Obtaining a driving licence in Cameroon is a nightmare for many.

A driving a licence is an obligatory document to prove that one is apt to drive a vehicle. Obtaining this precious document is a nightmare for many transporters and vehicle owners, especially in big towns and cities. Paul N., a Yaounde inhabitant, is confused. He was seen at the Centre Regional Delegation for Transport yesterday February 14 to find out check whether he could withdraw his driving licence. He said he deposited the required documents three months before. Mathieu M. on his part is forced to drive without a driving licence because he has waited impatiently for several months without getting his licence. This is the situation many people face in the country.

The Centre Regional Delegate for Transport, Martin Dongock, said the delay in the deliverance of driving licences is due to lack of personnel. He however said the Minister of Transport has reinforced the staff with more workers following the recent recruitment of 25,000 young certificate holders into the Public Service. He further explained that the delay in obtaining driving licences is due to the fact some owners of driving schools withdraw the licences of their candidates and they in turn impose conditions for withdrawal which some cannot meet. Recently, the Minister of transport gave instructions forbidding owners of driving schools from withdrawing driving licences of their candidates. Also some people neglect their licences at the transport office.

Martin Dongock used the opportunity to call on applicants to withdraw their driving licences from the transport office and that withdrawal is free of charge. He also warned people not to give their documents to intermediaries who collect money from them and do not deposit their documents. The Regional Delegate said the normal deadline for the deliverance of a driving licence is 72 hours. He said efforts are being made to reduce the duration to delay to 24 hours.