CALABAR –The Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Cross River state has disclosed that more than 50 drivers failed its mandatory driving test in December 2025 and were referred for retraining and retesting NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
The Principal Traffic Route Commander in charge of National Driver’s Licence, VI Section, Mrs. Grace Iwara, made this known during an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Calabar, while speaking on the ongoing efforts to enforce proper driver’s licence acquisition procedures.
According to her, a total of 222 applicants were processed during the month under review, with 55 candidates failing the VIO test and directed to return after further training.
“In December, we had about 222 persons being trained. Out of that number, we sent 55 back home for re-test because they did not pass the test. They will come back in January,” Iwara said.
She explained to NEGROIDHAVEN that the assessment involved checks on road sign knowledge, driving competence and eyesight, adding that the tests were designed to ensure that only qualified drivers are certified to operate vehicles on public roads.
The VIO official further disclosed that at least 100 applicants successfully passed the test and were subsequently captured by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for issuance of permanent driver’s licences.
She also noted that seven applicants were issued special category licences due to physical conditions identified during the assessment process.
Iwara stressed that the driver’s licence acquisition process, which involves documentation at the VIO, training at accredited driving schools, computer-based tests and final biometric capture by the FRSC, is not a new development but a long-established procedure that many drivers have failed to follow.
She attributed the high failure and retest figures to poor awareness and the tendency of some drivers to avoid official testing procedures.
“The test is not meant to kill anybody. When you come, you learn more about the road and even teach others,” she said.
The VIO official urged motorists to comply with the official process, describing the driver’s licence as a critical document that proves a driver’s qualification, especially in the event of accidents or legal proceedings.
She added that the office has commenced a sensitisation campaign to encourage more drivers to regularise their licences through the proper channels.
