Traveling across interstate roads in Nigeria isn’t for the faint of heart. You need to be an experienced driver with great driving skills. And not just that. You need to know the route; both on the main road and other shortcuts.

Due to the bad road in Nigeria, it is highly unlikely that new drivers would want to take the risks of traveling from one state to another. However, a driver doesn’t need to stop driving because of fear. And as the saying goes, “you never know until you try”.

So, can new drivers attempt interstate roads in Nigeria?

We do not have a particular answer for that. It all depends on the driver’s choice. However, there are important factors that should be considered if you decide to travel across interstate roads in Nigeria.

Factors You Should Consider 

Do you want to travel to your hometown this Christmas in your new car but are afraid because you are still new to driving and not fully experienced?

No worries. By the time you are done reading this article, your mind will be fully made up.

Let’s proceed.

1. Level of experience: What kind of a new driver are you? The one who’s still taking driving lessons at a driving school, the one who is done with driving school, or the one who learns how to drive by himself. Never drive a car, let alone across interstate roads if you haven’t completed your driving lessons.

2. Incomplete papers: Even if you are a super-skilled driver, no one wants to go through the hassle of being pulled over by policemen and road safety personnel a thousand times.  We’ll advise that you don’t drive across interstate roads until you’ve had the complete and necessary documents and papers.

3. Route:  This factor is super important. Most Nigerian roads are deplorable. They can get crowded with vehicles and caked with dust. If you want to travel from Lagos to Onitsha, you have to know the route. If you don’t, don’t attempt to drive. Another thing is figuring out the shortcuts. Trust me, all commercial drivers learned about this. So should you. You don’t want to get stranded in Benin-city due to traffic jams.

3. Traveling alone?: Uh uh. You don’t want to travel alone to another state. Trust me. As a new driver, you don’t want to. It’s too risky, too lonely, and not a good idea for new drivers. You are going to need company. Someone to talk to prevent dozing off on the wheel. Remember that you are a new driver and might fall asleep while driving due to tiredness or the long journey. Someone who knows the route or the shortcuts.

4. Night travel?: Never. As a new driver, never. It is risky. Don’t do it for your safety.

Top Things Ever New Driver Should Never do before driving across interstate roads

1. Having little or no experience.
2. Driving without a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or vehicle license. This saves you from being pulled over and interrogated by policemen.
3. Having little or no idea about the routes and shortcuts.
4. Driving alone.
5. Driving At night.
6. Eating food or snacks that could disturb your system.
7. Driving when sick.

Now, do you think you qualify to drive to another state? That’s good news. 

However, if you are having second thoughts about driving across interstate roads, we also got you covered.

If you think you are afraid or inexperienced to drive from one state to another, we know something to help you get rid of the fear. It’s so simple. DON’T DRIVE. 

Don’t drive when you’re inexperienced,  when you’re sick, when you are afraid or when you are alone.

There are other alternatives to choose from. You can travel by car, bus or plane. As long as you are not the one driving. 

FAQs 

1. Should I drive from one state to another when I am a new driver? Yes, you should when you are an experienced driver with complete papers who knows the route and shortcuts.
2. What are the documents and papers I need in my car to avoid being embarrassed by the police? These documents include a driver’s license, proof of ownership, learner’s permit, vehicle license, certificate of roadworthiness, and insurance certificate.w21
3. Can a learner driver drive on a highway? Yes. A driver who is learning can practice on highways only if he or she is accompanied by an approved instructor.

2. At what age can one drive in Nigeria? At 18.

3. Can a learner drive alone in Nigeria? No, a learner driver is required to always drive accompanied by a person riding the shotgun at his/her side. The shotgun in this context means the passenger’s seat.

4. Can you drive without a license in Nigeria? Driving without a driver’s license is a huge offense. It is an offense punishable with a fine of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100, 000.00)

5. How long does a  driver’s license last in Nigeria? A driver’s license in Nigeria lasts for five years, after which you can apply for a renewal.

6. How long does it take to receive one’s driver’s license in Nigeria? It takes 60 days to pick up your original driver’s license.

7. What are the things I shouldn’t do when driving on Nigerian Roads? Driving without a valid license or learner’s permit.

Driving on a road that is under construction.

Steering without number plates.

Driving without seatbelts.

Driving without valid vehicle documentation.

Driving with a damaged tire, wheel, and headlight.

Steering under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Navigating with forged vehicle documentation.

Driving with an overweight load in a vehicle.

Driving a vehicle that emits too much smoke.

Driving a vehicle with worn-out parts.

Conclusion

There you have it. A relief to all your curiosity about motorists. In Nigeria, a law may never be recognized as a law until it is broken. Failing to comply with the factors stated above is likely to get you in trouble. However, if you choose not to drive on interstate roads, traveling with good transport brands would certainly make you feel at ease.

Will you be driving your car to your hometown this Christmas, let’s read your comment below.

Where are all Nigerian new drivers? You don’t want to get in trouble with policemen or road safety officers by breaking laws and regulations concerning driving. This is why we’ve come up with a much-needed article to reveal very important laws that you should always obey when driving in Nigeria.

New Into Driving?

Congratulations. After going through driving school, obtaining a driver’s license and necessary documentation pertaining to your vehicle, another important thing you should know are Nigerian driving laws.

These laws are very important to all drivers as well as all Nigerians. They hinder unfortunate occurrences like accidents which could result in loss of lives and properties. When you obey these laws, there are no accidents, no loss of lives, no traffic, even.

Without further delay, let’s proceed.

What Every New Driver Should Do

Know Your Vehicle: This is one of the most important aspects you should never ignore when it comes to driving. Knowing your vehicle takes a lot more than knowing its name and its brand. There is more to it. Study the parts of your vehicle well. Know when it needs an oil change, or when the engine gets dirty. Take notice of your steering wheel, brakes, and accelerator.  Know when something is stiff or when it is wearing out. In summary, ensure that you know your vehicle.

Observe Before You Drive:  Never drive your vehicle on a highway if you notice its brakes are faulty. Never drive out if your seatbelts are bad. If you experience an engine knock, have a mechanic fix it before you drive it. When it comes to vehicle problems that could cost a life, be very observant.

Obey Traffic and Driving Laws: Traffic laws are important and can never be overemphasized. Every driver must obey traffic and driving laws in order to prevent casualties. When a driver fails to do this, there are consequences, which some are grievous.

Now let’s dive into these traffic laws.

Important Driving And Traffic Laws Every Nigerian Driver Must Obey

• Never drive without a license or learner’s permit.
• Obey traffic laws.
• Always use your seatbelts.
• Never use your mobile phone while driving.
• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Never drive and drink.
• Never drive after taking medications whose adverse effects include drowsiness.
• Always obey speed limits, never exceed them.
• Never drive when feeling sleepy.
• Always take observation of people and vehicles before and behind you.
• Slow down during sharp turns and bends.
• Obey all road signs.
• Never drive with a worn out car part like tires, headlight, brakes. Make sure your vehicle is in perfect condition before driving.
• Every car should have a cone and triangle.
• Obeying traffic warden and road safety officials.

These are very important driving and traffic laws in Nigeria. It is a must to obey them in order to protect your life and the lives of others. Now, let’s take a peek at some driving offenses.

Driving Offenses

Remember that if you’re caught doing any of the following offenses below, you’ve broken a law and will be punished accordingly.

These offenses include:

• Driving without a valid license or learner’s permit.
• Driving on a road that is under construction.
• Driving without number plates.
• Driving without seatbelts.
• Driving without a valid vehicle documentation.
• Driving with a faulty tire, wheel, headlight.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Driving with a forged vehicle documentation.
• Driving with overweight load in a vehicle.
• Driving a vehicle that emits too much smoke and soot.
• Driving a vehicle with damaged parts.
• Driving on restricted roads.
• Driving without absurd speed limits.
• Driving without headlights or with faulty headlights.
• Wrongfully overtaking another vehicle while driving.
• Driving with one hand.
• Minors driving.
• Driving with a child not strapped to a safety belt or seat.
• Driving without using reflectors.
• Driving recklessly.
• Driving slowly on a speed lane.
• Driving with a damaged side mirror and rear view.
• Driving in the wrong lane.
• Parking your vehicle at an inappropriate place.
• Driving when physically and mentally inadequate at that moment.
• Driving when you’re not up to 18.

There are some documents that every driver must have in their vehicles. Let’s talk about that.

Six important documents every Nigerian driver must have

1. Driver’s license: This is the most important document every Nigerian driver or car owner must have. It is what makes you eligible to drive a car. When you get pulled over by policemen, this is the first thing they request for. Ensure that you have a valid license. Having an invalid license is the same as having nothing. Take note of when your current license expires and renew it immediately.
2. Learner’s permit :  A learner’s permit is an authorization by law that gives you permission to drive (and learn) while you’re planning to receive your driver’s license. A learner’s permit only lasts for three months.
3. Proof of Ownership: Yes, you need proof that the vehicle you are driving is yours, or for someone else ( if you’re the person’s driver or driving for hire purchase). A proof of ownership shows that the buyer paid in full and is the sole owner of the vehicle. It bears the signatures of both the buyer and seller.
4. Vehicle license: A vehicle license is an official document you will receive from  the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in respect of a particular car in Nigeria. You should never take it out of your car. It is another proof that your vehicle is yours or for someone or an organization that you work for. 
5. Certificate of Road Worthiness:  With this particular document, you prove to the law that your vehicle is capable, safe and fit enough to be driven on Nigerian roads. Always keep this document in your vehicle to prevent unending questions from policemen and other road safety personnels.
6. Insurance Certificate: Although this isn’t as popular as the rest, it is also a very important document needed in your vehicle at all times.

Final Words

Another congratulations on being a new 

driver in Nigeria. We hope this article goes a long way in guiding you to obey traffic and driving laws.

Which of the laws seem hard to comprehend? Let’s know in the comment section. We’ll love to engage with you.