By Abdul M. Jalloh
Drivers and riders in Makeni have welcomed the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority’s (SLRSA) new initiative to process drivers’ licenses locally, ending long delays that previously forced many to travel to Freetown.
Speaking about past challenges, riders and drivers said the unavailability of licenses often led to frequent arrests by police and SLRSA officers, causing both delays and economic losses.
“I paid for my license but was only given a cover note, waiting almost a year without receiving the original. It was embarrassing. I’m happy that licenses are now available locally,” said Alimamy Sesay from Cotton Tree Park.
Ishaka, a driver at Magburaka Road Park, urged the SLRSA to ensure the process remains fast, reliable, and sustainable. “I went through all the procedures before but didn’t get my license on time. It’s good the situation has changed,” he said.
Superintendent Route Commander Titus AG Sesay, Head of Station for SLRSA Bombali District, confirmed that the office now has new machines to process licenses. The official launch took place on Monday, 12th January 2026, at the Bombali District SLRSA office, with security personnel, union members, and stakeholders in attendance.
Commander Sesay outlined the process: applicants must present a National ID, passport photos, and residential/work permits for foreign nationals, pay the required fees at the bank, undergo interviews and vehicle knowledge tests, and, if successful, receive their licenses within three days—without needing to travel to Freetown.
SLRSA offers four categories of licenses:
• Category A: Motorbikes
• Category B: Cars and jeeps
• Category C: Poda-Podas, trucks, and buses
• Category D: Tractors, trailers, and earth-moving vehicles
“Licenses are essential for road use and serve as legal identification. Using the road without a valid license can result in fines or further penalties, especially after accidents. Our new biometric licenses prevent fraud and are reliable for all,” Sesay emphasized. He urged drivers and riders to take advantage of the improved services, promising faster and more secure processing
