Driving licenses issued by face technologies are no longer valid – Uganda Travel News and Self Drive Guide
The Ministry of Works and Transport has officially put a stop on the issuing of driving licenses by face technologies. This has come as a result of the end of contract between the ministry and a South African based company on Nov 30, 2020.
On March 1st 2021, a new contracted company, the Uganda Security Printing Company was to take over printing and issuing out driving licenses and was to work under the Uganda Driver Licensing System. The facial recognized driving permits were to remain valid until further notice.
On Tuesday/ 26th/March/2024, the Uganda Driver Licensing System officially announced that the driving licenses that were issued by face technologies were no longer valid. This implies that whoever had such a permit was required to go and apply for a permit renewal. In order to drive on Ugandan roads now, one should have a newly issued permit that is recognized worldwide.
Features of the New Driving Licenses
One of the major features of this new driving license is the compliance with the (ISO), International Organization for Standardization and the (TTTFP), Tripartite Transport and Transit Facilitation Program. These features make the driving license a valid for the three regional blocks of East Africa and the Common Market of East and South Africa (COMESA). With this feature on a driving license, drivers can drive through any of the member countries with no restrictions.
These new permits have been designed with the best technology and provided with sophisticated security features that are hard to forge.
How to apply for a driving license in Uganda
The process of acquiring a driving license in Uganda starts by acquiring a learner’s permit which usually lasts for 3nmonths.
Then attend a driving school which will give you a certificate of completion.
After the driving lessons, visit the URA portal and pay UGX 25000 for a driving test at the Inspectorate of Vehicles. After the test, the IOV will give you a certificate of competence. This certificate will also be sent to the Uganda Driving License System.
After this, you will then go to the URA portal and pay a certain amount of money according to the Permit validity you want. A payment registration number will be given to you immediately.
You will download an application form and fill it relevantly and then visit any UDLS branch with the application, the payment registration number, a valid national ID for Ugandan citizens, a valid passport for foreigners and an original refugee card for refugees.
Requirements for the New Driving Licenses
To begin with is meeting the legal age. For anyone to acquire a driving permit in Uganda, you must be at least 18 years old.
You must possess a valid national identity card or a passport for nonresidents.
Proof of Payment
Original copy of the Learners License
Certificate of Competence issued by the IOV
Certificate of completion from a licensed driving school
Fully filled driving license application form
Medical examination report from a recognized medical personnel