Class G license fees in Nigeria

A Class G driver's license in Nigeria costs ₦5,000 for a first-time issuance and ₦3,500 for renewal. These are the standard fees set by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which administers all driver licensing in Nigeria. The actual total you pay depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged card.

The Class G category is the most common license type in Nigeria — it covers driving private cars, vans, and light vehicles up to 3,500 kilograms. Most individual drivers hold this class. The fee structure has remained stable, though you should confirm the current rate with your local FRSC office or the FRSC website before you go, as fees can shift without wide announcement.

Key Takeaways

  • A new Class G license costs ₦5,000; renewal costs ₦3,500 at FRSC offices across Nigeria.
  • You must pass a written test, eye test, and medical examination to receive a new Class G license.
  • Processing time is typically two to four weeks from the date you submit your documents.
  • The FRSC issues licenses valid for five years from the date of issue, after which renewal becomes due.

What documents you need to bring

To obtain a new Class G license, you will need a valid national identification document (National ID, international passport, or voter's card), proof of residence, a completed process form, and a medical report from an approved clinic. The medical report must confirm that you meet the vision and health standards required to drive — this is not optional and cannot be skipped.

If you are renewing an expired license, bring your old license card along with your ID and proof of residence. If your license was lost or stolen, you will need a police report in addition to the standard documents. Bring originals and photocopies of everything; FRSC offices will not accept documents without both.

Where to pay and how the process works

Payment happens at the FRSC office where you submit your process. You cannot pay online or in advance — you pay in person on the day you explore. The FRSC office will give you a receipt showing the ₦5,000 (or ₦3,500 for renewal) and a reference number. Keep this receipt; you will need it to collect your license when it is ready.

After payment, you will take a written test on road rules and traffic signs, an eye test to confirm your vision meets minimum standards, and a medical examination. These happen the same day or within a few days, depending on how busy the office is. Once you pass all three, your process moves to the printing queue.

How long it takes to get your license

From the day you pay and pass your tests, the FRSC typically takes two to four weeks to print and issue your Class G license. Some offices are faster; others slower. During busy periods — particularly around holiday seasons or when new licensing campaigns run — the wait can stretch to six weeks. The FRSC will give you a temporary slip when you explore; this is not a valid driving document, but it shows you have an process in progress.

You collect your physical license card from the same FRSC office where you applied. Bring your receipt and reference number. Some offices will call or text you when your license is ready; others will not, so check back after three weeks if you have not heard anything.

Differences between Class G and other license classes

Nigeria's license system has several classes, each covering different vehicle types and weights. Class G is for private cars and vans under 3,500 kilograms — the everyday vehicle most people drive. Class A covers motorcycles and tricycles. Class B covers larger vans and minibuses. Class C covers trucks and heavy goods vehicles. Class D covers public transport buses. Each class has its own fee, test requirements, and restrictions on what you can legally drive.

If you hold a Class G license and want to drive a motorcycle, you cannot — you must hold a Class A license. If you want to drive a commercial minibus, you need Class B. The license you hold determines what is legal for you to operate on Nigerian roads. Driving a vehicle class you are not licensed for can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and prosecution.

What happens when your license expires

A Class G license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. When it expires, you must renew it to continue driving legally. Renewal costs ₦3,500 and follows the same process as a new license — you submit documents, pay the fee, take the eye and medical tests, and wait for printing. You do not have to retake the written road rules test if you are renewing; the FRSC waives this for renewals.

If your license has been expired for more than a year, some FRSC offices may require you to retake the full test as if you were a new applicant, which means paying the ₦5,000 new license fee instead of the ₦3,500 renewal fee. It is better to renew before expiration. You can renew up to three months before your license expires, so plan ahead.

Common reasons applications are rejected

The FRSC will reject your process if you fail the eye test (vision below the legal minimum), fail the medical examination (certain health conditions disqualify you), or fail the written test on road rules. You can retake any failed test, but you will have to pay the full fee again for each attempt. Some offices allow you to retake the same day; others require you to return on a different day.

Applications are also rejected if your documents are incomplete, if your proof of residence is not acceptable (utility bills and rent receipts are usually accepted; informal letters are not), or if your medical report is from a clinic not on the FRSC's approved list. Before you go, ask your local FRSC office which clinics they accept for medical reports — this varies by state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Class G license if I wear glasses or contact lenses?

Yes. The eye test checks whether your vision meets the legal minimum with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the eye test. Your license will be marked to show that correction is required, and you must wear your glasses or contacts whenever you drive.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it. Most FRSC offices let you retake the test the same day or within a few days at no extra charge, though some charge a small fee. You will need to pay the full license fee again if you fail and want to restart the entire process, so ask your office what their policy is before you leave.

Do I need a Class G license to drive a rental car?

Yes. You must hold a valid Class G license to legally drive any private car in Nigeria, whether it is yours or rented. The rental company will ask to see your license before they hand over the keys. Driving without a valid license for the vehicle class you are operating is illegal.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to three months before your license expires. This is useful if you know you will be busy when the expiration date arrives. Early renewal does not extend the total validity — your new license will still expire five years from the date it is issued, not five years from when you renewed it.

What if my Class G license is lost or stolen?

Report it to the police and get a written report. Bring the police report to the FRSC office along with your other documents. You will pay the ₦5,000 new license fee and go through the full process again — tests, medical, printing. The FRSC will issue you a replacement card with a new number.