Section C: QUALIFYING FOR DRIVER'S LICENCE

Driver's Licence:

A Driver's Licence is a legal document that confers on a driver the right to drive. Both the driver's licence and traffic offences are fully computerised to enable law enforcement agencies keep record of multiple offenders

I. OBTAINING LEARNER'S PERMIT

  • Obtain form MVA 15
  • Pay prescribed fee
  • Attend a driving school approved by FRSC
  • You must obtain a pass from driving school with third issue learners permit
  • Drive for at least 3 months accompanied by an Instructor who is a licensed driver
  • Affix 'L' sign on the front and rear of the vehicle
  • Tested by the appropriate authority after the third issue of the learners permit for a period not less than 3 months.
S.27, National Road Traffic Regulations, 2004

II. CLASSES OF DRIVER'S LICENCE

A. Motorcycle
B. Motor vehicle of less than 3 tonnes gross weight other than motorcycle, taxi, stage carriage or omnibus
C. A motor vehicle of less than 3 tonnes gross weight, other than motor cycle
D. Motor vehicle other than motor cycle, taxi, stage carriage or omnibus excluding an articulated vehicle or vehicle drawing a trailer.
E. Motor vehicle other than a motor cycle or articulated vehicle
F. Agricultural machines and tractors
G. Articulated vehicles
H. Earth moving vehicles
​I. Special, for physically handicapped persons

III. HOW TO OBTAIN DRIVERS' LICENCE

  • Obtain and complete Form MVA 11 from Motor Licencing Authority (MLA).
  • Attend driving test with the appropriate authority for desired category of driver's licence 11 Form
  • If successful, a certificate would be issued indicating the class of licence qualified for
  • Pay the prescribed fee to the Motor Licencing Authority (MLA).
  • MLA sends the Form to FRSC (IPC) for processing
  • Driver applicant proceeds to FRSC Information Processing Centre (IPC) for physical capture of photograph, finger print and signature.
  • Processed licence is sent to MLA for distribution to successful applicants
  • An experienced driver may in addition obtain trade test certificate Issues (3), (2) and (1) from the ministry of labour and productivity.
  • The minimum age for driving is 18 years
  • The terminal age for driving is 70 years
Note: Changing category of drivers' licence requires a new test

IV. RENEWAL OF DRIVER'S LICENCE

  • Upon expiration of a drivers' licence, the holder returns to Licensing office to obtain and complete MVA 12
  • Pays the prescribed fee to the MLA
  • MLA sends the Form to FRSC (IPC) for processing
  • Proceeds to FRSC Information Processing Centre (IPC) for physical capture of photograph, finger print and signature.
  • Processed license is sent to MLA for distribution to successful applicants.

V. REPLACEMENT OF DRIVERS LICENCE

  • Obtain a police extract, sworn affidavit and photocopy of lost licence and apply as stated above
  • Proceed to MLA to obtain and complete Form MVA 12.
  • Pay the prescribed fee to the MLA
  • MLA sends the Form to FRSC (IPC) for processing
  • Proceeds to FRSC Information Processing Centre (IPC) for physical capture of photograph, finger print and signature.
  • Processed license is sent to MLA for distribution to successful applicants.

VI. SUSPENSION/REVOCATION OF DRIVERS LICENCE

  • Upon conviction of a licenced driver by a court of law and depending on the nature and gravity of the offence, the driver may have his licence suspended or revoked.
S.33 National Road Traffic Regulations, 2004

ENDORSEMENT: Traffic offences carry penalty points against offender's licence in addition to the prescribed fine/prison term. These penalty points are cumulative. 21 cumulative points lead to an endorsement of the offender's licence. After five of such endorsements, a driver's licence stands suspended. Confiscation of licence can be between 3-6 months while revocation can be for life.
S.10(5)(c), FRSC Act, 2007