The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is advancing plans to introduce simulator-based driving tests to improve the assessment of prospective drivers and ensure they can respond appropriately to different road situations before obtaining their licences.
Chief Executive Officer Julius Neequaye Kotey announced this at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, October 12, 2026, explaining that the proposed system would allow applicants to undergo virtual driving assessments designed to test their reactions to road-related scenarios.
“In order to enhance the driver licence testing regime, we are far advanced in introducing simulator testing system,” he said.
Mr Kotey explained that the technology would place prospective drivers in a virtual environment where their responsiveness to different driving situations could be assessed.
He said the intervention had become necessary as vehicles continued to become more technologically advanced and road activities increased.
The system is expected to complement the existing driver testing regime by providing an additional means of assessing applicants’ preparedness for real-world driving conditions.
The CEO said the initiative formed part of the Authority’s wider efforts to strengthen driver competence and improve road safety.
He also highlighted the introduction of local languages on the computer-based theory test platform and plans for a demerit point system as measures intended to promote responsible driving and improve compliance with traffic regulations.