How to Obtain a Driver’s License in Kenya: Essential Information

by Robert Ngethe in Kenya

Today, the process of importing used cars from Japan to countries such as Kenya has become easier and more accessible than ever thanks to exporters such as BE FORWARD. However, first thing’s first—you’ll be needing a Kenyan driver’s license. In this article I will discuss how to get licensed as a driver, the different vehicles for which a license is valid, the costs and requirements of obtaining authorization, and some of the restrictions that can limit you from getting licensed in Kenya.

Getting Licensed as a Driver

According to the National Transport and Safety Authority, a government institution that governs the transport and safety in Kenya, “No person shall be allowed to drive a vehicle on roads unless he/she is a holder of a valid driver’s license”. To be licensed as a driver in Kenya, you don’t need to have a vehicle. All you need is to be 18 years old and above.

How to Obtain a Driver's License in Kenya - BE FORWARD

The policy states that one person shall not be entitled with two or more driver’s licenses, but in the case of damaged or lost license it can be replaced with a fee. Also to note is that the renewal period of a valid license can be either 1 year or 3 years from the date of issue. Kenyan law states that every driver should have his/her driver’s license when driving.

Validity of a Driver’s License

The transport authority act states that one driver’s license may be entitled to permit the holder to drive one or more classes of motor vehicle. In Kenya, different vehicles are categorized by different classes. The table below shows the different classes and the vehicles for which the license is valid.

Driver's License Table Kenya - BE FORWARD

The above table shows how licenses in Kenya are issued. It is possible for a person to hold a license that permits him to drive more than one particular type of a vehicle. In the case where a person has a special condition, the reason should be specified as a Special class on the license.

Driving Schools in Kenya

Shortcuts in driving are risky and might kill you. In Kenya, there area number of driving schools offering driving lessons to make you a competent driver. These schools charge an economical fee that best suits the interests of students. A student can apply for 10, 18 or 30-day lessons depending on his/her level of practical understanding.

Driving Schools in Kenya - BE FORWARD

After successful completion of these lessons, a qualification will be provided for a test drive from the Ministry of transport. The National Transport and Safety Authority has introduced a new act that after passing a driver’s license test, a license certificate shall be available for collection within 72 hours after the test.

Costs and Requirements for a License Certificate

Attending driving lessons will not only make you a licensed driver but it will make you a more confident driver. The advantage of attending these lessons is that the teachers are professionals with many years of experience. Having an education in driving is the most practical type of education you can get in Kenya. With only around Kshs 10,000 you can obtain a driving education (theory and practical) and receive your driving test, together with your license certificate.

The requirements to qualify for receiving a driving test are the following:

・You should be at least 18 years old
・You should have a Police clearance certificate
・You should not have any criminal record
・You should be able to read and write in the official language

Special Notes on Restrictions

It should be highly noted that for you to be issued with a Kenyan driver’s license you have to be a Kenyan citizen of 18 years of age or more. Therefore, Proper documents (Identity Card or Passport) supporting this information should be provided before applying for a driving lesson. It is also important to note that a driver’s license issued in Kenya is only applicable to use in East African Countries (EAK).

Driving in Kenya - BE FORWARD

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This article is written by BE FORWARD Supporters ID 134031 Robert Ngethe in Kenya. What is BE FORWARD Supporters? Click here to join!

7 thoughts on “How to Obtain a Driver’s License in Kenya: Essential Information”

  1. I love be forward and what they impact to the society i participated and enjoyed your competition i say a vote of thanks to you guys and i would love to partake more competition coz it brings competition to be stiff and help one never to loose courage i personally appreciate what good deeds you have brought to my family and society i will support and be beforward japan forever

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