The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has incorporated six local languages into its computer-based driving test system to make the examination more accessible to applicants who have difficulty reading or writing in English.
The authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, announced the initiative at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 12, 2026, explaining that the move would help applicants demonstrate their understanding of road signs, traffic regulations and safe driving practices without language barriers.
“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.
Kotey added that the authority intended to expand the number of languages available on the platform to accommodate more applicants.
“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.
Beyond the changes to driving tests, the DVLA is introducing digital notifications to help licence holders keep track of their renewal and replacement dates.
According to Kotey, the SMS system sends reminders one month and two weeks before a driving licence expires. However, applicants must have a valid mobile number on record to receive the notifications.
“This is done a month before expiry, and then the last message is sent two weeks before the date of expiry. 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 authority is also developing a similar notification system for vehicle roadworthiness renewals, which will alert vehicle owners when their certificates are due for renewal.
“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,” Kotey said.
In another initiative aimed at improving road safety, the DVLA is introducing an electronic library system at its offices, where clients will be able to watch refresher videos on driving skills and road safety.
“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 initiatives form part of the authority’s efforts to improve access to its services, strengthen customer communication and promote safer driving among road users.
