Top Guide- Driving Permit in Uganda 2025: How to Get, Renew, & Costs

Driving Permit in Uganda: Looking to get or renew your driving permit in Uganda? We cover everything you need to know, from costs and online applications to class upgrades, foreigner requirements, permit verification, and helpful tips to make the process easier and faster.

A driving permit in Uganda is a legal document isued by the Uganda Driver Licensing System (UDLS), under the Ministry of Works and Transport, in collaboration with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and other entities like the Uganda Security Printing Company.

It authorizes individuals to operate specific classes of vehicles on public roads, ensuring they meet safety and competency standards.

Whether you’re a Ugandan citizen, a resident, or a foreign visitor, understanding the driving permit system is essential for legal driving, especially for activities like self-drive safaris or long-term residency.

Overview of the Driving permit in Uganda System

The Uganda Driver Licensing System (UDLS) oversees the issuance, renewal, and management of driving permits, replacing the previous operator, Face Technologies, in recent years.

The system is designed to ensure drivers meet minimum age, medical, and competency requirements, as outlined in the Traffic and Road Safety Act, 1998, and subsequent amendments like the Finance Act, 2016. The process involves multiple entities:

• Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT): Sets regulations and oversees licensing.
• Uganda Revenue Authority (URA): Handles payment processing through its online portal.
• Inspectorate of Vehicles (IOV): Conducts driving tests and issues certificates of competence.
• Uganda Security Printing Company (USPC): Produces physical driving permit cards.

Permits are issued for various vehicle classes, from motorcycles to heavy trucks, and are categorized into learner’s permits, provisional permits, full permits, and international driving permits (IDPs).

The system emphasizes safety, requring medical evaluations and driving school training for new applicants. Payments are made through URA-supported banks, mobile money, or platforms like PayWay, and cash is not accepted at UDLS branches.

Types and Classes of Driving Permit in Uganda

Uganda’s driving permit system categorizes permits based on their purpose and the types of vehicles they authorize. Below are the main types and classes:

 Types of Driving Permit in Uganda 

Learner’s Permit:
The learner’s permit allows beginners to practice driving under supervision. It is valid for 3 months and renewable at a cost. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old and no prior driving test is required.

Driving permit in Uganda holders must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who has held a full permit for at least 2 years. Motorcyclists are allowed to ride unaccompanied. This permit is an essential first step for anyone starting their journey to become a licensed driver in Uganda.

Provisional Driving Permit:
A provisional driving permit in Uganda is issued after successfully passing a driving test and remains valid for 30 days while the full permit is processed.

This temporary permit serves as a bridge between the learner’s permit and the full driving permit, allowing new drivers to legally drive independently during the transition period.

It confirms the driver’s competence and compliance with regulations while awaiting the issuance of their official, long-term license. This ensures continuity in driving privileges after testing and before receiving the full driving permit.

Full driving permit in Uganda:
The full driving permit grants drivers the authority to operate specific vehicle classes independently. It is available in validity periods of 1, 3, or 5 years and is renewable.

Applicants must complete formal driving school training, pass a competence test administered by the Inspectorate of Vehicles (IOV), and undergo a medical examination to ensure fitness to drive.

This driving permit in Uganda reflects full compliance with Uganda’s road safety and licensing regulations and represents the final stage in the licensing process for both private and professional drivers.

Foreign Exchange Permit
The foreign exchange permit is designed for residents in Uganda staying longer than 3 months who already possess a valid foreign driver’s license. It enables them to convert their license into a Ugandan permit for legal driving within the country.

This driving permit in Uganda is issued for 1, 3, or 5 years depending on the validity of the foreign license. It ensures that long-term visitors or expatriates can continue driving legally while residing in Uganda without retaking driving tests or going through the full licensing process from scratch.

 International Driving Permit (IDP)
An International Driving Permit (IDP) allows Ugandan drivers to legally operate vehicles abroad by translating their national license into an internationally recognized format.

Issued by the Automobile Association of Uganda (AA Uganda), it is valid for 1 year (per the 1949 Convention) or up to 3 years (per the 1968 Convention), but not longer than the national license’s validity.

The IDP must be carried together with the Ugandan license when driving in foreign countries. It is essential for travelers planning to drive internationally.

 Uganda Driving Permit Classes

Uganda recognizes 12 vehicle classes, but first-time applicants are limited to four. Additional classes require experience and further testing. The classes are:

• Class A: Motorcycles (e.g., boda bodas).
• Class A1: Motorized scooters or mopeds.
• Class B: Passenger vehicles (up to 7 passengers) and light goods vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes, e.g., saloon cars, SUVs).
• Class CM: Medium goods vehicles and heavy tractors (up to 7 tonnes).
• Class CH: Heavy goods vehicles (e.g., trucks).
• Class DL: Minivans and light omnibuses (up to 14 passengers, e.g., safari vans, taxis).
• Class DM: Medium omnibuses (e.g., 28-seater coaster buses).
• Class DH: Heavy omnibuses (e.g., large buses).
• Class E: Combination vehicles (e.g., trucks with trailers).
• Class F: Pedestrian-controlled vehicles.
• Class G: Construction and engineering plant vehicles.
• Class I: Boats (specialized permit).

Eligibility for Advanced Classes:

• Class CM and DL: Minimum age of 25, with 3–5 years of experience on Class B.
• Class CH, DM, DH: Minimum age of 30–35, with additional experience on lower classes.
• Class E and G: Requires holding Class B, CM, DL, DM, or DH, with specific experience.

Costs of Obtaining and Renewing a Driving Permit in Uganda

The cost of a driving permit in Uganda varies by type, validity period, and additional services like class extensions or duplicates. Payments are split between URA fees (for licensing) and production fees (previously handled by Face Technologies, now USPC). Below are the 2025 fees, based on available data:3.1. New Driving Permit Costs

Learner’s Permit:
To acquire a learner’s permit in Uganda, applicants pay a URA fee of UGX 30,000 at a URA-supported bank. Additionally, a production fee of UGX 30,000 is paid to UDLS/USPC for biometric capture.

This brings the total cost of obtaining a learner’s permit to UGX 60,000. This permit allows beginners to practice driving under supervision while preparing for the driving test.

Full Driving Permit:
The cost of a full driving permit depends on the chosen validity period. For a 1-year permit, the URA fee is UGX 50,000; for 3 years, it’s UGX 130,000; and for 5 years, it’s UGX 310,000.

An additional production fee of UGX 80,000 applies for 1 or 3 years, plus a driving test fee of UGX 25,000 per vehicle class payable to URA for the IOV test.

Therefore, the total for a 1-year Class B permit is UGX 155,000, for 3 years it’s UGX 235,000, and for 5 years it’s UGX 415,000.

Renewal Costs:
For renewing an expired permit, URA fees are UGX 130,000 for 1 year, UGX 210,000 for 3 years, and UGX 310,000 for 5 years. There is also a production fee of UGX 80,000 for 1 or 3 years.

This means the total renewal cost is UGX 210,000 for 1 year, UGX 290,000 for 3 years, and UGX 390,000 for 5 years.

If the permit has expired for more than 2 years, a retest at IOV (UGX 25,000 per class) is required alongside full application fees.

Duplicate Permit (Lost or Stolen):
If your driving permit is lost or stolen, the URA fee for a duplicate is UGX 41,000. Additionally, you must cover costs for a police report and newspaper advert as proof of loss.

A production fee of UGX 80,000 is also required. In total, replacing a lost or stolen permit costs at least UGX 121,000 plus the costs for the required documentation.

Foreign Exchange Permit:
For foreigners or residents converting a foreign driver’s license to a Ugandan one, the URA fees are UGX 135,000 for 1 year, UGX 230,000 for 3 years, and UGX 330,000 for 5 years.

On top of these, a production fee of UGX 80,000 applies. This brings the total to UGX 215,000 for 1 year, UGX 310,000 for 3 years, and UGX 410,000 for 5 years. This permit allows residents to legally drive in Uganda based on their foreign licenses.

 International Driving Permit (IDP):
An International Driving Permit (IDP) allows you to drive abroad with a translation of your Ugandan license. The cost of obtaining an IDP in Uganda varies depending on the issuing authority, which is typically the Automobile Association of Uganda (AA Uganda).

Fees usually range between UGX 100,000–150,000, plus any applicable administrative charges. To get the most accurate and current pricing, it is best to contact AA Uganda directly for guidance and application requirements.

Adding a Class to a Driving Permit in Uganda:

If you want to add another vehicle class (e.g., motorcycle, truck) to your existing Ugandan driving permit, the process involves paying several fees. The URA fee per additional class is UGX 121,000.

You also pay UGX 25,000 per class for the mandatory IOV driving test. If adding the class requires issuance of a new permit card, a production fee of UGX 80,000 applies.

Altogether, the total cost for adding one class comes to approximately UGX 226,000, assuming a new card is issued.

Note: Fees are subject to change by the government or UDLS. Always verify on the URA portal or MoWT e-services portal before applying. Payments must be made via URA-approved channels (banks, mobile money, PayWay, or card).

Online Application and Renewal Processes of a Driving Permit in Uganda

Uganda has streamlined its driving permit processes through online platforms, reducing the need for in-person visits to UDLS or URA offices.

Below are the steps for applying for and renewing a driving permit online.

Online Application for a New Driving Permit in Uganda

Enroll in a Licensed Driving School:

• Complete training at a recognized driving school (mandatory for new applicants).
• Obtain a Certificate of Completion, required for the driving test.

Apply for a Learner’s Permit:

• Visit the URA Portal: Go to the URA portal, select “Payment Registration,” choose “NTR” (Non-Tax Revenue), and select “Learner’s/Provisional Permit.”
• Generate Payment Registration Number (PRN): Fill in taxpayer details and select a payment method (bank, mobile money, PayWay, or card). Pay UGX 30,000.
• Visit UDLS: Take the PRN, a valid national ID (or passport for foreigners), and a completed medical examination form (Form UCDP1, available at UDLS or online). Pay UGX 30,000 for biometric capture.
• Receive Learner’s Permit: Issued on the spot, valid for 3 months.

Take the Driving Test:

• Within 3 months, schedule a test with the Inspectorate of Vehicles (IOV).
• Pay UGX 25,000 via the URA portal for the test fee.
• Present the learner’s permit, Certificate of Completion, and PRN to the IOV.
• Upon passing, receive a Certificate of Competence.

Apply for a Full Permit:

• Download Form UCDP1: Available at services.works.go.ug or UDLS branches.
• Generate PRN: On the URA portal, select “Full Driving Permit” and choose validity (1, 3, or 5 years). Pay UGX 50,000 (1 year), UGX 130,000 (3 years), or UGX 310,000 (5 years).
• Visit UDLS: Submit Form UCDP1, Certificate of Competence, national ID (or passport), and PRN. Pay UGX 80,000 for production.
• Receive Temporary Permit: Valid for 30 days while the full permit is processed.

Online Driving Permit Renewal

• Check Expiry Date: Renewal reminders are sent via SMS before expiry. Permits lapsed for over 2 years require retesting at IOV.
• Generate PRN: On www.ura.go.ug, select “Driving Permit Renewal,” choose validity (1, 3, or 5 years), and pay UGX 130,000, UGX 210,000, or UGX 310,000.
• Visit UDLS: Bring the expired permit (or police report/newspaper advert for lost permits), national ID (or passport/refugee card), and PRN. Pay UGX 80,000 for production.
• Receive Temporary Permit: Valid for 30 days, followed by the renewed permit.

Online Application for Class Extension

• Meet Eligibility: Ensure you meet the minimum age and experience requirements (e.g., 25 years and 3 years on Class B for Class CM).
• Driving School Training: Enroll for training in the new class.
• Driving Test: Pay UGX 25,000 per class via the URA portal for the IOV test. Obtain a Certificate of Competence.
• Apply Online: On the URA portal, select “Class Extension,” pay UGX 121,000 per class. Submit Form UCDP1, Certificate of Competence, and PRN to UDLS. Pay UGX 80,000 for production if a new card is needed.

 Online Resources

• URA Portal: Visit URA for PRN generation and payments.
• MoWT E-Services Portal: services.works.go.ug for forms and verification.
• UDLS Website: udls.co.ug for application guidelines and branch locations.

Tip: Save PRNs and payment receipts, as they are required at every step. Internet access and familiarity with online portals are essential; if unsure, consult a driving school for assistance.

Driving Permit Renewal and Verification

Renewal Process: To renew your Ugandan driving permit, apply before it expires to avoid penalties. A 1-year permit can be renewed within 4 years, and a 3-year permit within 2 years. If your permit has lapsed for over 2 years, retesting at IOV is required.

Bring the original expired permit (or police report and newspaper advert if lost), a valid national ID (or passport/refugee card for foreigners), and a PRN for renewal fees (UGX 130,000–310,000, based on validity) plus a UGX 80,000 production fee.

Generate the PRN on the URA portal, pay via bank, mobile money, or PayWay, then visit UDLS with all documents to get a temporary and then your renewed permit.

Adding a Class to a Driving Permit in Uganda

Adding a class (e.g., from Class B to CM) allows drivers to operate additional vehicle types. The process requires:

Eligibility:

• Meet minimum age and experience requirements (e.g., 3 years on Class B for CM).
• Complete training at a licensed driving school for the new class.

Steps:

• Enroll in a driving school for the new class.
• Pay UGX 25,000 per class for the IOV test via the URA portal.
• Pass the test and receive a Certificate of Competence.
• Generate a PRN for UGX 121,000 per class on the URA portal.
• Submit Form UCDP1, Certificate of Competence, national ID (or passport), and PRN to UDLS.
• Pay UGX 80,000 for production if a new card is issued.

Cost: UGX 226,000 per class (UGX 121,000 + UGX 25,000 + UGX 80,000).

Processing Time: 3–7 days for the test and certificate, 1–2 weeks for the new permit.

Example: Upgrading from Class B (saloon cars) to Class DL (minivans) requires 5 years of Class B experience, a minimum age of 25, and passing the IOV test for DL.

Processing Times for Driving Permits

Processing times depend on the type of permit and UDLS efficiency:

1. Learner’s Permit: Issued on the spot after biometric capture at UDLS (same day, assuming payment and documents are complete).
2. Full Driving Permit:
   • Driving test: 3–4 days for IOV to process the Certificate of Competence.
   • Permit issuance: 1–2 weeks after submitting the application to UDLS. A temporary permit (valid for 30 days) is issued during this period.
3. Renewal: 1–2 weeks, with a temporary permit issued immediately.
4. Class Extension: 3–7 days for the IOV test, 1–2 weeks for the updated permit.
5. Duplicate Permit: 3–7 days after submitting police report and newspaper advert.
6. Foreign Exchange Permit: 1–2 weeks, assuming valid foreign license and visa.

Factors Affecting Driving Permit Processing:

• Incomplete documentation or payment delays can extend timelines.
• UDLS offices in Kampala (e.g., Kyambogo) process faster than rural branches (up to 2 days longer).
• Online PRN generation streamlines payments but requires internet access.

Tip: Apply early to account for potential delays, especially during peak seasons. Contact UDLS (udls.co.ug) or MoWT (services.works.go.ug) for status updates.

Foreigners Driving in Uganda

Foreigners can drive in Uganda under specific conditions, depending on their length of stay and license type.

 Short-Term Visitors (Up to 3 Months)

1. International Driving Permit (IDP): Highly recommended, as Uganda follows the 1949 and 1968 UN Conventions on Road Traffic. An IDP translates your national license into multiple languages, accepted for 3 months from entry. Obtain it from your home country (e.g., AAA in the U.S.) before traveling. Cost: ~UGX 100,000–150,000 via AA Uganda.
2. Foreign License: A valid foreign driver’s license is accepted for 3 months, provided it covers the vehicle class (e.g., Class B for cars). A translation may be required if not in English.
3. Requirements:
   • Carry both the IDP and national license.
   • Valid visa (tourist, student, diplomatic, or work permit; tourist visas are not valid for license conversions).
   • Minimum age: 18.
4. Use: Ideal for tourists on self-drive safaris e.g., visiting Bwindi or Queen Elizabeth National Park. Car rental agencies may require an IDP.

 Residents (Over 3 Months)

1. Foreign Exchange Permit: Residents (e.g., workers, students) must convert their foreign license to a Ugandan permit after 3 months.

Requirements:

• Valid passport and visa (work permit, student pass, or dependent pass; tourist visas not accepted).
• Certified copy of the foreign driver’s license or IDP.
• Proof of address in Uganda (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement).
• Two passport-sized photos.
• Form UCDP1, completed with a medical examination report.
• Payment: UGX 135,000–330,000 (URA) + UGX 80,000 (production).

Process:

• Generate PRN on the URA portal for foreign exchange.
• Submit documents to UDLS with PRN.
• Undergo a practical driving test if required by IOV (UGX 25,000).
• Receive a temporary permit, followed by the Ugandan permit (1–2 weeks).

Note: Some nationalities may need to retake the driving test, depending on license reciprocity agreements.

Driving Regulations for Foreigners

• Driving      Side: Left side of the road.
• Speed Limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h in rural areas (varies by region).
• Blood Alcohol Limit: 0.08% (80 mg/100 ml); do not drink and drive.
• Mobile Phones: Prohibited while driving unless using a hands-free device.
• Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
• Helmets: Required for motorcycle drivers and passengers.
• Penalties: Driving without a valid permit or IDP can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or arrest by traffic police.

Tip: Foreigners planning self-drive safaris should carry an IDP and verify with rental agencies to ensure compliance.

Practical Tips and Common Challenges

 Tips for a Smooth Process

• Start Early: Book driving school training and apply for permits 2–3 months in advance, especially for foreign exchange or class extensions.
• Use Online Portals: The URA and MoWT portals are user-friendly but require stable internet. Save PRNs and receipts digitally.
• Hire a Driving School: Schools like Petanns Driving School provide guidance on forms, tests, and UDLS visits, reducing errors.
• Verify Documents: Ensure your national ID, passport, or visa is valid. Foreigners should carry original documents, not photocopies, unless certified.
• Budget for Fees: Include test fees, production fees, and potential costs for police reports or adverts for lost permits.
• Check Permit Status: Use the MoWT portal to track application progress and avoid delays.
• For Self-Drive Safaris: Ensure your permit covers Class B for SUVs or DL for safari vans.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Incomplete Documentation: Missing IDs, medical forms, or PRNs can halt applications. Solution: Double-check requirements on udls.co.ug before visiting UDLS.
• Payment Issues: Bank or mobile money errors can delay PRN generation. Solution: Use reliable banks (e.g., Diamond Trust Bank, Bank of Africa) and confirm payments.
• Lapsed Permits: Permits expired for over 2 years require retesting, increasing costs. Solution: Renew early and set calendar reminders.
• Foreign License Conversion: Some foreigners face tests due to non-reciprocal agreements. Solution: Consult UDLS or a tour operator for clarity.
• Processing Delays: Rural UDLS branches may take longer. Solution: Apply in Kampala (Kyambogo) for faster service.