Getting Your Gambian Driving Licence Photo Right
Prepare the correct photos for your application to the Gambia Police Force[1]. You can use the tool above to crop your pictures easily.
Official Size and Guidelines
The Gambia Police Force Traffic Department manages driver testing and licensing across the country[1]. When you start your application process, you must submit two passport photographs with your application[1].
The Gambia Police Force pages reviewed do not give photo dimensions[1][2]. A 35×45 mm (about 1.38×1.77 in) crop is a common passport-photo fallback, not a published licence-photo requirement. Confirm the size with the Traffic Department before printing.
The cited pages do not specify facial-position rules or head height[1][2]. Confirm any photo requirements with the Traffic Department before submitting your application.
Background and Lighting
The Gambia Police Force asks applicants to provide passport photos, but its cited pages give no photo dimensions or background color[1][2]. A 35×45 mm crop is a common fallback size, not an official specification.
The cited pages do not specify a background color. For a practice photo, a plain, evenly lit background can help keep your face clear.
When taking your picture, stand facing a bright window to get even light across your face. Avoid heavy shadows behind your head and keep the room well lit so the details of your facial features are completely clear and visible.
Expression and Appearance
Rules regarding facial expressions, glasses, and headwear are unspecified by the authority[1][2].
The cited pages do not say whether glasses are allowed or specify expression rules[1][2]. For a practice photo, make sure your eyes are visible and avoid glare on the lenses.
The cited pages do not state whether head coverings are permitted[1][2]. Ask the Traffic Department if this affects your application.
Taking Your Photo Step by Step
You can take your picture at home using a digital camera or a modern smartphone. Stand about one to one and a half metres away from the camera to avoid any optical distortion of your facial features.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of holding the camera yourself in an outstretched hand. This keeps the framing steady and prevents awkward tilted angles.
Keep the camera lens right at your eye level. Look straight into the lens with your shoulders square and relaxed before you press the button or use a timer to capture the shot.
Preparing and Printing Your Sheet
Applicants submit two passport photographs with the application[1]. You will need physical prints to hand in with your paperwork at the licensing office.
If you are making a practice print, you can place a cropped image on a 4×6-inch sheet and print it at a photo kiosk. Confirm the photo size with the Traffic Department before submitting it.
The Gambia Police Force asks for two passport photographs[1][2]. If you print a practice sheet, cut the photos carefully; the cited pages do not state exact dimensions.
Avoiding Common Refusals
Check that any practice image is clear and well lit. The cited pages do not list photo refusal reasons.
Make sure your face takes up a reasonable amount of the frame and the lighting shows your natural skin tone accurately without harsh glare. Look out for common errors such as squinting, tilting your head, wearing tinted lenses, or having poor contrast between your clothes and the background.
Review your photo before printing. The Gambia Police Force asks applicants to bring two passport photographs and advises them to visit the Driver Testing and Licensing centre[1][2].
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for a Gambian driving licence?
How many photos must I submit with my application?
Applicants submit two passport photographs with the application[1].
Does the police department specify a background color?
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
Glasses are unspecified by the authority[1]. It is best to avoid heavy glare on the lenses if you choose to wear them.
Can I take the photo myself at home?
Yes, you can take the picture at home and use the tool above to format it correctly before printing it at a local kiosk.