In Kenya, driving licenses are categorized to ensure that drivers are well-trained and competent to operate various types of vehicles. The categories are set by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), which is responsible for issuing both driving and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licenses. Each category is designed to match specific vehicle types and levels of expertise, from motorcycles to heavy trucks and buses.
Understanding the different driving license categories is crucial for anyone looking to operate motor vehicles professionally or personally. This article provides a detailed overview of the various driving license categories in Kenya, their requirements, and the services each category enables you to perform.
Category A: Motorcycles and Mopeds
1. Category AM – Moped
Enables one to ride a moped with an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc.
Minimum Age: 16 years
2. Category A1 – Light Motorcycle
Enables one to ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity above 50cc.
Minimum Age: 18 years
3. Category A2 – Motorcycle Taxi, Couriers & Three Wheelers
Enables one to ride a motorcycle above 50cc and carry a passenger, including operating three-wheel motorcycles.
Minimum Age: 18 years
4. Category A3 – Three-Wheeled Motorcycle
Enables one to operate a three-wheeled motorcycle, with a maximum of 3 passengers.
Minimum Age: 18 years
Category B: Light Vehicles
5. Category B1 – Automatic Light Vehicle
Enables one to drive a light passenger vehicle (up to 3500cc) with an automatic transmission, and a light trailer (up to 750cc).
Minimum Age: 18 years
6. Category B2 – Light Vehicle
Enables one to drive a light passenger vehicle (up to 3500cc), either manual or automatic, and a light trailer (up to 750cc).
Minimum Age: 18 years
Note: Holder of this category can also operate Category B1.
7. Category B3 – Professional
Enables one to drive a taxi or other light commercial vehicle (up to 3500cc), including carrying passengers.
Minimum Age: 21 years
Experience: At least 4 years in Category B2
Category C: Trucks
8. Category C1 – Light Truck
Enables one to drive a light truck with a gross weight not exceeding 7,500kgs.
Minimum Age: 21 years
Experience: Must be a holder of Category B2 for at least 2 years
9. Category C – Medium Truck
Enables one to drive a heavy truck with a gross weight exceeding 7,500kgs.
Minimum Age: 24 years
Experience: 2 years of driving Category C1
10. Category CE – Heavy Truck With Trailer
Enables one to drive a heavy truck with a gross weight exceeding 7,500kgs, coupled to a trailer or semi-trailer.
Minimum Age: 28 years
Experience: 4 years in Category C
11. Category CD – Heavy Goods Vehicle for Transport of Hazardous Items
Enables one to drive a heavy truck used for transporting hazardous materials.
Requirements: Additional training and certification
Category D: Buses and Passenger Vehicles
12. Category D1 – Van
Enables one to drive a van with a capacity of up to 14 passengers.
Minimum Age: 22 years
Note: Holder can operate Categories B1 and B2.
13. Category D2 – Minibus
Enables one to drive a minibus with 14-32 passengers.
Minimum Age: 25 years
Experience: At least 3 years driving Category D1
14. Category D3 – Large Bus
Enables one to drive a bus with 33 or more passengers.
Minimum Age: 30 years
Experience: At least 3 years driving Category D2
Training: Required for this category
15. Category D4 – Articulated Bus
Enables one to drive an articulated bus.
Experience: Must have at least 3 years driving Category D3
16. Category DE – Articulated Bus with Trailer
Enables one to drive an articulated bus coupled to a trailer.
Experience: Must have 3 years in Category D3
Other Categories
17. Category E – Special Professional Driving License
Enables one to drive any vehicles classified under Categories C1, C, CE, D, D1, D2, D3, and licensed accordingly.
Minimum Age: 21 years
Experience: Completion of 3 months driving practice for any vehicle under the listed categories.
18. Category F – Special Driver’s License for Persons with Disabilities
Enables one to drive a specially adapted vehicle for persons with disabilities.
Minimum Age: 18 years
Requirements: Medical certificate, disability assessment report
19. Category G – Industrial Construction and Agricultural Plants and Equipment
Enables one to operate specialized plant machinery such as forklifts, motor graders, shovels, and excavators.
Required Certification: Special authorization required
Understanding the various categories of driving licenses in Kenya is essential for anyone wishing to operate a motor vehicle, whether for personal use or as a professional driver. The NTSA has established these categories to ensure that drivers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to operate different types of vehicles safely. Whether you’re interested in driving a motorcycle, light vehicle, heavy truck, or large bus, knowing which category you fall under is key to obtaining the right license and legally operating a vehicle in Kenya.
