The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is advancing plans to introduce simulator-based driving tests to improve the assessment of prospective drivers and strengthen road safety.
Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Julius Neequaye Kotey, announced the initiative at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, October 12, 2026.
He said the proposed system would allow applicants to undergo virtual driving assessments designed to evaluate their responses to different road situations before they are issued driving licences.
“In order to enhance the driver licence testing regime, we are far advanced in introducing simulator testing system,” Mr Kotey said.
He explained that the technology would place prospective drivers in simulated driving environments where their reactions to various road-related scenarios could be assessed.
According to him, the initiative has become necessary as vehicles become more technologically advanced and road activities increase.
The simulator-based assessment is expected to complement the existing driver testing regime by providing an additional means of determining applicants’ preparedness for real-world driving conditions.
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Mr Kotey said the initiative forms part of broader efforts by the DVLA to strengthen driver competence and improve road safety.
He also highlighted other measures being pursued by the Authority, including the introduction of local languages on its computer-based theory test platform and plans to implement a demerit point system.
The measures are intended to promote responsible driving, improve compliance with traffic regulations and strengthen the overall driver licensing system.
