₦2,000 bribe for a driver’s licence: reasons the FRSC process is riddled with needless bottlenecks

In Nigeria, the journey to obtaining a driver’s licence is often more than a mere bureaucratic necessity; it is a reflection of the broader challenges within the nation’s system. The process is fraught with hurdles, where the ideal of safe driving is overshadowed by corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of enforcement. 

For many, the route to a licence does not begin with a test of skill or knowledge, but rather with navigating a labyrinth of ‘tips’ (say bribes) and backdoor deals.

The official procedures, theoretically designed to ensure that only qualified drivers take to the roads, are frequently bypassed by those with the means to pay their way through – imagine seeing the director of your company waiting to get his licence. As a result, countless unqualified drivers obtain licences, turning the streets into a more perilous place.

Even for those who choose to follow the legal path, the process is slow and gruesome. 

A unit commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) who asked not to be mentioned says it is “because people prefer to appear physically than use digital means to get their licence.”  He added, “I have not heard of people paying their way through to get a licence. This is news to me.” 

But, how do you submit your driving school documents (for new applicants) or do ‘capturing’? Or do anything at all without physically visiting an FRSC office? 

In plain terms, public outcry to modernise through digital applications has been hampered by technical difficulties and bureaucratic inefficiencies that plague much of the public sector. Multiple visits to different offices for various application stages are the norm, leading to frustration and delays.

Adding to the chaos is the widespread availability of counterfeit licences. These fake documents are so prevalent that law enforcement agencies are frequently unable to distinguish them from legitimate ones, rendering any efforts to enforce traffic laws ineffective. As a result, the streets are populated by drivers whose qualifications are questionable at best.

A driver, who asked not to be named for fear of being “picked up and used as scapegoat,” says before he migrated, he used a fake driver’s licence for more than three years:

“Police or FRSC officials could not differentiate the fake and the original. Every time I was asked to stop and tender my documents, I feared I’d be caught and fined but they would look at my licence and ask me to go. The licence even expired before I left and the police still could not tell.” 

The enforcement of driving laws is inconsistent, with some officials enforcing the rules strictly while others turn a blind eye, often influenced by local nuances or resource constraints. This inconsistency fosters a culture where adherence to the law is optional, further undermining road safety.

This is the backdrop against which our story unfolds—a nation where the simple act of obtaining a driver’s licence reveals a conjoining of corruption, inefficiency, and the daily struggles of its citizens.

FRSC’s driver’s licensing process explained

Established in 1988, the FRSC plays a pivotal role in the country’s transportation landscape, with a mandate that includes promoting road safety, preventing accidents, and regulating driver’s licensing.

Its responsibilities include:

1. Regulation and oversight:

   – The FRSC is tasked with overseeing the entire process of driver’s licensing in Nigeria. This includes setting the standards for driver testing, issuing licences, and maintaining a database of licensed drivers.

2. Licensing process:

   – The FRSC has implemented a standardised process for obtaining a driver’s licence, which includes both theoretical and practical exams. The theoretical test assesses a driver’s knowledge of road signs, traffic rules, and safe driving practices, while the practical test evaluates their ability to handle a vehicle in various conditions.

   – To combat fraud and inefficiency, the FRSC has introduced biometric data capture during the application process. This move is designed to ensure that each licence is tied to a specific individual, reducing the prevalence of fake licences.

3. Digital initiatives:

   – In recent years, the FRSC has sought to modernise the licensing process through digital platforms. This includes the introduction of online application portals where individuals can begin their licence applications, book appointments for tests, and renew expired licences.

Yet, the reliance on outdated processes not only prolongs the experience but also underscores the gap between Nigeria’s ambitions for modernisation and the reality that many citizens face daily.

The manual processes of obtaining a driver’s licence in Nigeria

Technext surveyed Nigerians across five states – Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Delta, Edo -, and the responses reveal a range of experiences, highlighting significant issues with the system’s efficiency, complexity, and the prevalence of bribery.

1. Time to complete the process:

The time it took respondents to complete the driver’s licensing process varied widely, reflecting the inconsistency in the system. Some individuals finished the process in as little as 30 minutes—likely due to payments made to expedite the process—while others spent several months or years. 

For instance, one respondent mentioned it took nearly two years, while another abandoned the process altogether. Some respondents claim that they completed it in six to eight weeks, but the overall inconsistency is glaring.

2. Experience with the process:

The experience of going through the driver’s licensing process was largely negative for most respondents. 

Descriptions ranged from “tedious,” “stressful,” and “long and strenuous” to outright abandonment due to the process being “arduous” and “terrible.” 

A few respondents had positive experiences, describing the process as “smooth” or “manageable,” but these were exceptions rather than the rule. Many expressed indifference or did not complete the process, highlighting a pervasive dissatisfaction with the system.

3. Bribery and tips:

Most respondents reported that they did not pay any bribes.  However, some individuals admitted to giving tips, ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦5,000, to “facilitate their process”. 

The widespread reporting of “None” or “Nil” in response to this question suggests either a reluctance to admit to paying bribes or an indication that bribery is not as universal as often perceived. 

Nonetheless, even a few instances of bribes highlight a systemic issue that continues to undermine the integrity of the driver’s licensing process in Nigeria. The overwhelming sentiment among respondents regarding bribery and tips in the driver’s licensing process is one of disdain and frustration. 

Many view it as an unethical practice that undermines the integrity of the system and erodes public trust. The consensus is clear: bribery is seen as improper, unnecessary, and damaging to the authenticity and fairness of the licensing process.

The impact on Nigerians

The data collected from Nigerians on the licensing process reveals significant impacts on both the drivers and the general public. 

The challenges highlighted by respondents point to systemic inefficiencies that affect not only individuals but also broader public safety concerns.

1. Prolonged waiting periods and delays:

Delays were particularly common when it came to receiving the permanent licence after initial processing. 

Many respondents reported prolonged waiting periods for the issuance of their driver’s licences, with some waiting for months or even years. 

Respondents mentioned issues such as delays in card issuance and extended breaks between different stages of the process, including the eye test, written exam, and practical test. These delays exacerbate the frustration felt by applicants and prolong the period during which they are unable to drive legally.

2. Inconveniences and multiple visits:

The inconvenience of having to make multiple visits to FRSC offices was a recurring theme. 

The manual nature of the process often requires applicants to return several times to complete different stages, from initial application and biometric capturing to various tests and finally, the collection of the licence. 

This inefficiency not only wastes time but adds to the overall burden on applicants, particularly for those who may not live near an FRSC office or have demanding work schedules.

3. Public safety concerns:

The delays and complexities in the licensing process contribute to a significant public safety concern: the potential for unlicensed drivers on the road. 

As some respondents indicated abandoning the process altogether, there is a risk that these individuals may still be driving without a valid licence. 

The presence of unlicensed drivers increases the likelihood of accidents, as these individuals may not have completed the necessary training and testing to ensure they are competent behind the wheel. This situation undermines the primary purpose of the licensing system, which is to ensure that only qualified drivers are allowed on the roads.

What to expect going forward?

Insights from the unit commander mentioned earlier provide some context for the challenges identified by respondents.  The official mentions that the reliance on manual processes is partly due to the difficulties associated with transitioning to a fully digital system. 

Ultimately, this widespread dissatisfaction underscores the urgent need for modernisation in Nigeria’s driver’s licensing system.  Moving towards a more streamlined, digital process could significantly reduce the opportunities for bribery and the inefficiencies that currently plague the system. 

Modernisation could bring several advantages, including greater transparency, increased efficiency, and improved public trust.