Kenya – Apply for a Driver License

Apply for a Driver License in Kenya

Kenya has phased out manual applications of driving licence and has moved to a digital phase where applications for are done on-line.

First time applicant:
For one to obtain a driving licence in Kenya for the first time one needs to go through the following steps 

Enroll in a driving school 

Requirements for enrollment to train as a driver are as follows

1. One should not be less than 18 years old.
2. One should have obtained a Police clearance certificate. 
3. Ones should have no criminal record.
4. One should have no previous dangerous driving offence record.
5. One should have medical test certificate.
6. One should be able to read and write in the official languages.

Apply for a Provisional Driving licence (PDL)

A provisional driving licence is issued to an applicant who wants to undergo training in driving. It is endorsed in respect of any class or classes of motor vehicle which if he held a driving license he would be entitled to drive, in order that the applicant may learn to drive such class or classes of vehicle. This license is valid for three (3) months only but may be renewed for further periods of three months on payment of the prescribed fee of Ksh 650.

The application for the PDL is done through Kenya’s Government Service Portal E-Citizen Application , where a fee of Ksh 650 charged. The PDL becomes available after 24 hours.

This is done through the following steps:

1. Log in to the eCitizen website. You will be required to provide your email address or your National ID Number and password in order to access the online portal. If you are logging in for the first time, you will have to create or sign up for an account.
2. Once you have logged in, select the National Transport and Safety Authority tab for driving licence application then click on Provisional Driving Licence NC application.
3. Fill in the required details which include:
   1. Driving School
   2. Instructors NTSA Number
   3. Driving Licence Category
   4. Residential Address
4. After reviewing the details and you are satisfied that the information you have given is accurate, then, click submit.
5. A fee of Ksh 650 is charged for the process. Instructions of payment will be generated automatically and provided online. Modes of payment include Mobile money and debit transfers.
6. After you have paid and submitted a successful application, you will able to print the NTSA Provincial Driving Licence slip.

Book for a driving test with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)

After the applicant has completed the driving course, he should apply for a driving test with the NTSA. The test booking is done online on Online and test at NTSA Centres. A fee of Ksh 650 charged for the test. Upon a successful completion of the test one is issued with a Certificate of Competence (C of C)

1. Obtaining a certificate of competence (C of C)

When an applicant is satisfied that he can take a driving test, he shall be required to book for a test stating the date, time and location he would like to go for the driving test. A test booking certificate shall be issued upon payment of the prescribed fee. All driving tests are undertaken at Driving Test Units (DTU) which are based across the country. The driving tests are conducted by driving test examiners (DTE) and shall include a test of the applicant’s.

1. Knowledge of the rules of road;
2. Knowledge of recognized road signals and road signs;
3. Knowledge of any authorized road or Highway Code; and
4. Physical fitness to drive a motor vehicle of the class for which the license is required.

Once an applicant has passed a driving test, he shall be issued with a certificate of competence (C of C) indicating the class or classes of motor vehicle he is permitted to drive. The C of C is valid for a period of three (3) months, and upon expiry, it will be at the discretion of the licensing officer to decide whether the applicant will under-go another driving test, or on the contrary approve the application for payment of the driving license.

Apply for the driving licence

This is done online throughOnLine; one is required to pay a fee of Ksh 750 which is charged for the application.

1. Log in to the eCitizen website. You will be required to provide your email address or your National ID Number and password in order to access the online portal.
2. Once you have logged in, select the National Transport and Safety Authority tab for driving licence application then click on Driving Licence NC application.
3. Fill in the required details which include:
   1. Test drive booking type
   2. Licenced Test Drive Booking Number
4. After reviewing the details and you are satisfied that the information you have given is accurate, then, click submit.
5. A fee of Ksh 750 is charged for the process. Instructions of payment will be generated automatically and provided online. Modes of payment include Mobile money and debit transfers.
6. After you have paid and submitted a successful application, you will be able to print the NTSA issued Interim Driving Licence which can be used as one waits for the Driving licence. 
7. The driving licence is issued after 14 working days. Instructions on collection issued licence are send via email and text.
8. One is required to physically present themselves while collecting the driving licence. Proof of identity is required when picking up the driving licence.

Required Documents[edit]

• Proof of identity. (National Identity Card or Passport)
• Two passport size photographs
• Foreign license
• Copy of interim license and payment receipt
• Certificate of Competence (C of C)

Office Locations & Contacts[edit]

E-Citizen National Transport and Safety Authority application portal :E-citizen

National Transport and Safety Authority
Hill Park Building; Upper Hill
Nairobi Kenya
P.O Box 3602 -00506, Nairobi
Safaricom: 0709 932 000
Telkom: 020 6632 000
Email: info@ntsa.go.ke

E-Citizen Queries
Safaricom Line: 0709 932 300
Telkom Line: 020 6632 300

Huduma Kenya
Lonrho House,
15th Floor,
Standard Street Nairobi
P.O. Box 47716-00100, 
Nairobi
Phone: +254(020) 6900020
Website: www.hudumakenya.go.ke
Email: info@hudumakenya.go.ke