Acquiring a driver’s licence…
THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is advising that there are procedures to be followed when seeking to obtain a driver’s licence. A release from the GRA said before being issued a driver’s licence, the applicant must first submit to the Licence Office, a competence certificate from the Police Traffic Department, along with his/her Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN), valid ID card or passport, three passport sized photographs, a completed set of application forms and the fee of $2,000. Renewal of this licence is done every three years and the previous licence must accompany the application.

Persons desirous of becoming taxi drivers should note that the process for obtaining a hire-car licence is different from that of a normal driver’s licence. The requirements for obtaining a hire-car licence are as follows:

* A completed application form which can be uplifted from the Police Traffic Department
* A letter addressed to the Head of the Licence Office requesting a hire-car licence from the taxpayer
* Three Passport Sized Photographs and
* Two Years Driving Experience

When the necessary documents have been submitted, the application is verified against the records at the Licence Office and those at the Police Traffic Department. Once the data is validated, approval is given from the Police Traffic Department and the licence can be purchased at the Licence Office.

In cases where a driver’s licence has been lost, there are two options available to remedy the situation. The applicant can obtain an affidavit from a justice of peace or provide an official report from the Police. The Licence Office will accept either document along with the replacement fee of $240.
The GRA would like to notify the public that if persons are caught with forged driver’s licences in their possession, they will be prosecuted according to the law which carries a severe penalty.