Not so long ago, most of Kenya handled their driver’s licence applications at their National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). This was a tedious process taking a significant amount of time. With the implementation of the internet in most of the country, they moved to an online platform which currently the primary source for driver’s licence applications. Additionally, the Kenyan Government is working on implementing digital licences. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) begun issuing new generation smart driving licenses, similar to National Identity Cards with personal information like blood groups and dates of birth.

There are two main rules when applying for driver’s licences.

Individuals cannot hold more than one licence at any point in time.
Individuals cannot drive a motor vehicle without their driver’s licence or provisional licence.

What are the documents needed when applying for a drivers licence?

The documentation process is not tedious and here’s the paperwork needed:

• Proof of identity in the form of a National Identity Card or passport
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Copy of interim or provisional driver’s license
• Payment receipt
• Certificate of Competency (CoC)

What’s the process of getting a licence?

There are multiple steps to getting a drivers licence. This could take a lot of time if they are handled through the National Transport and Safety Authority office since it might account for multiple trips.

Before handling the paperwork, applicants have to sign up to a driving school, which has its own set of documents that need to be submitted. Here are the requirements to enrol at driving school:

• Have to be 18 years or older
• Should have a police clearance certificate
• Should have no dangerous driving offences on record
• Should have a medical test certificate
• Should be able to read and write the official languages

After clearing their classes, they need to apply for a provisional drivers licence. This is another process that can be handled through the website. It allows people to practice some more before applying for the test.

Some of the details needed are:

• The name of the driving school
• The instructors NTSA number to verify their registration
• The driving licence category, since different categories allow applicants to drive cars of varying weights and classes
• The residential address of the candidate

After receiving their provisional driver’s licence slip, they have to apply for a Certificate of Competence. This certificate comes with the date and time to attempt their driver’s test. To apply for the CoC, they have to:

• Know the rules of the road
• Know road signals and signs
• Know all the authorized road or highway codes
• Have the physical fitness requirements to drive a motor vehicle of the class they are applying for.

There are small fees to be paid at various points throughout the application process and these need to be handled accordingly. Post going through the test and clearing it, they receive their driver’s licence in two weeks.

The driver’s licence has a validity of one or three years, depending on the requirements of the licence holder. Additionally, the provisional driver’s licence has the validity of a year, implying that the holder should finish their test by then or begin the process from scratch. However, these licences can be cancelled, before expiration, if the individual breaks any rules or violates Kenyan laws.

Some additional information when applying for a drivers licence:

• If at any point in time, applicants have trouble going through the process online, there are multiple offices throughout Kenya to assist them, if they head there. They can also get assistance over the telephone, so they can talk their way through the process.
• Post receiving a drivers licence, it should be carried with the holder at all times, whenever they are behind the wheel of a vehicle. Additionally, they have to hand it to the police if asked during an inspection.
• Driving licences can be denied to people with disabilities that could hamper their driving or if they appear to be a danger to others on the road