Driving tests now available in six local languages – DVLA

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has introduced six local languages into its computer-based driving test system to help applicants who cannot read or write in English, Chief Executive Officer Julius Neequaye Kotey has announced.

The initiative is aimed at reducing language barriers in the licensing process and enabling more applicants to demonstrate their understanding of road signs, traffic regulations and safe driving practices.

Mr. Kotey announced the development during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 12, 2026, highlighting the authority’s efforts to improve access to its services through technology and customer-focused reforms.

“We call it CBT Platform to assist applicants who cannot read or write in English. The translation software allows applicants to take mandatory driving tests in six local languages,” he said.

He explained that the initiative was intended to ensure that language difficulties did not prevent applicants from demonstrating their knowledge of essential road safety requirements.

“This initiative is intended to reduce language barriers and help applicants demonstrate their knowledge of road signs, traffic regulations and safe driving practices. We are working on increasing the number of local languages in this regard,” he added.

The DVLA said efforts were ongoing to expand the number of local languages available on the platform, potentially extending access to more applicants across the country.

In addition to the language initiative, the DVLA has introduced an SMS notification system to remind driving licence holders about upcoming renewal or replacement dates.

According to Mr. Kotey, the system sends text message reminders one month and two weeks before a licence expires, helping motorists prepare for renewal before their documents become invalid.

“This is done a month before expiry, and then the last message is sent two weeks before the date of expiry,” he explained.

He added that the service depends on applicants retaining the mobile phone numbers they provided during their licence applications.

“For every customer whose mobile number used during the licence application has not changed, they must be qualified to receive such notifications,” he said.

The notification system is intended to improve communication between the authority and motorists while reducing the likelihood of licence holders overlooking renewal deadlines.

Motorists are therefore encouraged to ensure that their contact details registered with the DVLA remain accurate and up to date.

The authority is also working to introduce a similar SMS notification system for vehicle roadworthiness renewals.

The proposed service would alert vehicle owners when their roadworthiness certificates are due for renewal, giving them advance notice to complete the necessary procedures.

Mr. Kotey said development work on the system was ongoing and that the authority expected to begin notifying customers of their approaching renewal dates.

“Work is currently ongoing to deploy a similar system for vehicle road worthy renewal services as well. We will soon prompt clients on their due dates for road worthy renewals,” he stated.

The planned extension would broaden the use of digital reminders across the DVLA’s services, covering both driving licence renewals and vehicle roadworthiness requirements.

If successfully implemented, the system could help vehicle owners keep track of renewal deadlines and support compliance with the relevant road safety and vehicle licensing requirements.

The DVLA is also introducing an electronic library system at its offices to provide clients with access to driver refresher courses and road safety videos.

The initiative is intended to give motorists opportunities to revisit essential driving principles and improve their understanding of safe road use.

Mr. Kotey explained that clients would be able to visit DVLA offices and spend time watching educational videos designed to strengthen their driving skills.

“We are also introducing an electronic library system which would allow clients to walk into our offices to take some time to watch driver refresher and safety videos that enhance their driving skills on the roads,” he said.

The initiative adds an educational component to the authority’s service delivery efforts, complementing the computer-based testing system and planned digital notification services.

The introduction of local-language driving tests, SMS renewal reminders and the electronic library system reflects the DVLA’s ongoing efforts to improve access to its services and strengthen road safety awareness.

The language feature is expected to help applicants who face difficulties with English-language tests, while the notification systems aim to make it easier for licence holders and vehicle owners to keep track of important renewal dates.

Meanwhile, the electronic library is intended to provide additional opportunities for drivers to refresh their knowledge and improve their driving practices.

The planned expansion of local languages and the development of roadworthiness reminders indicate that the authority is seeking to extend technology-driven services to more areas of its operations.

The impact of these initiatives will depend on their implementation, public awareness and the extent to which applicants, motorists and vehicle owners can access and use the services.