DVLA to Introduce Simulator-Based Driving Tests for Prospective Drivers in Ghana
Credit: myjoyonline
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is advancing plans to introduce simulator-based driving tests to assess the ability of prospective drivers to respond to different road situations before obtaining their driving licences.
The initiative was announced by the DVLA’s Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Mr Kotey said the proposed system would place applicants in a virtual driving environment where their reactions to various road-related scenarios could be evaluated as part of efforts to strengthen the driver licensing process.
“In order to enhance the driver licence testing regime, we are far advanced in introducing a simulator testing system,” he said.
According to him, the technology is expected to complement the existing testing procedures by providing an additional means of assessing applicants’ preparedness for real-world driving conditions.
The initiative comes amid increasing advances in vehicle technology and growing demands on road users, highlighting the need for more effective approaches to evaluating driving competence.
Once implemented, simulator-based assessments are expected to form part of the DVLA’s broader efforts to improve driver competence, strengthen the licensing system and promote road safety across the country.
DVLA Plans Further Reforms to Driver Licensing System
Beyond the proposed simulator-based testing, Mr Kotey outlined other measures being pursued by the Authority to improve the licensing process and encourage responsible driving.
One of the initiatives involves introducing local-language options on the computer-based theory test platform to make the assessment more accessible to applicants who may face language barriers.
The Authority is also pursuing plans to introduce a demerit point system aimed at improving compliance with traffic regulations and promoting responsible behaviour among motorists.
The proposed system is expected to support efforts to hold drivers accountable for traffic violations and encourage greater adherence to road safety rules.
These measures form part of the DVLA’s broader agenda to modernise its operations, improve the assessment of prospective drivers and strengthen road safety management in Ghana.
However, the Authority has not yet announced a specific date for the introduction of simulator-based driving tests or provided details on how the proposed system will be integrated into the existing licensing process.
