How to get an international driver’s license in Nigeria, Driver Anywhere in the World

A while ago, a tweet reminded many foreigners in Nigeria that you cannot drive with a foreign driver’s license in Nigeria. The tweet blew up following people who argued that you could drive freely even with a Nigerian license in some foreign countries and why Nigeria is different. But it’s not just Nigeria; it’s practised in over 150 countries.

Currently, nothing can be done about that currently, as a rule, is stipulated in the Nigerian constitution. However, foreigners in Nigeria can apply for an international driver’s license that allows them to drive there. 

An international driver’s license is an identification document that allows you to drive vehicles in Nigeria as a foreigner. It’s a permit you freely use any time you’re back and driving in Nigeria.

If you need a permit for less than three months of driving, here is how to get your hands on one;

• Search and visit internationaldriversassociation.com
• Click on “Apply for International Driving Permit” at the page’s upper right
• ‘Select “yes” under the “Do you have a valid driver’s license?” section
• Click on “Next”
• Carefully fill out the application form with the correct details, including the delivery address
• Attach a scanned copy of your driver’s license from your home country
• Attach your 2×2 passport-sized pictures
• Pay the fee with your credit or debit card

This process only applies to those who are coming into Nigeria with only their international driver’s license but will want to drive in Nigeria. To avoid defaulting the constitution and being penalized, apply for an international driver’s license, and you can freely drive on Nigerian roads.

For foreigners in Nigeria who want to drive in Nigeria for more than three months, here’s the process to get an international driver’s license; 

• Find a reputable driving school (Driver’s License Centre) in Nigeria
• Apply for a driving permit at the Driver’s License Centre
• Pay for all the requested fees online or at the permitted bank
• Pass the theory and practical driving tests under the supervision of a Vehicle Inspection Officer 
• You’ll get a certificate of competence for passing the practical test.
• The test will be sent to the Federal Road Safety Commission; they’ll go forward to process your Nigerian driver’s license
• You will be informed on when to collect the license
• After collecting the Nigerian License, write an application letter for an IDL/IDP
• Collect the required documents for the application and visit the Central Motor Registry or the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity to get an IDL/IDP application form
• Fill out relevant sections on the application form with the correct information
• Sign the application form when you are done
• Submit the application letter, application form, required documents (including a valid Nigerian driver’s license, recent passport photos, and scanned copy of your signature) and proof of your payment for prescribed fees.
• They’ll process your IDL/IDP after verifying your identity documents and reason for application
• The application receives formal notification from the office when the IDL/IDP is ready
• Collect the permit at the Nigerian Police Force’s Interpol office

Frequently Asked Questions International Driving Permit