Kenya driving licence guide · Official class structure
NTSA Driving Licence Categories in Kenya: Classes and Requirements
A clear guide to motorcycle, car, truck, PSV, professional, disability and plant-operator licence classes in Kenya.
NTSA licence groups at a glance
The correct class depends on the vehicle’s transmission, gross weight, passenger capacity and purpose. Drivers must hold a valid licence endorsed for the class they operate.
Motorcycles
Mopeds, light motorcycles, motorcycle taxis, courier bikes and three-wheelers.
AM, A1, A2 and A3Light vehicles
Automatic, manual and professional light passenger vehicles.
B1, B2 and B3Commercial trucks
Light trucks, medium trucks, articulated vehicles and hazardous-goods vehicles.
C1, C, CE and CDPassenger vehicles
Passenger vans, minibuses, large buses and articulated buses.
D1, D2, D3, D4 and DEProfessional
Special professional endorsements linked to qualifying commercial or passenger classes.
Special professional licenceDisability licence
For a Person with Disability trained and tested in the appropriate vehicle.
Medical and assessment documents applyPlant and machinery
Industrial, construction and agricultural plant requiring special authorisation.
Endorsed on the driving licenceCategory A: motorcycles and three-wheelers
| Class | What it covers | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|---|
| AM | Moped of up to 50cc. No passenger or load. | Minimum age: 16 years |
| A1 | Light motorcycle above 50cc; may carry a passenger. | Minimum age: 18 years |
| A2 | Motorcycle taxi, courier motorcycle and qualifying three-wheelers. | Minimum age: 18 years |
| A3 | Three-wheeled motorcycle carrying up to three passengers. | Minimum age: 18 years |
Category B: light vehicles
| Class | What it covers | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | Automatic light passenger vehicle only. Maximum GVW: 3,500 kg; maximum seven passengers. | Minimum age: 18 years |
| B2 | Manual or automatic light vehicle. Includes qualifying non-passenger vans below 3,500 kg tare weight. | Minimum age: 18 years |
| B3 | Professional light vehicle or taxicab with manual or automatic transmission; maximum seven passengers. | Minimum age: 21 years |
B1 and B2 are often confused
B1 is restricted to automatic vehicles. B2 covers both manual and automatic light vehicles.
Category C: commercial trucks
| Class | What it covers | Age and experience |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Light truck above 3,500 kg and not exceeding 7,500 kg. | Age 22–65; B2 held for at least two years |
| C | Medium truck exceeding 7,500 kg with a light trailer where permitted. | Age 24–65; two years’ C1 experience |
| CE | Heavy truck with a heavy trailer or semi-trailer, including articulated vehicles. | Age 28–65; four years’ C experience; training and retesting |
| CD | Heavy goods vehicle used to transport hazardous materials. | Age 30–65; two years’ CE experience |
Category D: passenger service vehicles
| Class | What it covers | Age and experience |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Passenger van carrying a maximum of 14 passengers. | Age 22–65 |
| D2 | Minibus carrying 14 to 32 passengers. | Age 25–65; three years’ D1 experience |
| D3 | Large bus carrying 33 or more passengers. | Age 30–65; three years’ D2 experience; training and retesting |
| D4 | Articulated bus. | Three years’ D3 experience; maximum age 65 |
| DE | Category D vehicle coupled to a trailer exceeding 750 kg. | Confirm the applicable NTSA endorsement requirements |
Categories E, F and G
| Category | Purpose | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|
| E | Special professional licence linked to qualifying commercial or passenger-vehicle classes. | Age 21–65 and the required driving practice in the relevant class |
| F | Licence for a Person with Disability trained and tested in the appropriate vehicle. | Minimum age 18; medical certificate, assessment report and disability certificate |
| G | Industrial, construction and agricultural plant and equipment. | Endorsement for the relevant machine is entered on the driving licence |
Machines covered under Category G
- Excavators and backhoe loaders
- Motor graders and rollers
- Shovels and bulldozers
- Forklifts and material-handling plant
- Dumpers and cranes
- Farm tractors and approved agricultural plant
Confirm the exact plant endorsement
The published rules describe Category G generally. Applicants should confirm the machine shown on the PDL and final licence before training or testing.
Driving and plant-operator training at NIT
Newton Institute of Technology provides practical training in selected classes under Categories A, B, C, D and G. Applicants are guided to choose a class that matches the vehicle, job or machine they intend to operate.
Plant-operator courses available
- Excavator
- Motor grader
- Bulldozer
- Motor roller
- Shovel
- Forklift
- Farm tractor
Practical preparation
Training covers theory, practical operation, safety, daily inspection and preparation for the relevant NTSA examination.
Confirm your class with NIT
Before paying or applying for a PDL, confirm the current intake, entry requirements and exact licence class with the admissions team.
Practical technical and driver training.
Migori–Sirare Highway, Namba Area.
Common questions
What is the difference between B1 and B2?
B1 is restricted to automatic light vehicles. B2 covers both manual and automatic light vehicles.
Which class is used for taxi or ride-hailing work?
B3 is the professional light-vehicle class for taxicabs and similar work. Separate PSV, operator or platform requirements may also apply.
Which category covers forklifts and excavators?
Forklifts, excavators and other approved industrial, construction or agricultural machines fall under Category G.
Can a driver move directly to CE or D3?
No. These advanced classes have minimum-age, previous-experience, training and retesting requirements.
Where are NTSA applications and tests handled?
PDL applications and driver services are handled through the NTSA Service Portal. Driving tests are conducted through authorised NTSA testing arrangements.
- Prepared by
- Newton Institute of Technology Editorial Team
- Institutional review
- Engineer Simon Barongo, Director
- Last reviewed
- 13 August 2026