NIT Driving Guide Kenya · 2026
Class B Driving Course
in Kenya
B1 or B2 · training · fees · NTSA test
A practical first-time learner guide to choosing B1 or B2, getting a PDL, completing Class B training and preparing for the NTSA driving test in Kenya.
Start with the right category
What should a first-time Class B learner know?
If you want to learn to drive a normal private car in Kenya, first decide whether you need B1 automatic or B2 manual/automatic. Both start from age 18.
At Newton Institute of Technology in Migori, Class B training costs KSh 12,000. NTSA/eCitizen charges are separate.
Choose before you enrol
B1 or B2: which Class B category should you choose?
For most first-time car learners, the practical choice is between B1 and B2.
| Feature | B1 — Light Vehicle Automatic | B2 — Light Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years | 18 years |
| Automatic car | Yes | Yes |
| Manual car | No | Yes |
| Maximum GVW | 3,500 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Best fit | Learners who will use automatic vehicles only. | Learners who want manual and automatic flexibility. |
Older Kenyan material may reverse B1 and B2. The 2020 rules changed the arrangement: under the current schedule, B1 is automatic-only and B2 covers manual or automatic light vehicles.
For all licence classes beyond this beginner comparison, see the NIT guide to NTSA driving licence categories in Kenya.
Before road lessons
Class B requirements and the PDL
The published Category B curriculum places the minimum age at 18 years and includes a medical-test certificate among the enrolment requirements. Learners should also follow the identification and application requirements shown in their current NTSA/eCitizen workflow.
Meet the age requirement
B1 and B2 begin from age 18 under the current licence schedule.
Obtain a PDL
The Provisional Driving Licence is the learner document used during training for the relevant vehicle category.
Learn under supervision
On a public road, a learner must be accompanied by a qualified driver holding the appropriate valid licence.
NTSA states that a PDL is valid for three months and may be renewed for further three-month periods on payment of the prescribed fee.
Keep tuition and government charges separate
How much is the Class B driving course?
For the full national fee breakdown and first-time learner budgeting, use the dedicated Driving School Fees in Kenya guide. Article 113 stays focused on the Class B learner journey.
Hours matter, not just calendar days
How long does Class B training take?
At Newton Institute of Technology, Class B training takes a minimum of one month, depending on attendance, lesson scheduling, practical progress and test availability.
| Category B training | Published hours | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Theory | 12 hours | Road rules, signs, signals, safe decisions and vehicle knowledge. |
| Practical | 34.5 hours | Vehicle control, manoeuvres and supervised road driving. |
| Total | 46.5 hours | The published Category B-specific curriculum allocation. |
What the course should build
What do you learn during Class B training?
The Category B curriculum concentrates on understanding the light vehicle, using its controls, mastering basic manoeuvres and applying those skills safely on the road.
Vehicle control
Starting, stopping, steering, acceleration, braking and—on manual B2 vehicles—clutch and gear coordination.
Manoeuvres
Turning, reversing, parking, hill control, braking and accurate vehicle positioning.
Road driving
Observation, junctions, bends, roundabouts, signs, pedestrians, safe speed and decisions in normal traffic.
A learner should know what action a road sign or rule requires while the vehicle is moving in real traffic.
The official assessment
What happens in the NTSA Class B driving test?
Category B provides for both theory and practical assessment. Before the official test, the published curriculum says the learner presented by the driving school should have achieved at least 70% in the school’s internal assessment.
| Assessment item | Published specification | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Theory | 2 hours | Road rules, recognised signs/signals, Highway Code knowledge and related theory. |
| Practical | 0.5 hour | Vehicle control and competent driving under examination. |
| Overall pass mark | Above 70% | The pass mark published in the Category B curriculum schedule. |
| Examiner | Driving Test Examiner | The driving school prepares the learner; the official examiner conducts the test. |
During practical assessment, expect attention to observation, mirror use, steering, braking, signalling, road positioning and the decisions you make around other road users. B2 learners also need competent clutch and gear control.
The aim is to show safe decisions and consistent vehicle control without constant instruction.
Fix these during training
Where Class B learners commonly struggle
Observation
Looking down at the gear lever, weak mirror use or failing to scan the road early enough.
Manual control
Repeated stalling and rushed clutch movement usually mean more controlled practice is needed.
Traffic decisions
Approaching junctions too quickly or memorising model-town answers without applying the road rule.
After the test
What happens after you pass?
Follow the post-test licensing instructions shown in your NTSA/eCitizen account. NTSA states that a successful applicant receives a Certificate of Competence indicating the class or classes of vehicle they are permitted to drive, and that the certificate is valid for three months.
Check that the result appears correctly in your account and complete the required licensing transaction after passing.
Train in Migori
Class B driving training at Newton Institute of Technology
Newton Institute of Technology is in Namba Area, Migori Town, along the Migori–Sirare Highway, approximately 0.3 km opposite Rubis Filling Station. Admissions are open continuously.
For learners planning the next step after Class B, continue to the NIT Class C and CE guide for commercial driving progression, or the NTSA Category G plant-operator licence guide for machine-operation licensing.
Quick questions
Class B driving course FAQs
Should I choose B1 or B2?
Choose B1 if you want to drive automatic light vehicles only. Choose B2 if you want the option of driving either manual or automatic light vehicles.
How much is Class B training at NIT?
The NIT training fee is KSh 12,000. NTSA/eCitizen charges are separate.
How long does Class B training take at NIT?
Training takes a minimum of one month, depending on attendance, practical progress, lesson scheduling and test availability.
What is included in the NTSA Class B test?
The published Category B curriculum provides for theory and practical assessment covering road knowledge and actual vehicle-control competence.
The shortest useful summary
Start with the correct Class B category
B1 is automatic-only. B2 covers manual or automatic light vehicles. Once you choose the right category, the learner route is: enrol → obtain the PDL → complete theory and practical training → prepare for the NTSA test → complete the licensing process after passing.
Ready to start?
Ask NIT about the next Class B intake
Tell Admissions whether you want B1 automatic or B2 training and ask for the current lesson timetable and enrolment steps.
Prepared by: Newton Institute of Technology Editorial Team · Institutional / Technical review: Engineer Simon Barongo · Last reviewed: 16 September 2026