Ghana Driving Licence or Driver Permit

Ghana Driving Licence : Obtaining a driver’s license in Ghana allows you to legally operate motor vehicles on public roads.

This guide covers how to get a new or renew an existing Ghanaian driver’s license, change your address, take the driver exam, pay traffic fines, and understand Ghana driving laws.

Getting a New Ghana Driving Licence

To get your first driver’s license in Ghana, you must:

Meet Age Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old to apply for a full Ghanaian driver’s license.
• Ages 16-17 can obtain a learner’s permit.

Provide Required Documents

• Completed license application form.
• Valid Ghanaian passport or national ID card.
• Proof of residence in Ghana.
• Passport-size photos.
• Applicable license fees.

Pass Necessary Exams

• Computer-based theory test on road safety/signs.
• Vision screening for minimum acuity.
• Practical on-road driving test.

Receive Your License

• Once you pass all exams, you’ll be issued a photo driver’s license.
• Allows legal operation of vehicles on Ghanaian roads.
• Licenses must be renewed every 10 years.

Renewing a Ghanaian Driver’s License

To renew an expiring Ghanaian driver’s license:

• Apply up to 1 year before your license expires.
• Complete and submit renewal application.
• Provide updated ID documents if anything changed.
• Pass vision screening again.
• Pay license renewal fees.
• New photo may be required.

Failure to renew on time can result in fines and need to retake driver exams.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Ghanaian License

If your Ghanaian driver’s license is lost or stolen:

• Immediately report it to the police and get an incident report.
• Apply for replacement at licensing office.
• Show police report and confirmation of identity.
• Pay fees for replacement license.
• Have new photo and signature captured.

Prompt reporting gives you the best chance of avoiding re-testing.

Changing Your Address on a Ghanaian Driver’s License

After moving to a new permanent address in Ghana, you must update your driver’s license:

• Visit your local licensing office in person.
• Fill out address change application form.
• Provide proof of your new residential address.
• Pay applicable fees for updated license.
• Have license issued showing new address.

Some agencies allow address changes by mail with proper documentation.

Taking the Driver Exam in Ghana

To qualify for a new Ghanaian driver’s license, you must pass:

Theory Test

• Computer-based exam on road safety knowledge and signs.
• Vision screening for minimum acuity.

Practical Driving Test

• On-road evaluation of driving skills by examiner.
• Assesses ability to control vehicle and obey laws.

Practice theory tests can help prepare for the exams. Most need multiple attempts to pass.

Paying Traffic Fines in Ghana

If you receive a traffic citation in Ghana, you can pay the fines:

• In person at the nearest police station.
• By mail sending a cheque or postal order.
• At court offices via cash, card, or mobile money.
• Online using the e-Justice online portal.

Fines have a due date before late fees or additional penalties apply.

Overview of Traffic Laws in Ghana

When driving in Ghana, you must obey these essential rules:

• Drive on the right side of the road.
• Obey posted speed limits (50km/hr urban, 100km/hr highways).
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Mandatory seat belt use by driver and passengers.
• Strict drunk driving laws – maximum 0.08% BAC.
• No use of handheld devices while driving.
• Use indicators when turning or changing lanes.
• Obey all police officers and traffic signs/signals.

Violating Ghanaian traffic laws can lead to fines, arrest, and licence suspension. Always drive safely and legally.

FAQs on Ghana Driving Licence