In a press release issued yesterday (November 13), the Ministry of Transport denied any plans to increase driving license stamp fees next year. According to rumors circulating on social media, next year, the fee will rise from XAF5,000 to 25,000.  "The Ministry of Transport informs national and international public opinion that this is fake news. [...]There are no plans for an increase in the driving license stamp fee," the release informs.

Indeed, a few days ago, a message went viral announcing increases in the fees to be paid to obtain driving licenses. “For those intending to obtain a driver's license in Cameroon, your final deadline is to take the exam on December 8. Starting January 2024, stamp fees will increase from XAF 5,000 to XAF 25,000. The duration of training will also extend from 2 months to 4 months, with training fees now set at XAF 300,000. The number of exams per year will be reduced from 8 sessions to 4 sessions annually. Henceforth, driving schools will be referred to as Driving Training Centers. Best regards,” the message reads. 

It is worth noting that the Ministry of Transport’s release does not deny all the other information contained in the message, except for the part concerning the stamp fees.  

The Ministry of Transport's rejection comes amid an ongoing dispute between the government and driving school promoters. The latter have issued a strike threat unless their demands, particularly the proposal to increase the number of exam sessions for obtaining a driving license from 4 to 12 in 2024, are considered.

L.A.