Many people get into trouble with traffic law enforcement agents because they are unaware of the important documents for drivers that they need to have with them at all times while driving. In fact, most people have their Driver’s license with them always only because they feel it is also a means of identification which is very wrong as the Driver’s license has its purpose apart from identification. All documents have their use and what they indicate or show, so if you are driving without any of the important documents for drivers in Nigeria, traffic law enforcement agents will assume that you don’t have them and this would attract heavy fines.

Information is key; it would in your best interest as a driver in Nigeria to arm yourself with all the important documents for drivers while plying the roads. Here are 6 important documents traffic law enforcement agents look out for.

Driver’s License
The driver’s license is a very important document for drivers, apart from showing that you have passed through driver’s training and that you are eligible to drive it carries information that can be useful during emergencies. The driver’s license carries information such as your blood group and genotype, which are determining factor in case of emergencies like a blood transfusion due after a road crash. This is the reason why it is part of the important documents for drivers Always make sure your driver’s license is up to date and not expired.

Proof of Ownership
Another important document for drivers in Nigeria you need is valid proof of ownership of your vehicle. It is part of the car registration papers, given at the Vehicle Inspection Office. The absence of this document only means one thing; that the vehicle does not belong to you so you must always have this document with you. If you bought the car Nigerian-used, you will have to get a copy of the change of ownership form.

Insurance Certificate
Most people tend to overlook this document because “it doesn’t prove anything”; however, it is advisable to get comprehensive insurance for your vehicle because it saves money and time and makes it easier to avoid conflict in case of road crashes involving other vehicles. It is also part of the very important documents for drivers as the absence of this document will attract fines from the authorities. The Insurance Certificate also serves as identification for the vehicle because you will be registering with your vehicle’s number plate.

Certificate of Road Worthiness
This document shows that your vehicle is fit to ply the road and is not a danger to itself and other road users. The certificate of roadworthiness is time-bound, which means that it only certifies the fitness of the vehicle for a limited time period. After the time has elapsed there is a need to go for another inspection to renew the certificate. the certificate of roadworthiness is also part of the important documents for drivers.

Vehicle License or Registration
This is also one of the important documents for drivers needed. This license proves that the vehicle is registered under Nigerian Law. You have to renew this annually because having an expired vehicle license will attract fines.

Hackney Permit
Hackney Permit is one of the important documents for drivers that is required by commercial operators of vehicles, including other non-commercial vehicles into haulage of people or goods like buses and taxis. To apply for a Hackney Permit Certificate in person, the applicant needs to visit any nearest registering authority in Nigeria.

Other optional but important documents for drivers include Learner’s Permit for learning drivers and Tint Permit for a tinted glasses vehicle.

It is also important to always have a fire extinguisher, a good spare tyre and a car jack in your vehicle. These tools are not just there for a show they are also very important and useful in emergencies. it might not be part of the important documents for drivers but it is essential

N50 for police. Very important