If you are a new driver on Kenyan Roads, then it’s common sense that not having a Valid driving license will lead to legal issues such as being subjected to various fines or Jail terms. Thus, knowing the Various classes of Driving licenses is quite essential, especially if you are looking to apply for one or even renew your driving license.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is the sole organization in Kenya under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in charge of overseeing the issuing of licenses, among many other functions. As of 2025, NTSA has moved beyond the old BCE class system to a detailed framework of specialized categories, each tailored to specific vehicle types and operational requirements. This comprehensive system ensures that drivers are properly qualified for the specific vehicles they operate, enhancing road safety across Kenya. So what are these new classes of driving license in Kenya?
What Are the New NTSA License Categories?
There are seven new categories of driving license in Kenya introduced by NTSA, ranked from Category A to Category G, each of which is only eligible to drivers who have met specific requirements. If you are a new driver looking to explore these categories, NTSA only permits you to study one category at a time and get licensed before applying for any other relevant category applicable to you depending on your vehicle type.
Here are all NTSA vehicle Categories as of 2025:
Category A – Motorcycles and Three-Wheelers
| License Class | Vehicle Type | Minimum Age | Vehicle Specifications | Load/Passenger Limits | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Moped | 16 years | Up to 50cc motorcycle | No passengers, no loads | None |
| A2 | Light Motorcycle | 18 years | Above 50cc motorcycle | Max 60kg load (up to 400cc), 1 passenger allowed | None |
| A3 | Motorcycle Taxi/Couriers/3-Wheelers | 21 years | Above 100cc motorcycle | Max 100kg load (up to 500cc), 1 passenger allowed | 1 year A2 experience |
Category B – Light Vehicles
| License Class | Vehicle Type | Minimum Age | Vehicle Specifications | Passenger Capacity | Gearbox Type | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | Light Vehicle | 18 years | Max 3,500kg GVW + trailer (max 750kg) | Up to 7 passengers | Manual or Automatic | None |
| B2 | Light Vehicle Automatic | 18 years | Max 3,500kg GVW + trailer (max 750kg) | Up to 7 passengers | Automatic only | None |
| B3 | Professional Light Vehicle | 21 years | Max 3,500kg GVW + trailer (max 750kg) | Up to 7 passengers | Manual or Automatic | None |
Category C – Trucks and Heavy Vehicles
| License Class | Vehicle Type | Age Range | Vehicle Specifications | Gearbox Type | Experience Required | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Light Truck | 22-65 years | 3,500kg – 7,500kg GVW | Manual or Automatic | B2 license for 2 years | None |
| C | Medium Truck | 24-65 years | Above 7,500kg GVW + light trailer (max 750kg) | Manual or Automatic | C1 experience for 2 years | Training required |
| CE | Heavy Truck with Trailer | 28-65 years | Above 7,500kg GVW + heavy trailer/semi-trailer | Manual or Automatic | C license for 4 years | Training and retesting required |
| CD | Hazardous Materials Transport | 30-65 years | Heavy truck + trailer for dangerous goods | Manual or Automatic | CE license for 2 years | Special training and retesting |
Category D – Public Service Vehicles (PSV)
| License Class | Vehicle Type | Age Range | Passenger Capacity | Gearbox Type | Experience Required | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | Van | 22-65 years | Maximum 14 passengers | Manual or Automatic | None specified | None |
| D2 | Mini-bus | 25-65 years | 14-32 passengers | Manual or Automatic | D1 experience for 3 years | Training and retesting required |
| D3 | Large Bus | 30-65 years | 33+ passengers | Manual or Automatic | D2 experience for 3 years | Training and retesting required |
Category E – Special Professional License
| License Class | Vehicle Type | Age Range | Vehicle Categories Covered | Experience Required | Endorsement Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | Special Professional | 21-65 years | Any vehicle from C1, C, CE, D, D1, D2, D3 categories | 3 months practice with relevant category vehicle | ED2 licenses endorsed for D1 & D; ECE licenses endorsed for C & C1 |
Category F – Persons with Disability (PWD)
| License Class | Vehicle Type | Minimum Age | Requirements | Vehicle Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | PWD Special License | 18 years | Valid medical certificate, disability assessment report | Depends on category trained for and disability type |
Category G – Industrial and Agricultural Equipment
| License Class | Equipment Type | Requirements | Equipment Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | Industrial/Construction/Agricultural | Endorsement on existing license | Forklift, motor grader, shovel, excavator, roller, and specialized plant equipment requiring special authorization |
How to Apply for a Driving License in Kenya
All applications for any category of driver licenses in Kenya are now made via the NTSA Portal, which is available on the eCitizen Portal. The process is relatively easy, so long as you meet the requirements, which technically include your ID number, phone number, KRA PIN, and Blood group, especially if you are not registered on the eCitizen portal.
The Registration on the Ecitiozen portal is quite easy. All you need to do is visit the official link: https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/en, click on the registration button at the top of the navigation, and follow the instructions.
So, let’s go back to how you can apply for your driving license. Here is the application process to follow:
- Visit the NTSA portal on the E-Citizen account at https://ntsa.ecitizen.go.ke/
- Next, on the services, click on “Driving Licence” and select “Apply Now”
- On the redirected page, click on “Make Application” to get started formally.
- Next, proceed to fill in the application forms as required and ensure that all the details you provide are correct before submitting them.
- Proceed to pay for your application using the Payment methods provided, i.e., M-PESA, Airtel Money, Debit/Credit/Prepaid card, EazzyPay, and MobiKash, and then pay KSh 3,050.
- After making your payment, click on “Complete” to complete the payment process.
- After that, you will be directed to a page with your invoice. You can download it as a PDF document to your device.
- Now go back to your account and click “Smart DL Appointment” to book an appointment with NTSA. They will take your biometrics and personal information. You will receive an SMS when your smart driving licence is ready.
Note
How much does it cost to get a driving license in Kenya? As of 2025, it costs about Ksh 3050, where Ksh 3000 is for the application and Ksh 50 is for the convenience fee. The Passport Renewal process is just the same as the one we detailed above when it comes to making an application. The whole process is entirely done via the e-Citizen Portal.
Questions and Answers
Which vehicles are in class B?
It covers light vehicles with a maximum Gross Vehicle Weight of 3,500kg plus one light trailer not exceeding 750kg.
What is a class C driving licence in Kenya?
It is for trucks and heavy commercial vehicles, with four progressive levels. The categories include:
- CD: Heavy trucks for transporting hazardous materials
- C1: Light trucks (3,500kg – 7,500kg GVW)
- C: Medium trucks (above 7,500kg GVW + light trailer)
- CE: Heavy trucks with heavy trailers/semi-trailers
How many classes are there in a driving licence?
There are 7 main classes in Kenya’s NTSA driving license system. The classes are:
- Class A: Motorcycles and three-wheelers (A1, A2, A3)
- Class B: Light vehicles (B1, B2, B3)
- Class C: Trucks and heavy vehicles (C1, C, CE, CD)
- Class D: Public Service Vehicles/PSV (D1, D2, D3)
- Class E: Special professional license
- Class F: Persons with disability
- Class G: Industrial/agricultural equipment
What is the meaning of PDL in driving?
PDL is a professional driving license offered as an interim license to learning drivers as they await their driver’s license to come out.
Which vehicles fall under class B2?
It covers light vehicles identical to other Class B categories, but is restricted to automatic transmission only.
What is a class A2 driving licence in Kenya?
It allows you to ride motorcycles above 50cc with passenger and cargo carrying capabilities.
And there you have it. We hope that these guides have helped you to clearly understand all the 7 types of driving license categories in Kenya offered by NTSA. Remember to apply. For these categories, the process is done via the E-Citizen portal, but at a fee, given that you have met all the requirements.
