How to Get an Electronic Driver’s Licence through your smartphone

In Nigeria, a driver’s license is a legal requirement for anyone who wishes to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is the government agency responsible for issuing driver’s licenses in Nigeria. To obtain a driver’s license in Nigeria, an individual must meet certain requirements, which include being at least 18 years old, possessing a learner’s permit for at least six months, completing an approved driving course, and passing a written and practical driving test.

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.)

The Electronic Driver’s Licence is the digital version of your physical Driver’s Licence (physical card). It is available on your smartphone through the various app stores.

Benefits Electronic Driver’s Licence

• The electronic licence is optional and available at an additional nominal fee.
• It is designed to be used in addition to the holder’s physical card.
• Updates are applied in real-time. This means that holders no longer have to wait for a new physical card to be dispatched to them when renewing or reissuing their licences.
• The app works offline and can be viewed when you have no data coverage.
• Your licence information is protected by the security on your phone (PIN, fingerprint, facial recognition) as well as the security of the app.

Additional Information

​Your security and privacy

To ensure the security and privacy of holders’ data, comprehensive security measures have been implemented to protect holders’ information and identity at all times. These measures are similar to those used for Internet banking.

​If you lose your phone

If you lose your smartphone, your electronic driver’s licence is protected by your phone’s PIN, your Electronic Licence app PIN and, any other security/authentication mechanisms you normally use with your phone (including biometric authentication).

​What to do if you cannot access the Internet

The Electronic Driver’s Licence is available offline as long as you are logged into the app. You’ll be required to use your PIN at all times to access your licence.