Sierra Leone Driving Licence or Driver Permit

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

Types of Licences

  • Learner’s licence – Allows learning under supervision. Valid 6 months.
  • Provisional licence – Issued after passing test. Valid 1 year.
  • Full licence – Issued after 1 year with provisional. Valid 5 years.

Governing Body

The Sierra Leone Road Transport Authority (SLRTA) oversees driver licensing through Regional Offices.

Minimum Ages

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

Documents Required

  • Application form
  • Medical report
  • Eyesight test form
  • ID document
  • 2 Passport photos
  • Proof of address

Getting a Licence

  • Pass theory test
  • Get learner’s permit
  • Practice under supervision
  • Pass practical test
  • Obtain provisional licence
  • Drive with provisional licence
  • Get full licence

Applying for Your First Sierra Leone Driving Licence

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

1. Meet the Minimum Age

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner’s permit.

2. Obtain Medical Report

Get a medical report from a certified doctor confirming fitness to drive.

3. Pass Eyesight Test

Have your eyes tested at an optician and get a completed eyesight form.

4. Apply for Learner’s Permit

Submit the application form with above documents at the SLRTA Regional Office.

5. Take Theory Test

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

6. Get Learner’s Permit

You will receive a laminated learner’s permit valid for 6 months.

7. Practice with Supervision

Get practice driving with a licensed driver over 25 years old.

8. Pass Practical Test

Appear for the road test with an SLRTA examiner to obtain your provisional licence.

Renewing Your Sierra Leone Driving Licence

Sierra Leone driving licences are valid for 5 years. Here is how to renew your licence:

When to Renew

You can renew up to 6 months before the expiry date without having to retake tests.

Documents Required

  • Renewal application form
  • Current licence
  • Medical report
  • Eyesight test form
  • ID document
  • 2 Photos
  • Fee

Renewal Process

  • Submit required documents to SLRTA
  • Undertake eyesight test
  • Get new licence printed with updated validity

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Licence in Sierra Leone

If your driving licence is lost, stolen or damaged, here is how to replace it:

Report Loss to SLRTA

Visit the SLRTA Regional Office and report the loss to obtain a police report form.

Apply for Replacement

Submit the police report, ID proof and passport photos to apply for a replacement licence.

Get Replacement Licence

After verifying records, a duplicate licence will be issued with the same details.

Changing Your Address on Sierra Leone Driving Licence

To change the address on your Sierra Leone driving licence:

Documents Required

  • Application form
  • Current licence
  • Proof of new address
  • ID document
  • 2 Passport photos

Process

  • Submit the documents to SLRTA Regional Office
  • Your updated licence will be printed with new address

Transferring Foreign Licence to Sierra Leone Licence

If you become a Sierra Leone resident you can drive for 6 months on your foreign licence. After that:

  • Provide your foreign licence
  • Get a medical report
  • Undertake driving test if required
  • Pay applicable fees
  • Obtain a Sierra Leone licence

Taking the Driving Test in Sierra Leone

Here are some tips for taking your driving test in Sierra Leone:

Booking the Test

Book your test at the SLRTA Regional Office by submitting your learner’s permit and paying fees.

Test Vehicle

Bring a registered insured vehicle that is roadworthy. The examiner will inspect it.

Test Format

The test evaluates you on yard test maneuvers and driving skills during the road test.

Passing Criteria

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

Failure Policy

You must wait 7 days before retest if you fail. After 3 failures, there is a 1 month waiting period.

Traffic Violations and Penalties in Sierra Leone

Some common traffic offences and penalties:

  • Over speeding – Le 100,000 fine
  • Reckless driving – Le 300,000 fine + licence suspension
  • Disobeying traffic lights – Le 50,000 fine
  • Drink driving – Le 500,000 fine + imprisonment
  • Driving without licence – Le 200,000 fine
  • Illegal parking – Le 10,000 fine

FAQs on Sierra Leone Driving Licence

Q1. How do I schedule my driving test in Sierra Leone?

You can book driving test appointments online or in-person at SLRTA Regional Offices by submitting your learner’s permit and paying fees.

Q2. What is the minimum age for getting a driving licence in Sierra Leone?

The minimum age is 16 years for a learner’s permit, 18 years for provisional licence and 20 years for full Sierra Leone licence.

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

You need your learner’s permit, ID proof, test fees and a registered insured roadworthy vehicle. The examiner inspects the test vehicle.

Q4. For how long is a Sierra Leone driving licence valid?

A full Sierra Leone driving licence is valid for 5 years from date of issue. It must be renewed before expiration to continue driving.