In Kenya, driving licenses are categorized based on the type of vehicle and the qualifications required to operate them. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) governs the issuance of these licenses, ensuring that drivers are qualified and adhere to the safety standards set for various vehicles. Below is a detailed list of driving license categories in Kenya, highlighting the type of vehicle each license permits the holder to operate.
Category A: Motorcycle and Mopeds
1. Category AM – Moped
- Enables one to ride a motorcycle with a capacity not exceeding 50cc.
- Minimum Age: 16 years.
2. Category A1 – Light Motorcycle
- Enables one to ride a motorcycle above 50cc.
- Minimum Age: 18 years.
3. Category A2 – Motorcycle Taxi, Couriers & Three-Wheelers
- Enables one to ride a motorcycle above 50cc and carry passengers.
- 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
- Allows driving of a light passenger vehicle up to 3500cc (automatic) and light trailers up to 750cc.
- Minimum Age: 18 years.
6. Category B2 – Light Vehicle
- Allows driving of a light passenger vehicle up to 3500cc (manual or automatic) and light trailers up to 750cc.
- Minimum Age: 18 years.
7. Category B3 – Professional Light Vehicle
- Allows driving of a taxi cab up to 3500cc (manual or automatic).
- Minimum Age: 21 years with 4 years of experience.
Category C: Heavy Trucks
8. Category C1 – Light Truck
- Allows driving a light truck with a maximum gross weight of 7,500kgs.
- Minimum Age: 21 years; must have held a B2 license for at least 2 years.
9. Category C – Medium Truck
- Allows driving a heavy truck with a gross weight exceeding 7,500kgs.
- Minimum Age: 24 years; must have held a C1 license for 2 years.
10. Category CE – Heavy Truck with Trailer
- Allows driving a heavy truck with a trailer or semi-trailer exceeding 7,500kgs.
- Minimum Age: 28 years; must have held a C license for 4 years.
11. Category CD – Heavy Goods Vehicle for Hazardous Items
- Allows driving of heavy trucks carrying hazardous items.
Category D: Buses and Passenger Transport
12. Category D1 – Van
- Allows driving a van with up to 14 passengers.
- Minimum Age: 22 years.
13. Category D2 – Minibus
- Allows driving a bus with 14-32 passengers.
- Minimum Age: 25 years; must have held a D1 license for 3 years.
14. Category D3 – Large Bus
- Allows driving a bus with 33 or more passengers.
- Minimum Age: 30 years; must have held a D2 license for 3 years.
15. Category D4 – Articulated Bus
- Allows driving an articulated bus.
- Minimum Experience: 3 years driving D3.
16. Category DE – Large Bus with Trailer
- Allows driving motor vehicles of Category D coupled with a trailer exceeding 750kgs.
Other Categories
17. Category E – Special Professional Driving License
- Allows one to drive vehicles in categories C1, C, CE, D, D1, D2, D3, and licensed as EC1, EC, ECE, ED, ED1, ED2, and ECDE3.
- Minimum Age: 21 years.
18. Category F – Special License for Persons with Disability
- Allows individuals with disabilities to drive specialized vehicles.
- Minimum Age: 18 years. A valid medical certificate and disability certificate are required.
19. Category G – Industrial, Construction, and Agricultural Equipment
- Allows one to operate special industrial, construction, and agricultural machinery, such as forklifts and excavators.