What is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driving License (IDL)?

An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally larger than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.

In comparison, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.

How does an International Driving Permit work in Nigeria?

Visitors with an International Driving Permit and a valid native driver’s license are permitted to drive for 30 days in Nigeria. Be aware that your International Driver’s Permit merely translates your driver’s information; it does not replace your original driving license. Driving in Nigeria requires always having your local driver’s license on you. You risk being fined or, worse yet, put in jail if you go without a valid license.

However, if you intend to travel independently in Nigeria for some time longer than 30 days, you must obtain a Nigerian driver’s license. How apply for a driving license in Nigeria is a straightforward process. You must be 18, enroll in a Nigerian driving school, and pass the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) driving test.

How do you apply for an International Driver’s Permit?

You can apply for an international driver’s permit through our website. To apply for an International Driver’s Permit, you must have a valid native driver’s license.

How long does an IDP take to arrive?

A digital IDP takes up to 2 hours to land in your inbox. Alternatively, if you want a faster processing time, you can choose an Express Order, in which you will receive your IDP in 20 minutes.

A printed IDP can be delivered to your doorstep, with the estimated delivery date varying between 2-30 days, depending on the selected delivery method.

The United Nations’ road traffic agreements

Institutions can issue IDPs with the permission of the United Nations, an international organization. The selected institutions abide by the United Nations Road Traffic Conventions. Three international motor traffic conventions were established, the first in Paris in 1926, the second in Geneva in 1949, and the third in Vienna in (1968). The conferences ensured that all participating nations signed a document agreeing to accept IDPs as legitimate licenses for foreign drivers. The central governments of each country have delegated the task of issuing IDPs to automobile groups and organizations.

What benefits come with holding an International Driver’s Licence in Nigeria?

Your International Driver’s Permit is a driving license in Peru and legal identification. This document provides translations of your International Driver’s Permit in 10 of the most spoken languages in the world. Therefore, most officials you will come across in Nigeria can read this document, making encounters with traffic enforcement officers move as fast and efficiently as possible. International Driver’s Permits are also integral if you are looking to rent a car in Nigeria. If you don’t have an International Driver’s Permit, car rental companies may be reluctant or refuse to rent you a car.

Renting a car in Nigeria

You must be 21 years old or older to rent a car in Nigeria. You must make sure you have the following paperwork when making an application:

Your home country’s current driver’s license
An active passport
An IDP

You should make your rental car reservations a month in advance. This stops you from being in a position where no cars are available for rental. It also helps you save time. Additionally, it can save you money because, due to solid demand, rental prices may rise closer to the time you intend to rent your vehicle. The following descriptions are used to describe car size:

Economy (two adults)
Compact (four adults)
Standard (five adults)
Passenger mini bus (five or more adults)

Always check that you have considered all prospective passengers and luggage when selecting your vehicle.

What kind of automobile insurance is required in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, as a minimum, your car must be covered by third-party liability insurance. However, comprehensive insurance packages are advised to cover the expenses in the event of theft, fire damage, substantial damage, and catastrophic injuries. The police may flag you on their database and issue fines if you don’t have insurance. Always carry auto insurance to avoid problems with the authorities.

Road rules to keep in mind when driving:

1. The use of a mobile phone is prohibited while driving
All people in a car must wear a seatbelt
Lighting and reflectors are required
Always follow speed limits
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited
Carry your IDP and original license with you at all times

Top 6 Places to Visit in Nigeria

Park National Yankari

You can be sure that this outstanding national park won’t let you down. Travel from Abuja in the east or Gombe in the south to the Yankari in search of the roving herds of African elephants—said to be the most numerous on the continent. Make time in your visit to look for the fascinating artifacts of earlier inhabitants in the caves. Don’t leave without climbing the Kalban Hill lookouts or seeing the magnificent Tonlong Gorge’s chiseled rocks.

Calabar

The town of Calabar is a well-established tourist stop-off on the way through to Cameroon or the southern Nigerian coast. It is the gateway to the reserves of the Cross River (the state of which Calabar is the capital) and the further-flung rainforests of the Afi Mountains (home to gorillas, chimpanzees, rare rockfowl, and craggy peaks of stone).

However, before rushing to the incredible primate sanctuaries outside the city, take some time to explore the Calabar Museum to learn more about the city’s seedier past. Calabar was once one of the major slave trading ports in West Africa.

Edumanom National Forest

One of Nigeria’s most stunning displays of biodiversity may be found in this delta forest, the vast mass of greenery that crowns the mouth of the Niger River.

It is characterized by the existence of some of the world’s most significant remaining chimpanzee populations, which patrol the freshwater wetlands and lush canopies while howling across the wilderness.

It is also the habitat of the endangered Niger Delta colobus and other fascinating primates.

Traveling here won’t be simple due to its remote position, but the untamed wilds and untrodden undergrowth might be worth it!

Lagos

Lagos is not only the largest metropolis in Nigeria, but it is also the biggest city in all of Africa.

Lagos is home to around 18 million people, making it a buzzing hot spot in Africa. The neighborhoods of Ikeja and Victoria Island are dotted with bustling streets of beer bars and clubs where ex-pats, sailors, and locals converse over foamy brews.

Additionally, promenades along the coast have been salt-washed by the Atlantic Ocean creeping up Lagos Beach, a stunning expanse of golden sand.

Erin-ljesha

The tiny town of Erin-Ijesha is famous for its incredible waterfall, which cascades through the southern Nigerian rainforests, divides the country into two parts, and has up to seven tiers! Numerous visitors go to this unassuming location to this stunning water feature.

Journey to the waterfall by climbing through the lush forests and end by taking a dip in the waterfalls as they pour over the cliffs.

The neighboring hot springs at Ikogosi, a great spot to relax after a long hike, are also shown to you, along with information about the forest spirits.

FAQs

How does an International Driver’s permit work in Nigeria?

Visitors with an International Driver’s Permit and a valid native driver’s license are permitted to drive for 30 days in Nigeria. Please be aware that your International Driver’s Permit merely translates your driver’s information; it does not replace your original driving license. Driving in Nigeria requires always having your local driver’s license on you. You risk being fined or, worse yet, put in jail if you go without a valid permit.

How much does an International Driver’s Permit cost for Nigeria?

All our prices can be found on our pricing page.

What is the minimum age for driving in Nigeria?

You must be over the age of 18.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Nigeria?

You must be over 21 to rent a car in Nigeria.