Driving licence in Senegal: getting or exchanging it

To drive legally here, you either train at a licensed driving school and pass a two part exam, or you exchange the licence you already hold. Newcomers can usually drive on a valid foreign licence for a limited period after arrival. Here is how it works in Dakar, what it costs and how long it takes.

Picking a driving school in Dakar

Driving schools are spread across the whole urban area: Liberté 6, Sacré-Cœur, Point E, Parcelles Assainies, Pikine, Guédiawaye, Keur Massar, Rufisque. Administrative counters sit in Plateau, while schools serving Mermoz, Ouakam, Yoff, Ngor or Almadies often offer packages with pick up close to home.

Things worth checking before you pay:

• The licence of the school itself, plus a written contract stating how many driving hours are included.
• Where the theory classes are held: crossing Dakar three evenings a week in rush hour wears people down fast.
• The cars: manual gearboxes are still the standard, which catches out many diaspora members used to automatics.
• What the package covers: file fees, tax stamps, the medical check and exam registrations are sometimes billed separately.

A full package usually runs 90,000 to 250,000 FCFA, depending on the neighbourhood, the number of hours and the category. Extra driving hours are often 5,000 to 12,000 FCFA each.

The exam: theory first, then the road

The theory test, known locally as the code, is taught and sat in French: road signs, right of way rules and basic mechanics. Apps help with revision, but classroom sessions teach you how the questions are actually phrased.

The practical exam mixes a closed course, with parallel parking and hill starts, and a drive in live traffic. Failing is common: you register for a later session, usually a few weeks away, and pay the fee again.

What helps in practice:

• Book early lessons outside peak hours, then keep two or three sessions for the evening crush.
• Ask to drive on roads you will actually use: the Corniche, the VDN, the avenues of Plateau, the road out to Diamniadio.
• During the rainy season, from July to October, take at least one lesson in a downpour. Puddles, visibility and braking distances change everything.

Exchanging a foreign licence

A valid foreign licence lets you drive for a limited period after you settle in. Beyond that, residents apply for an exchange against a Senegalese licence at the relevant office in Plateau.

The file generally includes:

• The original licence and a copy, with a certified translation if it is not in French.
• Your passport, proof of legal residence, proof of address and recent photos.
• A medical certificate, tax stamps and the application form.

Where a reciprocity agreement exists with your country, the exchange happens without a new exam. Otherwise you sit both tests like any other candidate. Have your licence certified at home before you travel: arranging it from Dakar is far slower. An international permit is only valid alongside the national licence it is based on, so carry both.

Timelines, side costs and traps

Expect several weeks between filing the application and collecting the card, longer in busy periods. A receipt lets you drive in the meantime. A few things to keep in mind:

• Check the spelling of your name and your date of birth on the receipt. Fixing it after the card is issued restarts the process.
• Ignore anyone offering a licence without an exam. Documents obtained that way fail the first roadside check.
• Ask for a written receipt for every payment, and keep insurance and the technical inspection valid and in the car.
• If the licence is lost, file a report at your local police station before requesting a duplicate.

In an emergency, the useful numbers are 17 for the police, 18 for the fire brigade and 1515 for the ambulance service.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Auto Ecole Les 3s : Dakar, driving school.

To compare more driving schools and car related services in the capital, you can see all addresses.

Useful tools

• Route planner to prepare your practice drives around Dakar.
• Currency converter to size up FCFA budgets before you commit.
• Renting a car in Dakar while you wait for your licence.
• The residence permit in Senegal if you are settling in for the long run.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Senegal with a foreign licence?

Yes, a valid foreign licence is accepted for a limited period after arrival, and an international driving permit makes roadside checks easier. Once you settle here, you should apply for an exchange.

How long does it take to get a licence?

Count two to three months between enrolling and the road test, then several more weeks before the card is handed over.

What should I budget for full training?

Packages range from 90,000 to 250,000 FCFA depending on the neighbourhood and the number of hours, excluding file fees, tax stamps and the medical check.