The Ghana driving test has two main parts: a theory test on road signs, rules and defensive driving, followed by an in-traffic practical test with a DVLA examiner. DVLA schedules both once you have provided proof of training from a certified driver training institution. After you pass, you receive a temporary licence and a P-plate, and the plastic card follows on a collection date. DVLA does not publish a full marking scheme on its public pages, so what follows combines the official process with reporting from 2026 and some practical advice on preparation.
The order of events
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Proof of training | You show a certificate from a certified driver training institution; without it DVLA will not book the theory test. |
| Theory test | A computer-based test on road signs and markings, traffic rules and safe driving. |
| Oral test (optional) | Listed as optional on DVLA's services page; ask whether it applies to you. |
| In-traffic test | Practical driving with a DVLA examiner, including real road conditions. |
| Result | Temporary licence and P-plate on a pass; collection date given for the card. |
The theory test
The written part covers road signs and markings, right of way, speed and distance, and defensive driving. It is taken on a computer: DVLA's own fee list calls the theory resit a "CBT resit", and a Citi Newsroom explainer from April 2026 described a computer-based test with a minimum pass mark of 70 percent. DVLA's public services page does not state a pass mark, a question count or a time limit, so check these when your test is scheduled rather than trusting a figure from a study site. You need to be able to read English or understand one of the Ghanaian languages DVLA lists, and to use a mouse or touchscreen. On 12 October 2026 DVLA announced that its computer-based test platform now offers the theory test in Twi, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani, Nzema and Hausa as well as English, as reported by Graphic Online.
Study from the Highway Code and learner syllabus DVLA gave you when you collected your learner's permit. If you have not yet got that far, our learner's licence guide explains how. Practise the signs by group: regulatory signs that order or forbid something, warning signs that flag hazards ahead, and information signs. Questions about road markings catch people out more often than they expect, so give broken and solid lines, stop lines and pedestrian crossings the same attention as the signs.
The in-traffic test
The practical test is taken with a DVLA examiner. The Citi explainer says it covers controlled site conditions as well as real traffic. In practice, expect the examiner to watch for the same things any good instructor would:
- Cockpit checks before moving off: seat, mirrors, seat belt and handbrake.
- Smooth starts and stops, without rolling back or stalling.
- Mirror use and signalling before every change of speed or direction.
- Correct lane position, safe following distance and sensible speed for the road.
- Giving way properly at junctions, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings.
- Reversing and parking, where the route includes them.
Many test-day errors come from nerves rather than a lack of skill. Practising on the kind of roads you are likely to meet, at the times of day when traffic is busy, takes some of the surprise out of it. Our notes on driving in Accra for the first time cover habits that matter in dense, mixed traffic.
Preparing in the final two weeks
- Re-read the Highway Code and sit through any practice tests your school provides.
- Do at least two full mock drives in the car type you will use on test day.
- Check that the test vehicle is roadworthy, insured and displays the correct plates.
- Sleep properly, eat something and arrive early with your documents.
- Ask your instructor for honest feedback about your weakest manoeuvre and drill that one.
What to bring on test day
- Your Ghana Card and learner's permit.
- The training certificate from your driver training institution.
- Payment receipts or invoice numbers for the tests.
- Glasses or contact lenses if you needed them for the eye test.
If you fail
You can retake the failed part. DVLA's online fee list, viewed in October 2026, shows a Regular-class charge of GHS 150.35 for a theory resit (listed as "CBT Resit") and GHS 109.25 for a line labelled only "ITT" (in-traffic test), with higher Premium prices. The list does not say whether the ITT charge is the resit fee, so confirm the amount on your invoice. Use the failure as information: ask what went wrong, practise that specific area and rebook once your instructor is satisfied. For other costs along the way, see our fees guide.
After you pass
You will be given a temporary licence and a P-plate, along with a collection date for the actual licence. The Citi explainer put the wait for the biometric card at around two to four weeks. The P-plate signals that you are a newly qualified driver, so drive accordingly for the first months. The full process is summarised in our overview of getting a licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the driving test computer-based?
The theory part is. DVLA's fee list refers to a "CBT resit", and a 2026 news explainer described the written test as computer-based. The in-traffic test is a practical drive with an examiner.
What is the pass mark for the theory test?
Citi Newsroom reported 70 percent in April 2026. DVLA's services page does not state a pass mark, so treat that figure as reported rather than official.
Do I need training before I can book the test?
Yes. DVLA asks for proof of training from a certified driver training institution before it schedules the theory test.
What happens if I fail the in-traffic test?
You book another attempt and pay again. DVLA's October 2026 fee list showed an in-traffic test charge, labelled only "ITT", of GHS 109.25 on Regular service, but it does not say whether that is the resit fee, so check at booking.
Can I take the test in a language other than English?
Yes for the theory test. In October 2026 DVLA said its computer-based test can be taken in Twi, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani, Nzema or Hausa as well as English. Ask about the in-traffic test when you book.