Getting a driver's licence in Ghana takes six broad steps: apply online with your Ghana Card, pass the eye test and physical check, collect a learner's permit, complete certified driver training, pass the theory and in-traffic tests, and collect your licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). The training step applies to every first-time applicant, including people who already drive confidently. The sections below follow the order in which things happen, with links to the pages that cover the trickier stages in more depth.
The process at a glance
| Stage | What happens | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Online application, invoice and payment | DVLA online portal |
| 2 | Eye test, physical examination and biometrics | Designated eye clinic and DVLA |
| 3 | Learner's permit, L-plate, syllabus and Highway Code issued | DVLA |
| 4 | Basic driver training with proof of attendance | Certified driver training institution |
| 5 | Theory test, then in-traffic (road) test | DVLA |
| 6 | Temporary licence and P-plate, then the licence card on a later date | DVLA |
Before you apply: age, identity and language
DVLA's public services page says applicants for licence classes A and B must be at least 18, and applicants for class E at least 21. In September 2026 the Transport Minister was reported as saying the new regulations had lowered the minimum driving age from 25 to 21. Earlier reporting linked that change to commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders rather than to ordinary private licences, and it is not confirmed whether the heavier classes are affected, so confirm the age rule for your specific class with DVLA before paying anything.
You need a Ghana Card, which DVLA checks against the national identity register. You also need to be able to read English or understand one of the Ghanaian languages DVLA lists (Dagbani, Ewe, Ga, Hausa, Nzema and Twi), and to manage a basic touchscreen or mouse, since parts of the process are computer-based. Foreign residents follow a different route, covered in our page on converting a foreign licence.
Step 1: The online application and invoice
The application starts on the DVLA online portal. Filling it in generates an invoice, and you pay against that invoice through the approved channels. Keep the invoice number and every receipt. Several later steps, including test scheduling, depend on DVLA being able to match your payment to your record.
Step 2: Eye test, physical examination and biometrics
The eye test is done at a designated clinic rather than at the DVLA counter, and the physical examination is part of the learner stage. Biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) are captured at a DVLA office. Ask which clinics DVLA accepts before you pay for an eye test anywhere.
Step 3: The learner's permit
Once those checks are complete, DVLA issues a learner's permit together with an L-plate, the learner syllabus and the Highway Code. The permit lets you practise under supervision while you train. The learner's licence guide covers this stage in more detail, including what DVLA charges for renewing or replacing the permit.
Step 4: Driver training
DVLA asks for proof of training from a certified driver training institution before it will schedule your theory test. Press coverage of the 2026 regulations describes a minimum of 48 hours of basic training for learner applicants. What counts as a recognised school, and how to avoid paying for one that cannot issue valid proof, is explained in the 48-hour training rule and in our notes on choosing a driving school.
Step 5: Theory and in-traffic tests
DVLA schedules the theory test first, then the in-traffic test. The services page also lists an optional oral test. An April 2026 explainer from Citi Newsroom described a computer-based theory test with a 70% pass mark, followed by a practical test with a DVLA examiner. See what to expect on test day for how to prepare.
Step 6: Temporary licence and the card
After you pass, you receive a temporary licence and a P-plate and are given a date to collect the actual licence. The same Citi Newsroom explainer put the wait for the biometric card at roughly two to four weeks. Treat that as a guide, not a promise.
Regular or premium service?
DVLA offers several service classes for the same task: Regular, Premium, Prestige and mobile or ultra-centre options. The higher classes cost more and are intended to shorten waiting or move the service to a different location. The licence you receive is the same. The fees page sets out DVLA's published charges for each class.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying a middleman to "fast-track" the process. Offers to skip tests or training are a warning sign. A licence obtained improperly can be cancelled and leaves you exposed if you are stopped or in a crash.
- Relying on old blog posts. The Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) replaced the 2012 regulations, so older guides may describe rules that no longer apply.
- Losing paperwork. Keep the learner's permit, training certificate and receipts together in one folder.
- Choosing the wrong licence class. Training, the road test and the fee all depend on the class, so settle it before you apply. Our page on licence classes explains the letters.
For anything that depends on current fees or procedure, the DVLA services page is the reference to check against.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take?
DVLA does not publish a single timeline. In practice it depends on how quickly you complete training and secure test slots. After passing, one 2026 explainer reported about two to four weeks for the card itself.
Can I skip driving school if I already know how to drive?
No, not on a first application. First-time applicants are expected to provide proof of training from a certified driver training institution before the theory test is scheduled.
What do I need to start an application?
A Ghana Card is the essential document. DVLA's services page also lists the online application and invoice, an eye test, a physical examination and biometrics for the learner stage.
What is the minimum age to apply?
DVLA lists 18 for classes A and B and 21 for class E. In September 2026 the Transport Minister was reported as saying the minimum age had been cut from 25 to 21, a change earlier reporting linked to commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders, so confirm the rule for your class with DVLA.
Do I have to go to a DVLA office in person?
Yes, for part of it. The application and invoice are online, but biometrics, tests and licence collection involve visiting DVLA. Its official contact page lists the offices where these services are provided.