FRSC Commercial Driver cheat sheet

FRSC statutory speed limits: 100 km/h for private cars and motorcycles on highways; 90 km/h for private cars on built-up roads; 50 km/h for private cars in built-up areas; 60 km/h for tow vehicles and 80 km/h for commercial vehicles on highways (tankers and trailers are restricted further).

Following-distance rule: maintain at least a 2-second gap on dry roads and 4 seconds in rain, at night, or behind heavy vehicles; the gap is measured from the moment the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object.

Alcohol limit: a driver is over the limit at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 g/100 ml (50 mg/100 ml) or a breath reading of 0.24 mg/l; commercial drivers face stricter enforcement and licence suspension.

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers in front and rear seats; children under 12 must use an appropriate child restraint and must not sit in the front passenger seat.

Crash scene protocol: stop, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle at least 50 m behind the vehicle on highways, render first aid, and report to the nearest FRSC office or dial the FRSC emergency line 122 within 24 hours.

A crash is reportable when it causes injury, death, or property damage; hit-and-run is a criminal offence, and failure to report within the statutory period attracts a fine and possible licence withdrawal.

Motorcycles: crash helmets are compulsory for rider and pillion passenger, and carrying more than one pillion passenger or a child under 12 on a motorcycle is prohibited.

Tyre rule: minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread; driving on worn or under-inflated tyres is a primary cause of blowouts and is an offence.

Distracted driving: handheld phone use while driving is prohibited; penalties escalate for repeat offences, and the offence applies whether the vehicle is moving or stationary in traffic.

Licence classes: Class A (motorcycle), Class B (private car up to 5,000 kg), Class C (light commercial vehicle up to 7,500 kg), Class D (heavy goods vehicle), Class E (articulated/tanker), Class G (tricycle), Class H (taxi/bus for hire).

Minimum age: 18 for private car and motorcycle licences; 21 for commercial vehicle classes D and E; applicants must hold a valid learner's permit for at least 3 months before the test.

Licence validity is 3 years for private licences and 1 year for commercial licences, renewable before expiry; driving with an expired licence is an offence attracting a fine.

The National Driver's Licence is a single biometric card issued by the Federal Road Safety Corps through the National Drivers Licence Database; provisional and learner permits are separate documents.

Required documents for a licence: birth certificate or age declaration, proof of address, medical certificate of fitness, learner's permit, and evidence of a passed driving test.

Driving test components: written/theory test on road signs and rules, oral interview, and practical road test; a candidate must pass all components to be issued a licence.

Penalty points: accumulation of penalty points for traffic offences can lead to suspension; a driver whose licence is suspended must surrender it and may not drive until reinstated.

Foreign licences: holders may drive on a valid foreign licence for a limited period (typically 3 months) after which a Nigerian licence must be obtained.

Every vehicle must be registered with the state Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and issued a registration number plate; driving an unregistered vehicle is an offence.

Registration documents include the vehicle licence (road tax), proof of ownership (customs papers or purchase invoice), and certificate of roadworthiness.

Roadworthiness certificate: private vehicles are tested every 12 months; commercial vehicles every 6 months; the certificate must be carried in the vehicle.

Vehicle licence (road tax) is renewed annually and the sticker must be displayed on the windscreen; failure to display attracts a fine.

Third-party insurance is compulsory for all vehicles; driving without valid insurance is an offence and the certificate must be produced on demand.

Change of ownership must be notified to the MVA within 14 days; the new owner must transfer the registration and obtain a fresh vehicle licence.

Number plates must be clean, legible, and correctly mounted front and rear; obscuring or altering plates is an offence.

Commercial vehicles must display a valid hackney permit (for passenger vehicles) or goods carriage permit, and the vehicle must pass the commercial roadworthiness inspection.

The FRSC's public education mandate includes road safety campaigns, school outreach, and driver education programmes under the FRSC Establishment Act.

Emergency number 122 connects to the FRSC call centre; the number is toll-free and available 24 hours for crash reporting and road emergencies.

The FRSC runs the annual Road Safety Week and ember-month campaigns (October–December) targeting speeding, overloading, and drunk driving.

Safe driving messaging follows the 'SPACE' principle: Speed, Position, Anticipation, Concentration, and Emergency preparedness.

School patrol and 'catch them young' programmes teach road crossing rules: stop, look, listen, and cross only at marked crossings or pedestrian bridges.

Public education targets high-risk groups: commercial drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and school children, using radio, social media, and roadside campaigns.

Reporting unsafe driving or road hazards to the FRSC via 122 or the FRSC mobile app enables rapid response and enforcement.

Overloading education: exceeding the manufacturer's passenger or load capacity reduces braking efficiency and is a leading cause of commercial vehicle crashes.