Senegal Driving Licence or Driver Permit

Senegal Driving Licence : Obtaining a driving licence in Senegal allows you to legally operate motor vehicles on public roads. Here is an overview:

Types of Licences

  • Learner’s licence – Allows learning with instructor. Valid 6 months.
  • Provisional licence – Allows driving once tests are passed. Valid 1 year.
  • Full licence – Issued after 1 year with provisional. Valid 5 years.

Governing Body

The National Driving School (ENSEA) oversees licensing through Regional Driving Schools.

Minimum Ages

  • 16 years for learner’s
  • 18 years for provisional
  • 20 years for full licence

Documents Required

  • Application form
  • Medical certificate
  • Eyesight certificate
  • Passport photos
  • Proof of ID
  • Proof of residence
  • Licence fees

Getting a Licence

  • Pass theory test
  • Obtain learner’s permit
  • Take driving lessons
  • Pass practical test
  • Get provisional licence
  • Drive with provisional licence
  • Obtain full licence

Applying for Your First Senegal Driving Licence

Follow these steps to apply for your first driving licence in Senegal:

1. Meet the Minimum Age

You must be 16 years old to apply for a learner’s permit in Senegal.

2. Get Medical Certificate

Undergo a medical exam and obtain a certificate confirming fitness to drive.

3. Pass Eye Test

Visit an optician and get a certificate showing visual acuity of at least 10/10 vision.

4. Apply for Learner’s Permit

Submit the application form with above documents and passport photos at the Regional Driving School.

5. Undertake Theory Test

Pass a computerized multiple choice test on road signs, rules and regulations.

6. Obtain Learner’s Permit

You will receive a printed temporary 6 month learner’s permit.

7. Enroll in Driving School

Complete mandatory classes with an instructor at a certified driving school.

8. Pass Practical Driving Test

Appear for the practical test with a driving examiner of ENSEA.

9. Get Provisional Licence

Upon passing, you will be issued a provisional licence valid for 1 year.

Renewing Your Senegalese Driving Licence

Driving licences must be renewed every 5 years in Senegal. Here is the renewal process:

Renewal Eligibility

You can renew your licence within 6 months before expiry without retaking tests.

Required Documents

  • Application form
  • Current licence
  • Medical certificate
  • Eye test certificate
  • Passport photos
  • ID copy
  • Fee

Renewal Process

  • Submit documents to the Regional Driving School
  • Undertake an eye test
  • Get new licence with new validity period

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Licence

If your driving licence is lost or stolen, follow this procedure:

Report to Police

File a police complaint reporting the loss and obtain a copy.

Apply for Replacement

Visit the Regional Driving School with the police report and ID copy. Fill out the application for replacement.

Replacement Issued

After verifying records, a duplicate licence will be printed with same number and expiry.

Changing Address on Driving Licence

To change the address on your driving licence:

Documents Required

  • Application form
  • Current licence
  • Proof of new address
  • ID copy
  • Passport photos
  • Fee

Process

  • Submit the above documents to the Regional Driving School
  • Your updated licence will be printed with new address

Transferring Foreign Licence to Senegalese Licence

If you become a Senegal resident you can drive for 3 months on your foreign licence. After that:

  • Provide your foreign licence
  • Get a medical certificate
  • Pass an exam if required
  • Pay transfer fees
  • Obtain a local Senegalese licence

Taking the Driving Test in Senegal

Here are some tips for taking your driving test:

Booking the Test

Book your test at the Regional Driving School. Bring your learner’s permit and fee.

Test Vehicle

Bring a registered roadworthy vehicle with insurance. The examiner will inspect it.

Test Format

The test evaluates your driving skills during yard test and road test.

Passing Criteria

You must score at least 80% to pass the Senegal driving test.

Failure Policy

Wait 7 days before retest if you fail. After 3 failures, must wait 3 months.

Traffic Violations and Penalties

Some common traffic offences and penalties:

  • Over speeding – 25,000 CFA fine
  • Reckless driving – 50,000 CFA fine + suspension
  • Disobeying traffic light – 15,000 CFA fine
  • Drunk driving – 150,000 CFA fine + licence seizure
  • Driving without licence – 50,000 CFA fine
  • Wrong parking – 5,000 CFA fine

FAQs on Senegal Driving Licence

Q1. How do I schedule my driving test in Senegal?

You can book driving test appointments online or in-person at the Regional Driving School. Bring your learner’s permit and test fee.

Q2. What is the minimum age for a driving licence in Senegal?

The minimum age is 16 years for a learner’s, 18 years for provisional, and 20 years for full Senegalese driving licence.

Q3. What documents do I need to bring for my driving test?

You need your learner’s permit, test fee, and a registered roadworthy vehicle with insurance. The examiner will inspect the test vehicle.

Q4. For how many years is a driving licence valid in Senegal?

A full Senegalese driving licence is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. It must be renewed before expiry.