Ghana DVLA Driving Test Study Guide: Ghana Road Signs, the Highway Code and the Theory Test

Ghana road signs follow the international shape-and-colour system, and on the DVLA theory test you are expected to read a sign's meaning from its shape and colour alone. Three families carry the orders. A TRIANGULAR sign with a red border is a warning of a hazard ahead. A CIRCULAR sign with a red border or red ring is a prohibition, a negative order telling you what you must not do. A BLUE circle is a mandatory sign, a positive order telling you what you must do. Informatory or guide signs are rectangular, blue or green, and show services and directions.[1]

• Traffic light colours: red means stop; amber or yellow means get ready or prepare to stop; green means go.[1]
• The Speed Limit sign is a prohibitory sign, a red ring around the maximum speed, so it gives a negative order not to exceed that speed.[1]
• Informatory signs such as hospital, fuel, parking and bus stop are rectangular and coloured blue or green, not red or blue circles.[1]

Centre-line markings on the carriageway tell you whether you may cross to overtake. The rule turns on whether the line is broken or solid, and on a mixed line, which side of you the broken line falls. Because Ghana drives on the right and you overtake on the left, you cross the centre line into the oncoming side only when the markings and the road allow it.[1]

• Yellow diagonal-stripe hatching marks an area you must not enter; keep out of the diagonal stripes.[1]
• A broken line across the carriageway at a roundabout means give way to traffic already in the roundabout.[1]
• Lane discipline on right-hand traffic: keep right when you plan no special action, and move to the left only to overtake.[1]

Ghana drives on the RIGHT. You overtake on the LEFT and then return to the right lane once you have passed. The maximum speed limit in a built-up or urban area is 50 km/h; outside built-up areas, obey the higher posted limits. These principles underlie most of the rules-of-the-road questions on the theory test.[1][2]

• Drive on the right; overtake on the left, then return to the right lane.[1]
• The maximum speed limit in a built-up or urban area is 50 km/h. Outside built-up areas, obey the posted limits, which are higher.[1]
• At a roundabout, give way to traffic already in the roundabout.[1]
• At a junction without priority, stop at the Stop or Give Way sign and wait for a safe gap before moving; the general routine is look left, look right, then look left again.[1]
• Even at a green light, make sure other drivers yield before you proceed, and always follow a police officer's directions.[1]
• Hand-held mobile phone use while driving is prohibited; only hands-free is allowed.[1]

Safe-driving rules in Ghana are set by the Road Traffic Act 2004 (Act 683) and updated by the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2025 (Act 1153). The most important recent change is the lower blood-alcohol limit. Seatbelts, helmets and the rule on where children may sit are also frequently tested.[2][3]

• The blood-alcohol limit for drivers was lowered to 0.05 g/dL (0.05 percent) by the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2025 (Act 1153).[3]
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all front and rear seat passengers.[2]
• A child under 12 may not sit in the front seat; child restraints are required up to age 12.[2]
• Both the rider and the passenger on a motorcycle must wear an approved, certified protective helmet.[2]
• At a level crossing, red flashing lights mean do not cross because a train is approaching.[1]
• Drive slower than the limit in bad weather or on defective roads.[1]

The DVLA, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, issues driving licences and registers vehicles in Ghana. Driving licences are grouped into classes A to F by the type of vehicle they cover. Class B is the most common, covering private non-commercial vehicles.[4]

• You must be able to produce a valid driver's licence to a police officer.[1]
• You must be able to produce a valid insurance certificate.[1]
• You must be able to produce a valid roadworthiness certificate.[1]
• A vehicle registration certificate is also required.[1]
• Commercial drivers also need a driver's badge.[1]