By Seedy Jobe
The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has outlined the requirements for obtaining the country’s new driver’s licence, a day after the system was officially launched in Banjul and Kanifing Municipality on Wednesday.
Speaking in an interview with GTRS, Police Public Relations Officer Modou Musa Sisawo and Commissioner of Licensing Ansumana Sanyang explained the application process, eligibility requirements and timetable for the nationwide rollout.
Mr. Sisawo said the introduction of the new licence was linked to changes in the processing system, including its integration with the country’s new national identification database.
He explained that authorities had delayed implementation until a substantial number of Gambians had obtained the new national ID cards to ensure a smoother transition.
“You have to have your national ID card. That is one very important thing,” Mr. Sisawo said.
Mr. Sanyang said the application process distinguishes between existing licence holders and first-time applicants, although both groups must present the new national ID card.
Existing licence holders must also provide a copy of their previous licence to enable officials to transfer their information into the new system.
Applicants can make payments through APS, Wave, QMoney, Afrimoney or debit cards. After payment, they must present their receipts for biometric registration and on-screen verification of their personal information.
Mr. Sanyang said officers would also verify the authenticity of submitted documents and ensure that applicants meet the legal minimum age of 18.
First-time applicants face additional requirements, including medical examinations to assess their physical and mental fitness, vision tests and assessments of their knowledge of traffic signs and ability to operate a vehicle.
Successful applicants will receive a certificate of competence before proceeding with registration.
Asked whether drivers with repeated traffic accidents could be denied licences, Mr. Sanyang said the police were considering measures to address the issue.
He said officials currently conduct manual checks with the traffic office but plan to integrate the licensing system with traffic-monitoring cameras to improve the tracking of offenders.
The commissioner also announced a phased expansion of the licensing service to other parts of the country.
Under the schedule, operations will begin in Brikama on October 12, followed by Soma and Farafenni on October 19, and Basse and Janjanbureh on October 22.
Mr. Sanyang assured applicants that licences would be issued immediately upon successful completion of the required procedures.
“Once we are able to fulfill all the requirements and we start putting you into the system, you will never go home without your card,” he said.
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