Top DVLA-Approved Driving Schools in Ghana (2026): Fees, Requirements and Best Schools by Region

Choosing the right driving school Ghana is the first crucial step on your journey to becoming a safe, confident, and fully licensed driver in Ghana. 

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) requires all learner drivers to finish a 48-hour basic training course. This must be done at an approved institution before they can take the theory and practical licensing exams. 

This provides a standard curriculum, certified teachers, and organised on-road practice. Together, these parts help develop strong skills. They also improve understanding of Ghana’s traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and road safety rules. 

This guide is for everyone. It is useful for new drivers, future commercial drivers, and experienced motorists who want a refresher. It shows the best five DVLA-approved schools in each main region. The regions are:

Quick answer

• What you must do: every first-time applicant has to complete a 48-hour course at a DVLA-approved driving school before taking the licence tests.
• Typical cost: the DVLA-set fee for the 48-hour training has been around GHS 620, and total fees usually run higher once forms, the eye test and DVLA licence charges are added. Schools price differently, so confirm before you enrol.
• How long: the full process commonly takes about 4 to 8 weeks, covering the learner stage, the tests and smart-card production.
• What you need: be at least 18 for a private car (Class B), hold a Ghana Card, and pass an eye test at a DVLA-accredited optical centre.
• Best schools: see the ranked picks by region below, covering Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Western, Volta, Northern, Bono, Upper East and Upper West.

How to get a DVLA driving licence in Ghana (2026)

Driver licensing in Ghana is run by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) under L.I. 2180, and the process is now biometric and largely digitised. As of 2026, the typical path for a first-time applicant is:

1. Buy and complete Forms F and F1 from the DVLA, in person or through the online portal.
2. Pass an eye test at a DVLA-accredited optical centre or eye clinic. Vision tests are no longer done at DVLA offices.
3. Collect your learner driver permit, L-plate, syllabus and Highway Code, then drive only as a learner.
4. Complete the compulsory 48-hour training at a DVLA-approved driving school. This is required and cannot be skipped for a first licence.
5. Pass the Computer-Based Test (CBT) on road signs, traffic rules and defensive driving, with a minimum score of 70 percent.
6. Pass the practical test with a DVLA examiner, on a test site and in real traffic.
7. Collect a temporary cover note while your biometric smart-card licence is produced, which usually takes about two to four weeks.

The learner permit is normally held for about three months before you sit the full licence. Tests are available in English and major local languages including Twi, Ga, Ewe and Hausa. For faster handling, DVLA Premium and Prestige services are offered at its Ultra Centres.

What driving school costs in Ghana

Costs vary by school, location and package, so treat the figures below as a guide and confirm current charges with the school and on the DVLA fees and charges page.

As of 2026, a late renewal also carries a penalty, starting around GHS 77 if you are one to six months late and rising the longer a licence stays expired.

Market Pulse: DVLA licensing in 2026

• Fully biometric: licences are smart cards, and applications, renewals and bookings can be started on the DVLA online portal.
• Computer-Based Testing: the theory test is computer-based, with a 70 percent pass mark.
• Vision tests outsourced: eye examinations now happen at accredited third-party optical centres.
• Smart plates: under the 2026 number-plate reform, plates carry RFID chips and are tied to the owner rather than the vehicle.
• Faster lanes: Premium and Prestige services at DVLA Ultra Centres cut waiting times for those who need them.

Best DVLA-approved driving schools by region

The table below maps each region to its main centres and links to the full list of approved schools there. Detailed picks for every region follow underneath.

Greater Accra Region driving schools Region

The Greater Accra Region is home to the capital city and busy transport routes. It has the most DVLA-accredited academies. These schools offer many options. They have intensive crash courses, weekend programs, and special training for commercial and PSV driving. They also provide defensive-driving workshops. This variety meets different schedules and learning goals.

1. High Grade Driving Centre
   A long-standing institution renowned for its modular syllabus covering vehicle controls, traffic regulations, and defensive driving. Flexible scheduling – including weekday, weekend, and intensive options – caters to both working professionals and students.
   
2. O.B.Y Driving Consult
   Specializes in personalized one-on-one coaching, focusing on learner confidence through mock-test simulations and targeted feedback. Known for high first-attempt pass rates on DVLA exams.
   
3. Rio School of Motoring
   We offer fast crash-course modules. These shorten the 48-hour curriculum into a 2 to 3-week program. This is perfect for expatriates and busy professionals. Provides both manual and automatic transmission training.
   
4. High Tech Driving School
   Integrates state-of-the-art simulators with on-road tuition for an immersive learning experience. Virtual-reality hazard-perception modules precede real-world driving, enhancing safety and skill retention.
   
5. Advance Technique Driving School
   Tailored for commercial-vehicle and PSV aspirants, covering large-vehicle handling, passenger-safety protocols, and exam strategies. Certified instructors guide learners through both theory and extensive behind-the-wheel practice.
   

[Find More  Schools → Greater Accra Driving Schools]

Ashanti Region driving schools

Kumasi, the heart of the Ashanti Region, is a hub for both private-car (Class B) and commercial/PSV driver training. Schools here are celebrated for robust defensive-driving workshops, mock-test simulations, and strong first-attempt pass-rate guarantees.

1. Star Driving School
   Offers comprehensive private-car programs with added night-drive practice and specialized defensive-driving modules.
   
2. Faith Progressive Driving School
   Provides structured beginner courses, refresher sessions, and dedicated theory-lab workshops to reinforce traffic-law knowledge.
   
3. KAJ Driving School
   Features simulator-aided training, advanced hazard-perception drills, and full DVLA exam preparation.
   
4. Kessben Driving School
   A premier center known for in-depth coverage of road regulations, high-quality instructor guidance, and weekend intensives.
   
5. Cambodia Driving School
   Delivers intensive crash courses and customized lesson plans designed for nervous learners and busy schedules.
   

[Find More  Schools → Ashanti Driving Schools]

Central Region

The Central Region spans coastal roads and busy commuter routes around Cape Coast, Kasoa, and surrounding towns. Its schools blend seaside-road safety modules with robust foundational licensure training.

1. U.D.I Driving Institute
   Known for its video-based theory sessions and reliable training fleet, ensuring both classroom engagement and practical expertise.
   
2. Happy Royal Driving Academy
   Emphasizes personalized instruction with evening and weekend classes tailored for working adults.
   
3. K20 Driving School
   Offers comprehensive driving courses featuring modern teaching tools and small-group practice sessions.
   
4. Premier Foundation Driving School
   Focuses on foundational driving skills with modular programs that build proficiency step by step.
   
5. New Generation Driving School
   Integrates contemporary methods – like in-class multimedia lessons – with extensive on-road mentorship.
   

[Find More  Schools → Central Region Driving Schools]

Eastern Region

Koforidua and Nkawkaw are key locations for driving schools in the Eastern Region. These schools often work with technical institutes. This partnership helps them include more vehicle mechanics in their courses. They also offer flexible schedules for busy learners.

1. All Good Driving Academy
   Balances classroom theory, vehicle-mechanics primers, and hands-on driving drills for thorough preparation.
   
2. Danny’s Driving School
   Renowned for its personalized coaching plans, mock-exam sessions, and weekend intensives.
   
3. Eugene Black Driving School
   Blends extensive theory lessons with real-world maneuver practice – parallel parking, reverse driving, and more.
   
4. Good Foundation Driving School
   Structures its curriculum into clear milestones, making it easy for learners to track progress.
   
5. Victory Executive Driving School
   Offers corporate packages, executive rush-hour training, and specialized defensive-driving modules.
   

[Find More  Schools → Eastern Region Driving Schools]

Western Region

In the twin cities of Sekondi and Takoradi, schools focus on heavy-vehicle handling. They also teach about coastal hazards and how to navigate port roads.

1. Agyawus Driving School
   Excellent for beginners, with small-group classes and emphasis on basic maneuvers and traffic law.
   
2. Premier Foundation Driving School
   Strong road-safety focus, offering both private-car and light-truck training across hilly and coastal terrains.
   
3. New Generation Driving School
   Uses video-based theory lessons combined with extended practical sessions for well-rounded learning.
   
4. Tomkopac Driving School
   Provides both accelerated crash courses and multi-week programs, plus defensive-driving workshops.
   
5. Gracious Pearl Driving School (Annex)
   Conveniently located near Takoradi Airport Circle, offering early-morning and late-evening lessons.
   

[Find More  Schools → Western Region Driving Schools]

Volta Region

The Volta Region’s schools stretch from Ho’s lakeside avenues to the Aflao border crossing. They serve local and cross-border learners. Many schools offer bilingual instruction and training for the ECOWAS route.

1. A.T.T.C. Driving School
   Comprehensive manual and automatic training, with strong emphasis on defensive techniques.
   
2. KED Driving Academy
   Small-group format with “road-rules boot camps” on weekends followed by on-road drills.
   
3. Image Driving School
   Combines computer-based simulations with practical coaching to visualize complex scenarios.
   
4. Pass Over Driving School
   Ideal for time-pressed learners, offering intensive 2-week programs with weekend mock tests.
   
5. Manzi Driving School
   Specializes in coastal-road safety, including sand-dust conditions and local signage nuances.
   

[Find More  Schools → Volta Region Driving Schools]

Northern Region

Centered on Tamale and extending into the Upper East, the Northern Region’s driving schools focus on savannah-terrain handling, skid control, and rural-road hazard preparation.

1. Abele Driving School
   Structured 48-hour programs with both manual and automatic training, tailored to northern road conditions.
   
2. Johnson Driving School
   Offers both weekday and weekend classes, plus dedicated mock exams for readiness.
   
3. Progressive Driving Academy
   Phased curriculum beginning with theory workshops and progressing to varied-terrain on-road training.
   
4. Bemenco Driving Institute
   Holistic approach including basic mechanics, practical drills, and scenario-based defensive modules.
   
5. Lyons Driving School
   Serves both Bolgatanga and Tamale, with core focus on rural-road hazard perception.
   

[Find More  Schools → Northern Region Driving Schools]

Bono Region

The Bono Region, led by Sunyani, offers training packages, quick courses, and workshops on ethics in its best schools.

1. Gabriel K.B. Driving School
   Offers modular courses with small-group lessons and ample wheel-time.
   
2. Nana Amoako Attah Driving School
   Known for its flexible scheduling and weekend intensives guided by seasoned instructors.
   
3. Arthur Driving Academy
   Emphasizes defensive techniques and real-world scenario drills.
   
4. Llord Driving School
   Structured curriculum covering traffic regulations and practical vehicle control.
   
5. Jab Driving School
   Personalized one-on-one and group coaching for nervous or time-constrained learners.
   

[Find More  Schools → Bono Region Driving Schools]

Upper East Region

Bolgatanga and its border districts present unique challenges – rural paths, seasonal flooding, and cross-border traffic. The top schools here offer bilingual instruction and localized hazard modules.

1. Lyons Driving School
   Private-car basics in small batches for personalized attention.
   
2. First Class Driving School
   Combines comprehensive theory with intensive on-road practice to boost pass rates.
   
3. Dabokpa Technical Driving School
   Integrates engine-mechanics workshops with DVLA training and rural-road navigation skills.
   
4. Baare Driving Academy
   Bilingual (English/Gurune) lessons and defensive modules for cross-border commuters.
   
5. Binduri Road Safety School
   Community-centered, subsidized training focused on night drives and emergency drills.
   

[Find More  Schools → Upper East Region Driving Schools]

Upper West Region

Wa and nearby towns have DVLA-approved schools. These schools focus on rural road skills, cross-border ECOWAS certification, and advanced safety techniques.

1. St. Vitus Driving School
   Small-group format with focus on dusty, unpaved road conditions and basic traffic law.
   
2. Step Ahead Driving School
   Night-drive practice, emergency-braking simulations, and personalized coaching.
   
3. Upper West Technical Driving Institute
   University-affiliated, offering modern classrooms, simulators, and on-campus exams.
   
4. Nadowli Driving Academy
   Flexible evening/weekend intensives for farmers and local professionals.
   
5. Lawra Safe-Drive Centre
   Cross-border regulation modules alongside standard DVLA curriculum.
   

[Find More  Schools → Upper West Region Driving Schools]

Frequently asked questions

How much does driving school cost in Ghana?

The DVLA-set fee for the compulsory 48-hour training has been around GHS 620, but total costs are usually higher once enrolment forms, the eye test and DVLA licence charges are added, and schools price their packages differently. Confirm the current figure with your school and on the DVLA fees page before enrolling.

Can I get a Ghanaian licence without going to driving school?

No. Every first-time applicant must complete a 48-hour course at a DVLA-approved driving school before sitting the theory and practical tests. The main exception is converting a valid foreign licence, which can bypass the 48-hour requirement.

How long does it take to get a driving licence in Ghana?

The full process usually takes about four to eight weeks, covering the learner permit stage, the 48-hour training, the computer-based and practical tests, and production of the biometric smart-card licence, which alone takes about two to four weeks.

What is the minimum age to get a driving licence in Ghana?

You must be at least 18 to apply for a private passenger car licence (Class B). Commercial and heavy-vehicle classes such as C, D and F require applicants to be older.

What is the pass mark for the DVLA theory test?

The Computer-Based Test covers road signs, traffic rules and defensive driving, and you need a minimum score of 70 percent to pass. It is offered in English and major local languages including Twi, Ga, Ewe and Hausa.

What are the DVLA licence classes?

Common classes include A for motorcycles, B for private passenger cars, and C, D and F for commercial and heavy vehicles. The class you train and test for depends on the type of vehicle you intend to drive.

How do I find a DVLA-approved driving school near me?

Use the region table above to jump to the approved schools in your area, from Greater Accra and Ashanti to the Upper West. Always confirm a school is currently DVLA-approved before paying.

Conclusion

Ghana has many driving schools approved by the DVLA. They provide good training. You can find these schools from the busy streets of Greater Accra to the open roads of the Northern Region. This training helps learners become safe and responsible drivers. By choosing one of the top five schools in your area, you meet national licensing rules. You also get expert teaching and practical experience suited to local driving conditions. Use the “Find More  Schools” links to explore each region’s options. You can compare program details and find the best fit for your schedule, vehicle class, and learning style. Then, take the wheel and start your journey to becoming a confident, licensed driver in Ghana.

Data note: licensing rules, the 48-hour training requirement and fees are set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA); see its fees and charges page for current rates. Road safety standards are overseen by the National Road Safety Authority. Fees shown are guides drawn from recent public listings and DVLA references and can change, so confirm current figures before enrolling. Last updated 2026.