It is the desire for many to have a car or drive one at some point in their lives time.
But, to operate a vehicle in Ghana you must have an driver’s license being able to drive as per the law.
Before one is able to obtain the driver’s license there are specific procedures that must be completed with the Driver, Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) before you are granted a valid license to drive.
A few of the requirements are the requirement that you’re over 18 years old, you should be in a position to read road signs, take an eye test is conducted to assess what your eye’s vision is in addition to other requirements.
It is crucial to remember that in accordance with Ghana’s laws Ghana the body that has been that is entrusted with the responsibility of granting drivers licenses within Ghana is DVLA and the applicant must get their license from it.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) starting on November 7 2020 will issue a brand new driver’s licence as well as a brand new vehicle Registration smart cards.
The new license takes shape of smartcard that includes a contactless chip with bio-data for the owner as well as the information of the driver’s personal.
The authorities are hopeful that they will weed out vehicles with fake roadworthy certifications from the system. They also eliminating middlemen, also known as ‘goro guys to be removed from the licensing process.
6 Types Of Driving License In Ghana
There are various types of driver’s licenses available within Ghana and each are used for different reasons for driving under the law.
Presently there are 6 different types of drivers licenses issued by the DVLA has six types of drivers licenses that they issues to individuals.
1. Drivers License A
Anyone with this kind of license are only able to be allowed to use motorcycles.
This type of license is designed for drivers who operate motorcycles or scooters. This means that all two- or three-wheel vehicles with no gearbox fall within this class.
Drivers who deliver and distribute that use motorcycles are required to apply for this type or class of license. Local vehicles, referred to as “Abobo yaa” also fall within this category.
The engine capacity of the vehicle could be as high as 250cc or may exceed 250cc as long as it’s motorbike.
2. Drivers License B
This license is for minibusses, cross-country cars as well as pick up vehicles.
If you’re a driver of minibuses or cross-country vehicles and pick-ups, as well as cross-country vehicles, you must apply for this kind of license.
In this kind of license the number of people on the vehicle cannot surpass 15 while the overall capacity of the vehicle with the passengers must not be more than 5000kg.
Taxi Uber, Yango, Bolt and any other commercial vehicles that don’t have more than 15 people fall into this category or license. If you also have the vehicle that is your privately owned (personal) vehicle, you must also apply for a Type B license.
3. Drivers License C
Medium-sized goods transport motorists are encouraged to seek this kind of license.
Additionally the number of people in the vehicle shouldn’t exceed 45, and the weight shouldn’t exceed 10000kgs.
All commercial vehicles “Tro tro” drivers should apply for a license type C to allow them to be permitted to operate such vehicles.
4. Drivers License D
This kind of vehicle is used for coaches, buses and heavy goods vehicles.
A driver who is Type D is allowed to operate a vehicle that has a maximum of passengers not more than 65 and the maximum weight limit of 35000kgs.
VVIP buses as well as any intercity bus (for instance STC) driver are obliged to get this kind of driver’s license.
5. Drivers License E
If you own heavy agricultural vehicles , this is the type of license. These vehicles include earth-moving, agricultural, and industrial vehicles.
A few basic examples include bulldozers, graders, tractors and loaders, rollers forklifts, combined harvesters , and many more.
This kind of production is less common because of the lack of technological and agricultural advancement in Ghana and the lack of factories.
6.Drivers License F
The Type F is essentially like the type D. However unlike type D type F drivers are permitted to operate all motor vehicles with a weight of more than 35000kgs.
That is, a driver who holds this license is able to operate coaches, buses and vehicles that transport heavy goods with a weight of more than 35000kgs.
Some examples of such vehicles are articulators , as well as all kinds that are rigid. A rigid vehicle is an automobile that is equipped with a chassis that has been split into two pieces and connected via an axis.