Driving is a privilege that comes with great responsibility, and it’s essential to ensure that you are a competent and safe driver before hitting the roads. In Uganda, the process of acquiring a full driving license involves several steps, from obtaining a learner’s license to passing a driving test and meeting specific medical and eyesight standards. In this guide, we will walk you through the process step by step to help you navigate your way to becoming a legally licensed driver on Uganda’s public roads.
Step 1: Meet the Legal Age Requirement
Before you can even think about getting a driving license, you must meet the legal age requirement. In Uganda, you must be 18 years or older to drive legally on public roads. So, if you haven’t reached this age yet, you will have to wait for a few years to reach the acceptable age limit.
Step 2: Get a Learner Licence
Your journey towards a full driving license starts with obtaining a learner’s license. This learner license allows you to learn how to drive under the guidance of a licensed driving school. Here’s how you can get your learner license:
- Download the application form for the learner license from the official website.
- Fill out the form, including the medical examination report section, which must be completed by a registered medical practitioner.
- Pay the learner license fee of Shs60,000 through the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). Visit the Uganda Revenue Authority website and generate a PRN to pay for your learner’s license. Here is a guide on how to do it.
Your learner license will be valid for three months and can be renewed at a cost. It’s essential to have this license while you receive instruction from a recognized driving school.
Step 3: Enroll in a Licensed Driving School
The next step is to enroll in a licensed driving school and undergo driving lessons. Upon completion of the lessons, the driving school will provide you with a certificate of completion. This certificate will be required when you apply for your full driving license.
Step 4: Take the Driving Competence Test
After you’ve learned how to drive, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Visit the URA website and pay Shs25,000 for a driving test at the Inspectorate of Vehicles (IOV).
The IOV will conduct the test and issue you with a certificate of competence if you pass successfully. Keep in mind that you may need to take additional tests if you plan to be licensed for more than one class of vehicle.
Step 5: Apply for a Full Driving Licence
Now that you’ve completed the necessary training and passed the driving test, you can apply for your full driving license.
How to Apply For A Driving License in Uganda
- Download the application form for the full driving license from the official website.
- Visit the URA website to pay the designated fee, which depends on the validity of the permit you need. Uganda Driving Licence Solutions (UDLS) issues licences valid for one, three, or five years. You will receive a payment registration number (PRN) once the payment is finalized.
- Visit any UDLS branch with the completed application form, proof of payment/PRN from the URA, and the required identification documents.
The identification documents may include a valid national ID, a duplicate copy of the ID, a photocopy, or a NIRA verification letter if you don’t have the previous documents. For foreigners, a valid passport is required, and refugees should provide their refugee card.
At UDLS, your documents will be checked, and your biometrics will be captured. Once this process is complete, you will be issued your long-awaited full driving license.
Obtaining a full driving license in Uganda is a structured process that requires dedication, training, and adherence to legal requirements. Remember that acquiring a local driving license is mandatory for drivers who consider spending more than 6 months in Uganda. Whether you are considering a car rental in Uganda option or driving your own car, a driver’s license is one of the documents that will always be required at one point in your trip.
