Ever heard the saying that if you can drive in Lagos that you can drive anywhere in the world? I bet drivers in Dominican Republic or Niue island may disagree but the truth is driving in Lagos has a myriad of avoidable complexities. As much as it may be difficult to substantiate, I can boldly say that the number one cause of traffic in Lagos is ‘impatience’; many may argue that the volume of activities and number of vehicles (registered vehicles estimated to be above 2million by FRSC) drives this traffic levels up. But in many ways these realities are exacerbated by Lagosians being impatient and taking traffic laws into their hands.

The root problem of this Lagos driving is a heightened or blown out version of a fundamental Nigerian problem; which is lack of proper driver training institutions, lack of a thorough license awarding system and inconsistent enforcement of traffic laws. Majority of Nigerian drivers are indeed guilty of learning most about driving on the road rather than in proper training centers.

So how does one spot a Lagos driver that has extensively gone through the unstructured training on the streets to gain hard-earned experience stripes on the never-smiling streets/roads of Lagos, Nigeria? These are few tips:

Side mirrors are priceless: In Lagos the very natural instincts of other drivers when your pointer beeps is for them to speed up and attempt beating you to the turn; I can’t explain why and how but best believe that this insane instinct is so real! So after making known your intention to make a turn, an experienced Lagos knows that whether or not the coast was clear of obstructing okadas (motorcycles) or cars a few seconds ago, you still need to double-check with your side mirror-because its Lagos of course!

Mobile phones, food, newspapers may be close but are totally off-limits whilst driving: the simple truth here is that #30,000 Naira can do a whole lot for you in Nigeria’s current recession stricken economy. You don’t want to hand that down to LASTMA or the VIO because of a few moments of financial indiscretion(s).

In the end Police are your real friends: when it comes to the expediency of ‘sorting things’ out quickly before things get out of hand or just before the yellow navy ‘enter your matter’, you can bank on these gallant men in black! I will say no more on this matter, as those who know- know what I mean #winks!

Experienced drivers know when not to drive: taking a public bus is almost always the cheapest but not always the most convenient movement option in Lagos. A shrewd understanding of the city, its rush hours, the one-way red hot zones, the impracticable no-parking zones etc, helps in knowing when best to hail an uber, take a cab or join any of the public bus options. In literal terms, your honest quest for utmost comfort in moving around from one place to the other may lead to aggravated stress levels.

Spotting fakes spare-parts and unskilled mechanics takes a special understanding/experience: Ever wondered how some drivers sound like experienced Toyota spare-parts importers when they are in search of some specific quality spare-parts? Wonder no more, because it comes with experience; I can rephrase this statement accurately by saying that ‘in Lagos them must chop you for you to learn’-that’s true experience!

Speed is never a virtue: as it may apply to even other cities around the world, shortcuts and true knowledge of the road is priceless. Luckily for Lagosions the city has a good road network, arguably one of the bests in Nigeria. Really experienced drivers know when an alternative route makes a good alternative.

There is absolutely no wisdom in dragging with Danfos: they will literally drag you and your car to their level. In dealing with aggressive commercial vehicles there is one cardinal rule: BE PRECISELY DARING-needless say, experienced Lagos drivers know this!

http://autobaseafrica.com/7-ways-to-spot-an-experienced-lagos-driver/

The noise makers people in nigeria doesn't knw how to drive... Period ...come oooo ola come ooo I just parked my car in the middle of the road and this cucumber head man jam my car ooo..pls call fire service ppl for me ooooo

For those that are not in Lagos, if you are a patient driver, and observe all the traffic rules/signs even speed limits, you are seen as a mumu.. Lagos drivers I hail una!!!

Tru

Make I wash my face

The only way to spot an experience Lagos is when you observe how he manouver Lagos 'holdups' from Oshodi to Tollgate, Sango-Ota or from Lekki to Epe traffic.

Experience Lagos driver drives a J5 bus, carrying about 20 passengers yet he will get through traffic and reach his destination before a "my car" (name given to Lagos car owners by commercial drivers) jejely driving his Kia Rio in the heavy Lagos traffic along those route.

True

Whizpeter:
If you can drive in Lagos, you can drive in any part of the world without issues... By 'Lagos' I don't mean Banana Island, Lekki and environs ooo, I'm talking about Ojuelegba, Oshodi, Mushin, Ikotun and the rest...

If you've only driven on the island, please you've not driven in Lagos yet...!

Word!

Experience drivers can beat hold up and save you your job.

I remember when I was learning to drive manual transmission in Lagos traffic.Twas hell on earth mehn.grown ass,well suited family men raining invectives on me for every little infraction.Lagos drivers and hot headedness...

adezjamz:
Experience drivers can beat hold up and save you your job.

He beats hold ups (traffic jam) by also beating the traffic rules/signs

One thing that amazes me is the insane amount of traffic in the afternoon, I mean what are you guys doing on the road, aren't you supposed to be at work or something?

U never drive for Upper Iweka or Nkpor Junction by 6:00pm

I just came to read comments

What should i write

Tobyshegz:
What should i write

Write ur life history

What of u? Is that ur office

agrovick:
One thing that amazes me is the insane amount of traffic in the afternoon, I mean what are you guys doing on the road, aren't you supposed to be at work or something?

Vince77:

Write ur life history

Iyen na nice, but sire i wouldn't mind to emulate you first

the guy above...

Be Smart, vigilant, and never show any sign of panic.u re a good driver in lagos.

mtchew

Immune1:
Ever heard the saying that if you can drive in Lagos that you can drive anywhere in the world? I bet drivers in Dominican Republic or Niue island may disagree but the truth is driving in Lagos has a myriad of avoidable complexities. As much as it may be difficult to substantiate, I can boldly say that the number one cause of traffic in Lagos is ‘impatience’; many may argue that the volume of activities and number of vehicles (registered vehicles estimated to be above 2million by FRSC) drives this traffic levels up. But in many ways these realities are exacerbated by Lagosians being impatient and taking traffic laws into their hands.

The root problem of this Lagos driving is a heightened or blown out version of a fundamental Nigerian problem; which is lack of proper driver training institutions, lack of a thorough license awarding system and inconsistent enforcement of traffic laws. Majority of Nigerian drivers are indeed guilty of learning most about driving on the road rather than in proper training centers.

So how does one spot a Lagos driver that has extensively gone through the unstructured training on the streets to gain hard-earned experience stripes on the never-smiling streets/roads of Lagos, Nigeria? These are few tips:

Side mirrors are priceless: In Lagos the very natural instincts of other drivers when your pointer beeps is for them to speed up and attempt beating you to the turn; I can’t explain why and how but best believe that this insane instinct is so real! So after making known your intention to make a turn, an experienced Lagos knows that whether or not the coast was clear of obstructing okadas (motorcycles) or cars a few seconds ago, you still need to double-check with your side mirror-because its Lagos of course!

Mobile phones, food, newspapers may be close but are totally off-limits whilst driving: the simple truth here is that #30,000 Naira can do a whole lot for you in Nigeria’s current recession stricken economy. You don’t want to hand that down to LASTMA or the VIO because of a few moments of financial indiscretion(s).

In the end Police are your real friends: when it comes to the expediency of ‘sorting things’ out quickly before things get out of hand or just before the yellow navy ‘enter your matter’, you can bank on these gallant men in black! I will say no more on this matter, as those who know- know what I mean #winks!

Experienced drivers know when not to drive: taking a public bus is almost always the cheapest but not always the most convenient movement option in Lagos. A shrewd understanding of the city, its rush hours, the one-way red hot zones, the impracticable no-parking zones etc, helps in knowing when best to hail an uber, take a cab or join any of the public bus options. In literal terms, your honest quest for utmost comfort in moving around from one place to the other may lead to aggravated stress levels.

Spotting fakes spare-parts and unskilled mechanics takes a special understanding/experience: Ever wondered how some drivers sound like experienced Toyota spare-parts importers when they are in search of some specific quality spare-parts? Wonder no more, because it comes with experience; I can rephrase this statement accurately by saying that ‘in Lagos them must chop you for you to learn’-that’s true experience!

Speed is never a virtue: as it may apply to even other cities around the world, shortcuts and true knowledge of the road is priceless. Luckily for Lagosions the city has a good road network, arguably one of the bests in Nigeria. Really experienced drivers know when an alternative route makes a good alternative.

There is absolutely no wisdom in dragging with Danfos: they will literally drag you and your car to their level. In dealing with aggressive commercial vehicles there is one cardinal rule: BE PRECISELY DARING-needless say, experienced Lagos drivers know this!

http://autobaseafrica.com/7-ways-to-spot-an-experienced-lagos-driver/

excellente! This is very good information. Keep it up! Educate a driver and save a life.

Lagos I hail thee


Always prepping.Also the keeping of all documents updated is the beginning of wisdom.

Whizpeter:
If you can drive in Lagos, you can drive in any part of the world without issues... By 'Lagos' I don't mean Banana Island, Lekki and environs ooo, I'm talking about Ojuelegba, Oshodi, Mushin, Ikotun and the rest...

If you've only driven on the island, please you've not driven in Lagos yet...!

I think PH is worse
Commercial cab and bus drivers dont know traffic rules, dont use side mirrors, and their uncouth attitude is rubbing off private car owners. Coupled with the narrow roads.

When ever u drive home without a scratch on ur car, go for thanksgiving.
Everyday new scratch.

It's so hard to see a totally clean car here in Lagos, its either it's been bashed,scratched or something else.

True talk...