The basic route: explore through your state's Road Safety Commission

To get a driver's license in Nigeria, you explore through your state's Road Safety Commission (FRSC — Federal Road Safety Corps — handles enforcement, but your state commission processes new licenses). You need a valid national ID or international passport, a medical report from an approved clinic, proof of residence, and payment of the process fee. The process takes between two and four weeks from submission to collection, though this varies by state and how busy the office is.

You do not need to own a vehicle to explore. You do need to pass a written test on road rules and a practical driving test before the license is issued. Both tests are conducted by the state commission, usually at their office or an approved testing center.

The license itself is valid for five years from the date of issue. After five years, you renew it rather than reapply from the beginning.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through your state's Road Safety Commission office, not a federal office, and the process takes two to four weeks depending on your state.
  • You must provide a national ID or international passport, a medical report from an approved clinic, proof of residence, and pay the process fee before you take any test.
  • You pass a written test on Nigerian road rules and a practical driving test before the license is issued; both are run by the state commission.
  • Your license is valid for five years, after which you renew it at the same office where you originally applied.

Documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you go to the Road Safety Commission office. You will need a valid national ID (National Identification Number card) or an international passport. If you do not have either, you must get one first — the national ID is faster and costs less than a passport. You also need a medical report from a clinic approved by your state's Road Safety Commission. Not all clinics are approved, so call the commission office first and ask which clinics they accept.

Bring proof of residence — a utility bill, tenancy agreement, or letter from your landlord showing your name and address. Some states accept a bank statement with your address on it. You will also need a passport-sized photograph, usually four copies, though this varies by state. Ask when you call to confirm the clinic list.

Finally, you need the process fee. The amount varies by state and changes periodically. Call your state's Road Safety Commission office or visit their office to find out the current fee before you go. Some states allow you to pay at the office; others require payment into a bank account first.

The medical report: what it covers and where to get it

The medical report is a standard form that confirms you are physically fit to drive. An approved clinic fills it out after a brief examination. The doctor checks your eyesight (you must be able to read a number plate from a certain distance), your hearing, your blood pressure, and whether you have any condition that would make driving unsafe — such as epilepsy, severe arthritis, or untreated mental illness.

The report is valid for a set period, usually three months from the date the clinic issues it. If you do not submit your process within that time, you will need a new medical report. The cost of the medical report varies by clinic but is usually between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000. Call ahead to confirm the price and whether you need an appointment.

Taking the written test on road rules

The written test covers Nigerian traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is usually a multiple-choice test with 40 to 50 questions. You need to pass with a score of at least 70 percent, though some states require 75 percent. The test is conducted in English.

The Road Safety Commission office will tell you when the test is scheduled and where it takes place. In some states, tests run on set days each week; in others, they run as soon as enough people have registered. You do not study from a textbook — the commission usually provides a study guide or sample questions when you register. Ask for it when you submit your documents.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it. The number of retakes allowed and the wait time between attempts vary by state. Ask at the office when you register.

The practical driving test: what the examiner looks for

The practical test is conducted by an examiner from the Road Safety Commission. You drive a vehicle (usually provided by the commission or a testing center) for 15 to 30 minutes while the examiner watches and scores you. The examiner checks whether you can control the vehicle smoothly, follow road rules, respond correctly to traffic signs, and handle common driving situations like parking, turning, and stopping.

You must pass the written test before you are allowed to take the practical test. If you fail the practical test, you can retake it after a waiting period — usually one to two weeks. The number of retakes allowed varies by state.

Bring your national ID or passport to the practical test. You will also need to show that you have passed the written test. The examiner will have that record, but confirm it is in their system before you arrive.

Timeline and what happens after you pass both tests

After you pass both the written and practical tests, the Road Safety Commission processes your license. This usually takes one to two weeks. You will be notified when it is ready for collection. Some states send a text message or call; others post a list at the office. Ask how they will notify you when you submit your documents.

When you collect your license, bring your national ID or passport and any receipt or reference number you were given during the process process. The license is a laminated card with your photograph, name, license number, and expiration date. It is valid for five years from the date of issue.

If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can explore for a replacement at the same office. The process is faster than the original process — usually one to two weeks — and costs less.

Renewing your license after five years

When your license is about to expire, you return to the same Road Safety Commission office where you originally applied. Renewal is simpler than the original process: you do not retake the written or practical tests. You provide your expired license, a new medical report, proof of residence, and payment of the renewal fee.

The renewal fee is lower than the original process fee and varies by state. The process takes one to two weeks. You do not need to reapply from the beginning unless your license was suspended or revoked for a traffic violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive before my license arrives?

No. You cannot legally drive until you have the physical license card in your hand. Driving without a valid license is a traffic violation and can result in a fine or confiscation of your vehicle. Wait until you collect the license from the Road Safety Commission office.

What if I fail the practical test twice?

Most states allow you to retake the practical test multiple times, but the number of retakes and the waiting period between attempts vary. Ask at your state's Road Safety Commission office what their policy is. You may be required to take a refresher course or pay an additional fee for each retake.

Do I need a learner's permit before I take the practical test?

Some states issue a temporary learner's permit after you pass the written test, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed driver before the practical test. Other states do not. Ask your state's Road Safety Commission whether a learner's permit is available and whether it is required or optional.

What if my medical report expires before I finish the process?

If more than three months pass between your medical report and your process submission, you will need a new medical report. The Road Safety Commission will tell you if yours has expired when you submit your documents. It is faster to get a new report than to delay your process.

Can I transfer a license from another state?

If you already have a valid driver's license from another Nigerian state, you can transfer it to your current state. The process is faster than explore for a new license and usually requires your old license, a new medical report, proof of residence in your new state, and a transfer fee. Contact your new state's Road Safety Commission office for their specific transfer process.