Getting a driver's license in Ghana means going through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)

The DVLA is the government body that issues driver's licenses in Ghana. You will need to pass a written test on road rules, a practical driving test, and a medical examination. The process takes several weeks from start to finish, and you must be at least 18 years old. Most people complete it in four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need.

You do not need to own a car to get a license — you can use a borrowed vehicle or a driving school's car for your practical test. However, you will need to know someone who can supervise your practice driving beforehand, since the DVLA does not provide that training.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Ghana ID card or passport to start the process.
  • The DVLA requires a medical examination, a written test on road rules, and a practical driving test before issuing a license.
  • You can take the written test at any DVLA office, but practical tests are only offered at specific testing centers in major cities.
  • A driver's license in Ghana is valid for five years, after which you must renew it at a DVLA office.

Documents you need before you start

Bring your original Ghana ID card or passport to every DVLA appointment. You will also need a birth certificate (original or certified copy) and proof of residence — a utility bill, rental agreement, or letter from your landlord showing your current address. If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate or court order proving the change.

You will need four passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm). Take these at a photo studio in your area; they must show your face clearly against a plain background. Some DVLA offices have photographers on-site, but it is faster to bring your own.

Step 1: Get a medical examination

Visit any licensed medical doctor or clinic and request a driver's medical examination. The doctor will check your eyesight, hearing, and general fitness to drive. This is a basic check — most people pass without issue. The examination costs between 50 and 150 Ghana cedis, depending on the clinic. Ask the doctor to issue the medical report on official letterhead with their stamp and signature.

You do not need to go to a DVLA-approved clinic; any licensed doctor can perform this examination. However, some DVLA offices have doctors on-site, so you can ask when you arrive whether you can do the medical exam there on the same day.

Step 2: Register at the DVLA and take the written test

Go to the DVLA office nearest you with your ID card or passport, birth certificate, proof of residence, four photographs, and your medical report. Tell the staff you want to register for a driver's license. They will fill out a form with your personal details and take your photographs. Registration costs between 100 and 200 Ghana cedis.

After registration, you can take the written test the same day or schedule it for another day. The written test covers Ghana's traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer or paper form. You need to score at least 60 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test after one week. Most people pass on their first or second attempt.

Step 3: Schedule and pass your practical driving test

Once you pass the written test, the DVLA will give you a date for your practical test. Practical tests are only held at testing centers in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Sekondi, Tema, and a few other major cities. If you live far from a testing center, you will need to travel there on your test day.

For the practical test, you must bring a vehicle and a licensed driver to supervise you. The supervising driver must hold a valid Ghana driver's license and sit in the passenger seat while you drive. You cannot use a DVLA vehicle or hire a professional driving instructor's car — you must use a private vehicle. The test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, steering, braking, reversing, parking, and following traffic rules. You need to pass this test to receive your license.

What happens after you pass all three tests

Once you pass the practical test, the DVLA will issue your driver's license within one to two weeks. You can collect it in person at the DVLA office where you registered, or some offices will mail it to you. Your license will be valid for five years from the date of issue.

When your license expires, you must renew it at a DVLA office. Renewal requires a new medical examination and payment of a renewal fee, but you do not need to retake the written or practical tests. You can renew your license up to three months before it expires.

Costs and timing

The total cost of getting a driver's license in Ghana ranges from 400 to 800 Ghana cedis, depending on which clinic you use for your medical exam and which DVLA office processes your process. This covers registration, the written test, the practical test, and the license itself. Medical examination costs vary the most.

The entire process usually takes four to eight weeks from registration to receiving your license. The written test can happen within days of registration. The practical test is scheduled later, and there may be a wait depending on how many people are ahead of you at your testing center. If you fail either test, you will need extra time to retake it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the practical test in a borrowed car?

Yes. The car does not need to be registered in your name. It must be in working condition, have valid insurance, and have a licensed driver in the passenger seat to supervise you. The supervising driver must hold a current Ghana driver's license.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test one week after you fail. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though each attempt costs the test fee. Most people pass on their second attempt if they study the road rules more carefully.

Do I need to attend driving school before taking the practical test?

No, driving school is not required by the DVLA. However, many people attend private driving schools to practice before their test. Driving schools are available in most cities and charge between 500 and 1,500 Ghana cedis for a course of lessons.

Can I get a license if I wear glasses or hearing aids?

Yes. The medical examination checks whether your vision and hearing are adequate for safe driving. If you need glasses or hearing aids to meet the standard, you can still pass. Your license may have a restriction noting that you must wear them while driving.

How do I renew my license when it expires?

Visit a DVLA office with your expired license, a new medical examination report, and your ID card. You will pay a renewal fee and receive a new license valid for another five years. You do not need to retake the written or practical tests.