4 Things You Shouldn't Do If You Have A Learner's Permit In Nigeria » Carmart Blog (2024)

While you are still a novice driver, we mean you have probably just got your learner’s permit and you would like to test out driving and have some experience. This is understandable, but there are some things you shouldn’t be doing while you haven’t gotten your authenticated driver’s license. Most people tend to miss the clear distinction between the two certificates and readily assume that once their learner’s permit has been made available to them, they can commute on their own without the appropriate authority.

Even those who know the facts about the issuance of the learner’s permit and what they shouldn’t partake in usually decide to ignore the position. This is a very common instance on Nigerian roads, and if not handled properly, can end disastrously for both the driver and other commuters. That is why it is important for everyone to understand the limitations that come with owning a learners permit and what you should not do while you haven’t been issued your license

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1. Driving Solitary

This is the learner’s permit rule, which is easy to overlook, especially after someone has just finished a driving course and received their learner’s permit. Most folks will simply get in their car and start cruising around the city by themselves, not considering the fact that they are not supposed to do so. It has become so common that one would be surprised that only a small number of people with their permits don’t do this

A learner driver is obligated to drive with a passenger in the shotgun seat by law at all times. The seat next to the driver is known as the “shotgun.” A recognised and current driver’s license is also required for the partner. Avoid sharing a vehicle with another trainee who merely possesses a learner’s permit. The fine is approximately 10,000 if you are caught saying this to the police or any other authority. You also need to ensure that the person who you are riding with does not have an expired license.

2. Ignoring The Expiration Date Of Your Learner’s Permit

It is pertinent to note that your learner’s permit has an expiry date and would not serve you until you have been issued a driver’s license. Each and every learner’s permit granted in Nigeria has a 90-day expiration date (3 months) and you should not be driving with it after your three months have expired.

To apply for a valid driver’s license before it expires, you must stop by the FRSC office. The excuse of being a novice will not stand with the authorities, and you will be fined, and in the worst-case scenario, your car might even be impounded. Obtaining your Nigerian driver’s license shouldn’t be too difficult for you if you have completed a driving course at a recognised driving school in Nigeria.

3. Not Affixing The Learner’s Permit Sign Before Driving

This is the next most common thing that learning drivers do apart from driving alone. If they share a vehicle with a partner or spouse, it can even be a family car, and the person who owns such a vehicle also has a license. They might either drive off without attaching the learner’s permit to the vehicle before putting it on the road, which is a significant offence if something goes wrong and they are caught. Some do this not because they forget, but mostly because they don’t want a learner’s sign to be attached to them.

It is also not a good idea to remove the learner’s permit from a vehicle being driven by an experienced driver because if something goes wrong and the driver is pulled over by the police, the experienced driver will instead show the authorities a valid driver’s license rather than the learner’s permit that will be expected.

• Keeping Hands On The Steering Wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock

It might be incredibly perplexing and astounding to observe new drivers in Nigeria retaining their hands on the steering wheel at the top, 12 o’clock position, or occasionally the bottom, 6 o’clock position, and sometimes they might drive one-handed. Thus, it is incredibly dangerous, especially if you are not adept at swerving or braking. These simple gestures can readily lead to an accident. Driving techniques are very crucial aspects of the driving experience, and as a learner, you may not be accomplished in that regard.

Keep your hands where they are most comfortable and appropriate on the steering wheel while you are still learning to drive so that you can easily and correctly handle the vehicle. As much as one can foresee an emergency, it is prudent to ensure your safety and everyone else’s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

When you are issued your learner’s permit, you might want to try out the freedom it bestows on you, and you would want to enjoy the driving experience. But, you also want to ensure safety as a priority. As a learner, you would not have the skills of a professional and experienced driver, so before you begin any voyage with your new permit, you would need to keep in mind the rules which have been mentioned. As you keep driving, your skills will definitely improve and you will get your license in no time.