Kenya Driving License Classes & Application Guide

Complete guide to getting a driving license in Kenya — all license classes (A through G), step-by-step process, fees, required documents, and renewal info.

Transport & TravelNTSA (ntsa.go.ke) & Traffic ActRarely changes

Estimated Total Cost (Including Driving School)

Class A (Motorcycle)

KES 5,000 – KES 12,000

Class B (Car)

KES 12,000 – KES 30,000

Class C (Heavy Vehicle)

KES 15,000 – KES 35,000

A

Motorcycles & Tricycles

All motorcycles (including boda bodas) and three-wheeled vehicles

License Fee

KES 1,750

Requirements:

  • •Valid medical (DL Form 1)
  • •Driving school certificate (min 10 hours)
  • •Theory test pass
  • •Practical test pass

Age Limit:

18 years and above
B

Light Motor Vehicles

Cars, SUVs, pick-ups — vehicles not exceeding 3,500 kg GVW

License Fee

KES 1,750

Requirements:

  • •Valid medical (DL Form 1)
  • •Driving school certificate (min 40 hours)
  • •Theory test pass
  • •Practical test pass

Age Limit:

18 years and above
C

Heavy Motor Vehicles

Trucks, lorries, buses — vehicles exceeding 3,500 kg GVW

License Fee

KES 1,750

Requirements:

  • •Must already hold Class B for 2+ years
  • •Driving school certificate for Class C
  • •Theory test pass
  • •Practical test pass

Age Limit:

21 years and above
BCE

Articulated Vehicles

Trailers, tankers, heavy combination vehicles

License Fee

KES 1,750

Requirements:

  • •Must hold Class C for 2+ years
  • •Driving school certificate for BCE
  • •Theory test pass
  • •Practical test pass

Age Limit:

24 years and above
DL

Driving Instructor

Licensed driving instructors — authorized to train learners

License Fee

KES 2,500

Requirements:

  • •Must hold Class B for 5+ years
  • •Clean driving record (no serious offences)
  • •Instructor training course certificate
  • •NTSA instructor exam pass

Age Limit:

25 years and above
G

Tractors & Special Vehicles

Agricultural tractors, forklifts, and other special-purpose vehicles

License Fee

KES 1,750

Requirements:

  • •Valid medical (DL Form 1)
  • •Training certificate
  • •Practical test pass

Age Limit:

18 years and above

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a driving license in Kenya?
The process involves: 1. Getting a medical check (DL Form 1), 2. Enrolling in an NTSA-approved driving school, 3. Getting a provisional license (PDL), 4. Passing a theory test, 5. Passing a practical driving test, and finally 6. Paying for and collecting your license.
What is the age limit for a driving license in Kenya?
You must be at least 18 years old for Class A (motorcycles), Class B (cars), and Class G (tractors). For Class C (heavy vehicles) you must be 21, for Class BCE (trailers) you must be 24, and for driving instructors you must be 25.
How much does a driving license cost in Kenya?
The NTSA Smart Driving Licence fee is KES 3,050 and it is valid for 3 years. The total cost including driving school fees, medical checks, provisional licenses, and test fees varies by class and provider; confirm the payable amount in eCitizen.
How long is a Kenyan driving license valid?
The NTSA Smart Driving Licence is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. The current renewal fee is KES 3,050; confirm the amount in eCitizen before payment.
Do I need a new Smart Driving License?
Yes, NTSA is phasing out the old red booklet licenses. All new applications and renewals are issued as the new digital Smart Driving License card, which contains a microchip with your driver profile and demerit points.

Related Tools

Plate Decoder

Decode any Kenya vehicle registration plate. Find the county of registration, approximate year, and plate type (private, government, diplomatic).

Transport & Travel

National Parks

Explore Kenya's national parks, reserves, and conservancies. Find entry fees for citizens, residents, and tourists, plus wildlife highlights and best visiting seasons.

Transport & Travel

Matatu Routes

Interactive route finder for Nairobi matatus. Search by destination, view stages on interactive Leaflet maps, fare ranges, operating hours, and SACCO operators.

Transport & Travel

PAYE Calculator

Calculate your net salary after PAYE tax, SHA, NSSF, and Housing Levy deductions. Uses the current KRA tax bands with an itemized breakdown.

Finance & Tax