Right-Hand Traffic System in Ghana
Ghana operates a right-hand traffic system. This means vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and many driving rules—especially roundabouts, overtaking, lane use, and priority—are based on this system.
⚠️ DVLA Test Warning: Many learners fail the DVLA test not because they don't know signs, but because they misunderstand right-hand traffic logic. Mastering these rules is essential for passing your test and driving safely in Ghana.
What Right-Hand Traffic Means in Ghana
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Drive on the Right
- Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road
- This is standard across all roads in Ghana
- Applies to both urban and rural areas
- Essential for maintaining predictable traffic flow
- Reduces confusion and prevents head-on collisions
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Driver Position
- The driver sits on the left side of the vehicle
- Steering wheel is on the left side
- Better visibility of oncoming traffic
- Standard for right-hand drive countries
- Controls and instruments positioned accordingly
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Overtaking Rules
- Overtaking is done on the left side
- Pass slower vehicles on their left
- Never overtake on the right (except special situations)
- Must return to right lane after overtaking
- Illegal to stay in left lane unnecessarily
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Priority System
- Traffic at junctions follows right-hand priority
- Give way to vehicles coming from your right
- Unless signs or signals indicate otherwise
- Applies to roundabouts and intersections
- Essential for safe junction navigation
Lane Discipline in Right-Hand Traffic
Proper lane usage is critical for safety in Ghana's traffic system:
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Keep to the right-hand side of your lane at all times
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Use the left lane only when overtaking or where road markings allow
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Return to the right lane immediately after completing overtaking
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Driving unnecessarily on the left lane is dangerous, illegal, and causes traffic congestion
Lane Discipline Tips for Ghanaian Roads:
- In multi-lane roads, right lane is for normal driving
- Left lane is strictly for overtaking faster vehicles
- Never cruise in the left lane on highways
- Check mirrors before changing lanes
- Use indicators before moving to left lane
- Be extra careful during peak traffic hours
- Watch for motorcycles filtering between lanes
Overtaking Rules in Ghana's Right-Hand System
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Overtake from the Left
Always pass slower vehicles on their left side in right-hand traffic
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Ensure Clear Visibility
Check at least 100m clear road ahead before overtaking
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Signal Before Changing
Use indicators well in advance of lane change
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Return to Right Lane
Move back to right lane after completing overtaking maneuver
🚫 NEVER OVERTAKE IN THESE SITUATIONS:
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Near Junctions
Wait until safely past the intersection
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At Bends or Hills
No visibility of oncoming traffic
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On Solid Road Lines
Solid lines mean no overtaking zone
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At Pedestrian Crossings
Pedestrians have priority at crossings
Right-Hand Traffic at Junctions & Priority Rules
BASIC PRIORITY RULE FOR GHANA'S TRAFFIC
Give Way to Traffic from the RIGHT
This rule applies at junctions without traffic lights or signs
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At T-Junctions
- Vehicle on minor road gives way to traffic on major road
- If both on equal roads, give way to right
- Wait for safe gap before joining
- Never force your way into traffic
- Be patient and wait your turn
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Crossroads
- First to arrive has priority if safe
- Otherwise, give way to right
- Watch for vehicles turning across your path
- Use eye contact and signals
- When in doubt, wait it out
⚠️ Failure Consequences: Violating right-of-way rules can lead to suspension or revocation of licence, vehicle detention by police, and serious accidents causing injury or death.
Right-Hand Traffic and Roundabouts in Ghana
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In Ghana's right-hand traffic system, roundabouts flow anti-clockwise:
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Approaching Roundabouts
- Slow down on approach
- Give way to traffic from your LEFT
- Wait for safe gap to enter
- Signal your intended exit direction
- Check mirrors and blind spots
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Navigating Roundabouts
- Enter when safe and keep to right
- Follow anti-clockwise flow
- Stay in appropriate lane for your exit
- Maintain steady speed
- Watch for pedestrians at crossings
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Exiting Roundabouts
- Signal before your exit
- Check mirrors before exiting
- Exit smoothly without sudden movements
- Accelerate to match road speed
- Cancel signal after exiting
💡 Key Insight: Understanding right-hand traffic makes roundabouts easy to navigate. Remember: Give way to LEFT, enter when safe, follow anti-clockwise, signal your exit.
Pedestrians and Vulnerable Road Users
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Pedestrian Priority
- Give way to pedestrians at marked crossings
- Stop completely when pedestrians are crossing
- Watch for pedestrians when turning at junctions
- Be extra careful near schools and markets
- Pedestrians may cross unexpectedly
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Cyclists & Motorcycles
- Give cyclists at least 1.5m space when passing
- Watch for motorcycles filtering through traffic
- Check blind spots for two-wheelers
- Be patient with slower road users
- Anticipate their movements
⚠️ Driver Responsibility: Pedestrians and vulnerable road users may not always follow rules—drivers must still protect them. Defensive driving saves lives on Ghana's roads.
Common Mistakes That Cause DVLA Test Failure
These mistakes often lead to automatic DVLA test failure in Ghana:
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Wrong Lane Usage
Driving in left lane unnecessarily or for extended periods
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Overtaking on Right
Attempting to pass vehicles on the wrong side
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Priority Violations
Failing to give way to traffic from the right
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Roundabout Confusion
Entering without giving way or wrong circulation
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No Signals
Changing lanes or turning without indicating
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Assumed Priority
Assuming you have right of way without checking
Practical Tips for Ghanaian Drivers
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Defensive Driving Practices
- Slow down at junctions: Even if you have right-of-way, approach with caution
- Be extra cautious at night: Reduced visibility requires slower speeds and increased following distance
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists: They may not be easily visible, especially in poor light
- Maintain safe distance: Keep 3-second gap minimum, increase in rain or poor conditions
- Assume others may not follow rules: Practice defensive driving always
- Check both directions: Before overtaking or turning, look left and right twice
- Use mirrors constantly: Check every 5-8 seconds and before any maneuver
- Signal your intentions: Always indicate before changing lanes or turning
- Be patient in traffic: Don't let frustration lead to risky maneuvers
- Know your vehicle's position: Stay centered in your lane, not too close to edges
- Adjust for weather: Reduce speed in rain, increase following distance
- Stay alert and focused: Avoid distractions, especially mobile phones
Summary (Quick Revision)
🚗→ Ghana uses right-hand traffic system - drive on the RIGHT side
⬅️ Overtake on the LEFT side only - never on the right
👉 Give way to traffic from the RIGHT at junctions
🔄 Roundabouts flow anti-clockwise - give way to LEFT
↔️ Use left lane only for overtaking - return to right lane after
🛑 Protect pedestrians at crossings - stop completely
🚫 Never overtake on solid lines, near junctions, or at bends
🚦 Always signal before changing lanes or turning
👁️ Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds and before maneuvers
🤝 Assume others may not follow rules - drive defensively
📏 Maintain safe following distance (3-second rule minimum)
🎯 Mastering these rules is essential for DVLA test success
🚗 Remember: Understanding and following right-hand traffic rules keeps you safe, prevents accidents, and ensures you pass your DVLA test. These rules form the foundation of safe driving in Ghana.
