How to Get a Driving Licence in Nigeria (2026 Update): The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
The fastest path from zero to licence- without the usual headaches.
The Essentials
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Total time: 1–4 months (minimum 26 driving school training sessions + processing)
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Total cost: ₦50,000–₦150,000+ (driving school + licence fees)
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Minimum age: 18 years
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New licence fees (effective June 2025): ₦22,500 (3 years) / ₦32,500 (5 years)
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The CBT comes LAST: After 25 training sessions, not before
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Processing time: 90 days for permanent licence (theory — reality is 3–6 months)
The Full Process: From Enrollment to Licence in Hand
Step 1: Find an FRSC-Accredited Driving School
Duration: 1–7 days (research and enrollment)
Your journey starts with selecting the right driving school. This is critical — unaccredited schools cannot issue valid certificates.
What to check:
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Minimum 25 training sessions included
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Clear pricing (no hidden "CBT booking" fees)
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Physical training vehicles (not just theory)
DrivePrep tip: In Lagos our verified school directory to avoid fraud. We only list active schools with FRSC accreditation.
Step 2: Complete Your Training (25 Sessions Minimum)
Duration: 1–3 months (depending on your schedule)
The Federal Road Safety Corps mandates minimum 25 sessions of combined theoretical and practical training.
What you'll learn:
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Road signs, markings, and traffic laws
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Vehicle controls and basic mechanics
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Defensive driving techniques
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First aid and emergency procedures
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Parking, reversing, and maneuvering
Step 3: Pass Your Driving School's Internal Assessment
Duration: 1 day
Before booking your CBT, your school tests you:
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Theory exam: Road signs and regulations
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Practical test: Demonstration of vehicle handling
Important: This is not the VIO test. It's your school's certification that you're ready for the CBT
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Step 4: The CBT (Computer-Based Test) — Session 26
Duration: 30–45 minutes Pass mark: 60% Location: FRSC center or at your driving school
After 25 sessions, your school enrolls you for CBT on the 26th session
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What the CBT covers:
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Road sign identification
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Traffic regulations
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Vehicle control theory
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Safety and first aid
If you fail: You wait 7 days and retake it. Your driving school certificate is only generated after you pass.
Step 5: Licence Application & Biometric Capture
Duration: 1–2 hours (plus queue time)
With your driving school certificate (valid 6 months), you now apply for the actual licence:
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Apply online at nigeriadriverslicence.org
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Pay licence fees (new rates effective June 2025):
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3 years: ₦22,500
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5 years: ₦32,500
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Motorcycle 3 years: ₦7,000
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Motorcycle 5 years: ₦11,000
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Visit VIO for driving test (some licence classes/renewals)
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Biometric capture at FRSC Driver's Licence Centre (fingerprints, photo, signature)
DrivePrep tip: Capture centers have notorious queues. Go early (before 8 AM) or book online if your state offers it.
Step 6: Collect Your Licence
Duration: 90 days officially
You'll receive a temporary licence valid 60 days immediately after biometric capture. The permanent card follows... eventually.
Common Mistakes That Cost You Time and Money
1. Choosing an unaccredited school Your certificate will be rejected. Always verify FRSC accreditation.
2. Not preparing for the CBT: It's computer-based, timed.
3. Letting your certificate expire Driving school certificates are valid only 6 months. If you delay, you retrain.
4. Losing your temporary licence You cannot collect your permanent licence without it.
5. Waiting until Session 25 to learn about the CBT By then, it's too late to prepare properly.
The Bottom Line
Getting a Nigerian driving licence is a marathon, not a sprint. The process is designed to ensure road safety, but the lack of transparency around the CBT trips up too many learners.
Last updated: March 2025. Licence fees and processes change frequently. Verify current rates at nigeriadriverslicence.org or your nearest FRSC office.
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