nigeria’s tallest building.

Zuma Rock features a human face contour that seems to watch over the Federal Capital Territory. Natives believe that this large natural monolith protects the whole community. Zuma Rock also catches fire under heavy rainfall, which further contributes to its wonders. It is a must to see this monolith in person when travelling to Nigeria.

Ibadan

Ibadan is the third most populous city in Nigeria and the capital of Oyo State. It features exciting history and rich cultural heritage that would entice tourists to visit. Ibadan is also packed with stunning attractions that would leave visitors in awe. Here, you can visit the Cocoa House, the first skyscraper in Nigeria. For nature lovers, you will love the Agodi Botanical Gardens. It boasts lush gardens, water parks, and a mini zoo that offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And before leaving Ibadan, you must try the delicious amala. This native food made of yam and cassava flour is popular amongst the Yoruba ethnic group. It allows you to learn more about the Ibadan culture.

Here, you can visit the Cocoa House, the first skyscraper in Nigeria. For nature lovers, you will love the Agodi Botanical Gardens. It boasts lush gardens, water parks, and a mini zoo that offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And before leaving Ibadan, you must try the delicious amala. This native food made of yam and cassava flour is popular amongst the Yoruba ethnic group. It allows you to learn more about the Ibadan culture.

Calabar

Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State, lies near the Calabar and Great Kwa rivers. It is a popular tourist haven known for its museums, national parks, and scenic landscapes. As such, Calabar offers countless activities to enjoy for travellers visiting the city.

Perhaps one of the best things to do in Calabar is to visit the historical museums. Both the National Museum of Calabar and the Slave History Museum display artifacts dating back to the slave trade. You can learn more about the colonial past of the country. Besides museum hopping, you should also see the numerous resorts in the area. Tinapa Resort is among the best with its world-class amenities and facilities. You will surely find a lot of fun activities to do here.

Cross River National Park

Located just outside Calabar, Cross River National Park is a must-visit tourist attraction for everyone. It spans over 4,000 square kilometres of land and is divided into two sections, Okwangwo and Oban. It features tropical rainforests in the north, while the southern coastal areas have mangrove swamps.

Cross River National Park is home to various endemic species of plants and animals, making it the perfect place to watch wildlife in their natural habitat. You can also discover rivers and waterfalls within the park, including the Kwa Falls. Known for its narrow and steep gorge, Kwa Falls cascades down to form a deep pool where tourists can swim and partake in various water sports.

Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt, also called PHC by locals, is another city to visit on your trip to Nigeria. Strategically located along the Bonny River, this city was used as a central port by the British colonial government. Although Port Harcourt’s economy mainly relies on crude oil, tourism has a strong presence in the city.

One of the best places to visit in Port Harcourt is the Rivers State Cultural Center. Here, you can see ancient artefacts, like African figurines and pottery, dating back to pre-colonial times. You can even watch tribal dances and plays at this attraction, which allows you to learn more about the city’s cultural heritage. Other must-see tourist destinations in Port Harcourt include Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt Golf Club, and Bonny Island.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Conclusion 

If you want to travel internationally for an extended length of time, you should apply for an FRSC Nigeria international drivers license. You may earn some money with professional driving gigs in addition to avoiding problems with the local police. 

Application for an international drivers license in Nigeria is easy to complete; just make sure you thoroughly prepare everything. The time it takes the authorities to complete your request is just 2 to 3 working days, but if you can’t provide enough supporting documentation with your application, it will undoubtedly take longer.