Ghana has six main types of driver’s licenses, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is the only accredited organization authorized to issue these licenses.
It’s important to remember that driving without a valid driver’s license is illegal and could result in consequences such as fines or even imprisonment. Please make sure you obtain a valid driver’s license before driving.
The procedure to obtain a vehicle license in Ghana nowadays is much simpler than it used to be. Before applying for a driver’s license, assess yourself to know if you fulfill the requirements below;
- You must be 18 years old and above.
- You must be at least a BECE graduate.
- Have a Passport picture to be used for registration.
- You must complete at least 4 hours of driving lessons from a DVLA-accredited driving school.
To begin with with registration with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), you must understand the types of driver’s licenses and decide as to the very one you are going in for. Every vehicle and the classification of Driver’s license they fall under. Let’s take a look at the six types of driver’s licenses in Ghana and their meaning.
The Six Types of Drivers Licenses in Ghana.
Type A – Cruisers
If you plan to drive a vehicle without a gearbox, such as a scooter, sports bike, or motorcycle with an engine size of 250cc or more, you will need to obtain a type A driver’s license.
Therefore, if your mode of transportation falls into the category of motorcycles, then you should opt for the type A driver’s license.
Type B – Sedans, Minibuses, and Cross Country Vehicles.
The Type B driving license is suitable for drivers of personal vehicles, minibusses, cross-country vehicles, taxis, and ride-hailing vehicles carrying no more than 15 passengers. A good example of this is Uber and Bolt. So if you are looking to get a license for your Uber business then License type B is what you should go for.
This category includes many driver’s license holders because of the high number of personal vehicle owners. The total weight of these vehicles, including passengers and goods, should not exceed 5000kg.
Type C – Transport and medium-sized Products Conveying Vehicles.
Type C vehicles are designed to carry more passengers than type B vehicles. Type B vehicles can transport up to 15 passengers, whereas type C vehicles can accommodate 16 to 45 passengers.
Furthermore, all commercial vehicles weighing 1000kgs or less are classified as type C vehicles. These vehicles are primarily used for commercial purposes. It’s important to note that the gross weight of type C vehicles should not exceed 10000kgs.
Type D- Heavy-duty load vehicles
This license is specifically for drivers of heavy-load vehicles. Vehicles that come under this category have a significant gross weight, typically around 350000 kgs.
All S.T.C and V.I.P buses also fall under this category, and they should not carry more than 65 passengers. Drivers of heavy-load vehicles with these features must have a type D vehicle license.
Type E – Heavy types Machinery.
Heavy-duty farm vehicles for mowing and harvesting crops, such as trucks, loaders, forklifts, graders, rollers, and other large and heavy-duty vehicles, require drivers to have a type E driving license.
Type F – Trailers and Trucks.
The Type D license is necessary for drivers who wish to operate vehicles with a gross weight load of more than 35,000kgs.
This license is specially designed for those who handle vehicles that are used for transporting heavy loads and merchandise exceeding the aforementioned weight limit. Articulated trucks are a common example of such vehicles.
Conclusion
It’s important to know the different types of driver’s licenses available so that you can make an informed decision about the type of license you need after getting a vehicle.
Depending on your requirements, you can choose from Type A, B, C, D, E, or F license categories and get registered at any DVLA office across the regions in Ghana. A driver’s license is necessary to drive legally and avoid any legal complications while driving.
