How to Get a Driving Licence in Ghana: Complete Guide and Prices | Nsemkeka
To be very honest, picking trotro in Accra is stressful. From the frequent stops to the rude drivers, it sometimes feels like an eternal agony with no end in sight until you finally make it to your destination.
Compared to this experience, it is mostly easier to have your own vehicle for comfort and convenience, but trust me, buying one is not a walk in the park.
Even if you finally get that life-changing money and buy a car, or just maybe get one as a surprise gift or an office vehicle, getting a driver’s licence is equally another stress. This is why we are here to help.
Whether you’re a young Ghanaian ready to taste the freedom of the open road, an expatriate navigating your new home, or someone who’s been putting off this crucial milestone for far too long, getting your driver’s licence in Ghana doesn’t have to be a nightmare of bureaucratic red tape and endless queues.
Gone are the days when acquiring a Ghanaian driver’s licence meant spending entire days at DVLA offices, only to be told you’re missing one crucial document.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority has significantly modernised its processes, introducing smart card licences, online services, and streamlined procedures that respect both your time and wallet.
This comprehensive guide will transform you from a nervous applicant into a confident licence holder, walking you through every step with insider tips, current fees, and practical advice that actually works in the Ghanaian context.
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Understanding the Ghanaian Licensing System
The DVLA regulates all driver licensing in Ghana, ensuring that all drivers meet the necessary standards for road safety.
The system operates on a two-stage approach: first obtaining a learner’s permit, then progressing to a full driver’s licence after passing both theoretical and practical examinations.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for a driver’s licence in Ghana, you must meet the following basic requirements:
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Age: Minimum 18 years old for private vehicles, 21 years for commercial vehicles
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Literacy: Ability to read and write in English or a local language
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Education: Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) or Adult Education completion
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Residency: Ghanaian citizenship or valid residence permit for foreign nationals
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Medical fitness: Must be medically fit to drive (may require medical examination for certain licence classes)
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Required Documents
Gather these essential documents before beginning your application:
Primary Documents
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Ghana Card (National ID) or valid passport
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Birth certificate or age declaration affidavit
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Educational certificate (BECE, WASSCE, or Adult Education certificate)
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Two passport-sized photographs (recent, colored)
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Proof of residence (utility bill, rent agreement, or employer’s letter)
Additional Documents (if applicable)
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Medical certificate for commercial licence applicants
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Foreign licence (if converting from another country)
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Work permit or residence permit (for non-Ghanaians)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Application Forms
Visit any DVLA office or access the online portal to obtain Forms F and F1. These forms are also available for purchase at DVLA offices across the country.
Step 2: Apply for Learner’s Permit
Submit your completed application with all required documents and pay the learner’s permit fee. The learner’s permit is valid for three months and allows you to practice driving under supervision.
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Step 3: Prepare for Examinations
During your learner’s permit period, study the Highway Code and practice driving skills. You can attend a certified driving school or practice with a licensed driver.
Step 4: Take the Theory Examination
After your learner’s permit expires, you’ll take a written theory test covering:
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Traffic rules and regulations
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Road signs and markings
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Highway Code knowledge
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Basic vehicle maintenance
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Emergency procedures
Passing Score: You must achieve at least 70% to pass the theory examination.
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Step 5: Take the Practical Driving Test
Upon passing the theory test, you’ll schedule a practical driving examination that includes:
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Pre-driving vehicle inspection
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Basic driving maneuvers (parking, reversing, three-point turns)
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Road driving test
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Emergency stops and hazard perception
Step 6: Licence Issuance
After successfully passing both examinations, your driver’s licence will be processed and issued. The new licences are smart cards containing essential driver information and security features.
Licence Categories and Classifications
Private Vehicle Licences
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Class B: Light motor vehicles (cars, pickup trucks)
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Class B1: Motorcycles and tricycles
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Class A: Heavy motor vehicles (trucks, buses)
Commercial Vehicle Licences
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Class C: Commercial passenger vehicles
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Class D: Heavy commercial vehicles
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Class E: Articulated vehicles
Special Endorsements
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Motorcycle endorsement: Required for all two-wheeled vehicles
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Hazardous materials endorsement: For transporting dangerous goods
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Public service endorsement: For taxi and commercial passenger services
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Driving License Fees and Charges (2025)
The DVLA revised its fee structure in 2022, with rates remaining consistent into 2025:
New Licence Applications
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Learner’s Permit: GH¢50
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Theory Examination: GH¢30
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Practical Examination: GH¢50
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Licence Issuance (Class B): GH¢100
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Licence Issuance (Class A): GH¢150
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Commercial Licence: GH¢200
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Motorcycle Licence: GH¢80
Additional Services
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Licence Renewal: GH¢50 – GH¢100 (depending on class)
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Duplicate Licence: GH¢50
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Licence Upgrade: GH¢80 – GH¢120
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Foreign Licence Conversion: GH¢445
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International Driving Permit: GH¢200