The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has introduced six Ghanaian languages on its computer-based driving theory test platform to help applicants who cannot read or write in English.
The Chief Executive Officer of the authority, Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey, announced this at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, October 12, 2026. The briefing, dubbed the Government Accountability Series, was held at the Jubilee House.
“I am happy to report that the DVLA has introduced six local languages into its Computer-Based Test platform to assist applicants who cannot read or write in English,” he said.
The languages are Twi, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani, Nzema and Hausa.
How the CBT Platform Works
The Computer-Based Test (CBT) is a compulsory theoretical examination for first-time driving licence applicants. It assesses their knowledge of road signs, traffic regulations and defensive driving, with a pass mark of 70 per cent. Previously, the test was conducted only in English, which the Authority says created difficulties for some applicants, particularly commercial drivers who had limited English literacy or were unfamiliar with computers.
The system uses voice-over technology and a touchscreen interface, allowing applicants to listen to questions in their preferred language and select their answers on a computer. Applicants are provided with headsets through which the questions are read aloud in their chosen local language. The system also randomises the questions presented to applicants taking the test at the same time, making it difficult for candidates to copy answers from others.
Mr Kotey said the initiative was intended to reduce language barriers and help applicants demonstrate their knowledge of road signs, traffic regulations and safe driving practices. He said the authority was working to increase the number of local languages available on the platform.
“This initiative is intended to reduce language barriers and help applicants demonstrate their knowledge of road signs, traffic regulations and safe driving practices. We are working on increasing the number of local languages in this regard,” he added.
The DVLA expects the introduction of local languages to improve accessibility, promote inclusion and help applicants demonstrate their understanding of road safety requirements. The Authority is working to add more local languages to the platform in the coming months.
SMS Renewal Reminders
The authority has also introduced SMS notifications to remind licence holders of their renewal or replacement dates. The system sends reminders one month and two weeks before a licence expires.
“This is done a month before expiry, and then the last message is sent two weeks before the date of expiry. For every customer whose mobile number used during the licence application has not changed, they must be qualified to receive such notifications,” Mr Kotey said.
He said a similar system was being developed for vehicle roadworthiness renewals. “Work is currently ongoing to deploy a similar system for vehicle roadworthy renewal services as well. We will soon prompt clients on their due dates for roadworthy renewals,” he said.
The SMS notification system is part of a broader shift announced earlier in 2026, when the DVLA disclosed that driving licences would be linked to holders’ dates of birth, with expiry dates falling on birthdays and an automated SMS reminder system to notify drivers ahead of renewals.
Electronic Library for Driver Refresher Videos
The authority is also introducing an electronic library system at its offices to give clients access to driver refresher and road safety videos.
“We are also introducing an electronic library system which would allow clients to walk into our offices to take some time to watch driver refresher and safety videos that enhance their driving skills on the roads,” Mr Kotey said.
The initiative is intended to improve customers’ understanding of safe driving practices and complement the Authority’s broader efforts to strengthen road safety.
Simulator Testing and Demerit Point System
The language initiative and customer service improvements form part of a wider reform agenda at the DVLA. Mr Kotey disclosed at the same event that the Authority is far advanced in introducing simulator-based driving tests to improve the assessment of prospective drivers.
“In order to enhance the driver licence testing regime, we are far advanced in introducing simulator testing system,” he said. The technology would place prospective drivers in simulated driving environments where their reactions to various road-related scenarios could be assessed.
The DVLA is also planning to implement a demerit point system to curb reckless driving. Under the proposed system, drivers would start with a certain number of points, and those who exceed the threshold would be required to return to driving school.
Background: The Government Accountability Series
The Government Accountability Series is a strategic communication initiative launched in July 2025 to enhance transparency and public understanding of government performance. The national series features sector ministers and heads of public institutions delivering live updates on their mandates and answering questions from the public and the media.
The DVLA’s appearance at the series on October 12, 2026, also featured announcements on the Authority’s financial performance, including a record GH¢25 million surplus for the 2025 financial year, up from GH¢5 million in 2024, and a total contribution of GH¢98.1 million to state funds. The Authority also announced the renegotiation of roadworthiness Service Level Agreements that would have cost $155.4 million over three years down to GH¢2 million for the same period, translating to an annual saving of approximately $50 million.
The DVLA has also expanded its nationwide network from 33 to 63 offices within two years, introduced 24-hour service at some offices, and cleared a backlog of 440,000 driver’s licences.
A More Inclusive Licensing Regime
The introduction of local languages on the CBT platform represents a significant step towards making the driving licence acquisition process more inclusive and accessible to all Ghanaians, regardless of their English literacy level. With six major Ghanaian languages now available — Twi, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani, Nzema and Hausa — the DVLA aims to ensure that language barriers do not prevent otherwise competent drivers from obtaining a licence and demonstrating their knowledge of road safety requirements.
