Yes: first-time applicants in Ghana are expected to complete at least 48 hours of basic driver training with a recognised or certified institution before they can be tested for a licence, and DVLA will not schedule the theory test without proof. Reporting on the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) also describes training evidence for moving up to a higher licence class and for renewals. The rules are recent and, by the account of the driving schools' own association, not yet applied uniformly, so this page separates what is written down from what is still being worked out.
What the rule says
In late September 2026 the Ghana National Association of Driving Schools, which uses the name GHANADRIVE, held a news conference calling for full enforcement of mandatory driver training. As reported by the Ghana News Agency, it pointed to three provisions of the new regulations:
- Regulation 39(1): an applicant for a learner's licence must show the examiner at least 48 hours of basic driver training certified by a recognised driver training institution.
- Regulation 44(3e): a driver upgrading to a higher licence class must give proof of attending an upgrading programme run by a certified institution.
- Regulation 46(7B): a driver renewing a licence must give evidence of attending a refresher programme run by a registered and certified institution.
DVLA's own statement of 24 September 2026 on licence renewal, reported by MyJoyOnline, likewise says holders renew in person after an eye test and after providing evidence of training from a certified driver training institution. The earlier 2012 regulations are no longer the reference point; they were replaced when the new regulations took effect.
When training evidence is needed
| Situation | Training evidence reported |
|---|---|
| First licence | At least 48 hours of basic training from a certified institution |
| Upgrading to a higher class | Proof of an upgrading programme from a certified institution |
| Renewal | Evidence of a refresher programme or training, per DVLA and GHANADRIVE statements |
| Converting a foreign licence | Not required, according to a 2026 Citi Newsroom explainer |
| Commercial motorcycle riders | Training rollout awaiting DVLA certification of institutions, per GHANADRIVE |
A wrinkle in the order of events
Regulation 39(1), as quoted, mentions training in connection with the learner's licence, while DVLA's public process asks for training proof before the theory test is scheduled, which comes after the learner's permit. The two descriptions are not necessarily in conflict, but the order can differ in practice. When you begin an application, ask DVLA directly at which stage it wants the training certificate, and keep the original. The learner's licence guide shows what DVLA lists for the first stage.
What 48 hours usually covers
The regulations set a minimum duration; the content is the school's responsibility, built around the learner syllabus and Highway Code that DVLA issues. A sensible course combines:
- Classroom sessions on road signs, markings, right of way and the law.
- Vehicle familiarisation: controls, mirrors, checks and basic maintenance awareness.
- Practical driving, progressing from a quiet area to normal traffic.
- Defensive driving and hazard recognition.
- A mock theory test and a mock road test before the real ones.
Ask a school how the 48 hours are divided and how each session is recorded. A written log that you and the instructor both sign is the best protection if there is ever a dispute about attendance.
The refresher requirement for existing drivers
GHANADRIVE's general secretary described the renewal provision as aimed at drivers licensed before formal training became mandatory, in effect asking them to go back to a classroom before renewing. Whether and how DVLA will apply that to every renewal is something to confirm with DVLA before your licence comes due. Our guide to renewing a licence covers timing and the eye test, and it is worth reading well ahead of your expiry date.
Why the rule exists
The training requirement is not new: reporting on the 2012 regulations described the same 48-hour minimum. The driving schools' association says formal training has been widely skipped in practice, and it wants DVLA to enforce the 2026 version fully. Its argument is that structured training reduces crashes, and the road toll keeps the debate alive; our guide to road rules and fines gives the latest police figures. Whatever one thinks of the paperwork, the hours behind the wheel with a competent instructor are the part that matters. If you are choosing between providers, see how to pick a driving school.
Practical tips
- Confirm the school's status with DVLA before paying.
- Keep the certificate, the attendance log and the receipts together.
- Do not accept a certificate for training you did not attend; it can cost you the licence.
- Re-check the position before upgrading a class or renewing, as the detail is still being clarified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 48 hours of training really compulsory?
For first-time applicants, yes. Coverage of both the 2012 and 2026 regulations describes a 48-hour minimum from a certified institution, and DVLA asks for proof before scheduling the theory test.
Do I need training again when I renew?
DVLA's September 2026 renewal statement mentions evidence of training from a certified institution, and GHANADRIVE cites a refresher requirement. Confirm with DVLA how it applies to you.
Does the rule apply to foreign licence holders?
A 2026 explainer said the 48-hour requirement does not apply to people converting a valid foreign licence. DVLA may still require tests; see our conversion guide.
Can an instructor outside a school sign off my hours?
Only a certified or recognised driver training institution can provide the proof DVLA wants. A private arrangement may help your practice but is unlikely to satisfy the paperwork.
What if my school is not certified?
Ask DVLA how to proceed before taking any more lessons. You may need to repeat training with a certified institution.