Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority
Agency overview
Formed1999
JurisdictionRepublic of Ghana
Headquarters Ghana
Parent agencyMinistry of Transport (Ghana)
Websitehttp://www.dvla.gov.gh/

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) of Ghana is the government agency responsible for the licensing and evaluation of drivers and cars in Ghana.

History

DVLA was established in 1999 by Act 569 of Ghana's parliament.[1] The act allowed the authority to have a semi-autonomous status in the public sector organisation under the Ministry of Transport. The authority is responsible for ensuring safety on Ghanaian roads. The authority before the enactment of the DVLA Act was called Vehicle Examination & Licensing Division (VELD).[1]

Driver licensing

The laws of Ghana permits individuals 18 years and older to drive.[2][3] Ghanaians and residents of the country can apply for a 3-month learner's licence.[2] After the expiration of the learner's licence, a written exam is conducted of which the would-be driver must score 70% or more to pass. After the written exam, the would-be driver takes a test which involves identification and explanation of several road signs. If the road signs test is passed, the would-be driver takes the last exam drive with a DVLA instructor. An error-free test drive qualifies the driver to a cover note, which is returned for the driving licence on a said date.

Online registration

In April 2008, the authority announced a 306,000 cedi online registration project that sought to streamline the activities of the authority to allow it offer efficient services to its clients. The system was also sought to abolish the activities of middlemen who hampered the operations of the authority.[4] The online system became operational in December 2008.[4]

Lay off Certification

The authority issues Lay off Certificates (L.O.C) to vehicle owner who request for them. The request is granted on both commercial and private vehicles that are not moved for a minimum of 6 months. L.O.Cs allow vehicle owners to save costs by not paying road use fees.[5]

International licence

The Authority issues local Ghanaian driving licences to foreigners whose driving licences are issued by signatories of International Conventions. Requesting for such a licence requires the provision of the foreign driving licence and a translation of it if it is not in the English language and four passport-sized photographs. An eye examination is done and a cover note issued to the individual.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b "Introduction". www.dvlaghana.gov.gh. Archived from the original on 16 January 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  2. ^ a b "ACQUISITION OF DRIVER'S LICENSE". www.dvlaghana.gov.gh. Archived from the original on 12 January 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  3. ^ "Ghana: Accra Records Highest Road Accidents". www.allafrica.com. Archived from the original on 15 April 2010. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  4. ^ a b "DVLA registrations go online". www.news.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 23 May 2011.[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ "Requirements And Procedures For Vehicle Lay-Offs In Ghana". www.ghanacartrader.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  6. ^ "DVLA Info - Converting A Foreign Driver Licence In Ghana". www.ghanacartrader.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
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