By Nkem Ndem
A driver’s license is a very important document in Nigeria. It allows you to operate a vehicle legally and serves as a form of identification.
Unfortunately, the process of getting a driver’s license can be quite tedious. To help ease the process, Jumia Travel, Africa’s No.1 hotel booking portal, shares 5 things Nigerians need to keep in mind when looking to get a driving license.
It is preferable to get training at an accredited driving school
The general idea when you are applying for a fresh driver’s license is that you are new to driving. The FRSC usually would expect you to get a proper certification, proving that you can actually drive. It is, therefore, important that you get your training at one of the FRSC driving schools to ensure you do not run into any hiccups while processing your license. The good thing is that most of these schools offer excellent services at great discounts.
Be ready to pay required fee
Getting a driver’s license like most documents in Nigeria will definitely cost you some money. Aside from the cost of getting to the FRSC office and gathering relevant documents, you have to pay a standard fee of N6,000 at the bank. Without the acknowledgment slip containing your transaction number and payment details, your license will not be processed.
You may need an agent for faster processing
Getting a driver’s license may seem like a very easy process, but it can become very bureaucratic if you do not know the right people to go to. If you’re looking for an express and stress-free service, it may be best to use an agent or ask the training center where you learned how to drive, to help you process it.
You will have to take an actual driving test
Even if you are the best driver in the world and you use the most acknowledged agent, you will have to go in for a driving test. Usually, you would be taken to a large field and given the keys to a car provided by the establishment. The driving test is to ensure your claims of being able to drive are not false and you would not end up being a menace on the roads.
The first license you get is temporary
After going through the process of obtaining a license, you are first issued a driver’s license valid for 60 days. After which, you will be required to come back for the permanent license which is also renewable.
Nkem Ndem is a PR Associate at Jumia Travel.
