NTSA Driving License Categories, Requirements, and Fees

Driving licenses are a mandatory requirement for anyone intending to operate a vehicle and an important document that affirms one's eligibility and competence. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in Kenya provides different driving license categories to cater to different types of drivers and vehicles. Here, we delve into each category, highlighting their requirements and associated fees.

Driving License Categories

The NTSA has classified driving licenses into various categories, each tailored to a specific type of vehicle and set of skills. These categories ensure drivers are adequately trained and authorized to handle their vehicles.

Category A: Two-Wheel Transport

A1: Light Motorcycle

This is the category for anyone looking to ride a light motorcycle. The minimum age requirement is 18 years; you can carry a passenger (maximum load 60 Kg). The average driving course cost is Ksh. 7,500.

A2: Motorcycle Taxi, Couriers, and Three-Wheelers

This license category fits the bill for those over 18 years who wish to operate motorcycle taxis, courier motorcycles, or three-wheelers. The maximum load one can carry is 100 Kg, and the average cost for the driving course is Ksh. 7,500.

A3: Motorcycle Three-Wheelers

This category is for those interested in operating three-wheel motorcycles. The age requirement is 18 years, and the course cost is Ksh. 7,500 on average.

Category B: Light Vehicle Operators

B1: Light Vehicle Automatic

This is the category for individuals aged 18 years or older who want to operate a light automatic vehicle. It allows one to carry a maximum of 7 passengers, with an average course cost of Ksh. 13,500.

B2: Light Vehicle

This category applies to 18-year-old looking to operate a light vehicle without passengers. The course cost is around Ksh. 13,500.

B3: Professional

This category suits professional drivers of light vehicles. The age requirement is 21 years and above, and one can carry up to 7 passengers. The driving course costs an average of Ksh. 10,000.

Category C: Heavy Truck Operators

C1: Light Truck

This category applies to individuals aged between 22 and 65 who have held a B2 license for at least 2 years. It allows them to operate a light truck with no passengers. The course cost averages Ksh. 14,500.

CE: Heavy Truck with Trailer

For individuals aged 28 to 65 years with at least 4 years of experience driving a category C vehicle, this license enables them to drive a heavy truck (articulated). The course fee is around Ksh. 27,000.

CD: Heavy Good Vehicle for Transportation of Hazardous Materials

This category allows individuals aged 30 to 65 years, with at least 2 years of experience driving a category CE vehicle, to operate a heavy truck transporting hazardous materials. The course cost averages Ksh. 27,000.

Category D: Passenger Vehicle Operators

D1: Van

This category is for those aged between 22 and 65 wishing to drive a van carrying up to 14 passengers. The course cost is around Ksh. 10,000.

D3: Large Bus

For individuals aged 30 to 65 years with 3 years of experience driving a category D2 vehicle, this category allows them to operate a bus carrying 33 or more passengers. The course fee is Ksh 20,000 on average.

Category E: Specialized Vehicle Operators

E1: Agricultural Tractors

Individuals aged 20 to 65 who wish to operate agricultural tractors fall into this category. The course cost is approximately Ksh. 12,000.

E2: Construction Plant Operators

This category applies to those between the ages of 20 and 65 years interested in operating construction plant machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes. The average cost of the driving course is Ksh. 20,000.

E3: Forklift Operators

Forklift operators between 20 and 65 years fit into this category. The cost of the course is roughly Ksh. 12,000.

Category F: Tuktuk Operators

F1: Tuktuk

This category is for anyone aged 18 or above who wants to operate a Tuktuk. The cost for the driving course is Ksh. 7,500 on average.

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Wrapping-Up

The NTSA aims to ensure road safety by regulating and classifying driving licenses into these categories. Doing so helps ensure that drivers are properly trained, assessed, and authorized to operate various types of vehicles. It's important to note that fees associated with these courses may fluctuate depending on the driving school and market factors. Also, to apply for higher-category licenses, one must have prior experience and hold certain license categories, as explained above. Always ensure you have the right license for the vehicle you intend to operate to ensure your safety and that of other road users.

Remember, driving is not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about doing so safely, responsibly, and within the confines of the law. You are one step closer to being a competent and responsible road user with the right driving license.