The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued detailed guidance on how aspiring driving instructors can apply for an instructor driving licence in Kenya.
The move is meant to standardize training, improve road safety, and ensure only qualified individuals are allowed to train learner drivers across the country.
Who Is Eligible for an Instructor Driving Licence?
According to NTSA, an applicant must hold a valid driving licence that covers all vehicle classes.
This ensures the instructor is competent to train learners across different vehicle categories.
In addition, one must have at least four years of active driving experience, a requirement intended to ensure that instructors have sufficient practical exposure on Kenyan roads before teaching others.
Applicants are also required to present a valid certificate of good conduct confirming that the do not have a criminal record that would disqualify them from working with learner drivers. A medical report is also mandatory.
The report must state that the applicant has no objection to a hospital referral and confirms that they are medically fit to perform instructional duties.
The authority requires applicants to hold a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum grade of D minus.
Also Read: NTSA Issues New Easter Road Safety Directive After Gilgil Crash
Training at an Accredited Instructor School
NTSA requires all prospective instructors to select an accredited instructor training school. This is a mandatory step, and applicants are advised to confirm that their chosen institution is officially approved.
Training at the accredited school takes 21 days. During this period, trainees are trained in instructional methods, road safety principles, traffic laws, and best practices for handling learner drivers in real-world traffic environments.
After completing the 21-day training, candidates must book a test, which is conducted by NTSA and assesses both knowledge and competence as a driving instructor.
Following the test, results are uploaded within two working days. This allows successful candidates to move quickly to the next stage of the application process without unnecessary delays.
Also Read: NTSA Issues New Easter Road Safety Directive After Gilgil Crash
Applying for Instructor Licence, Fees Charged Processing Timeline and Renewal
According to NTSA, candidates who pass the test are required to apply for the instructor driving license through their online account, making the process easier and more accessible.
After submitting the application, applicants must make the required payments, and once payment is confirmed, the instructor’s driving license can be downloaded and printed directly from the system.
NTSA has also provided a clear breakdown of the charges involved, and booking the instructor test costs KSh 1,050. The instructor’s driving license itself is also charged at KSh 1,050.
For instructors renewing their licenses, the renewal fee is KSh 1,050.
For new applicants, the instructor’s driving license takes 21 days to be fully processed. NTSA advises applicants to plan accordingly, especially those looking to begin instructional work immediately after qualifying.
Licence renewal, however, is processed instantly once payment is made, allowing instructors to continue their work without disruption.
NTSA Outlines Conditions for Establishing Driving Schools in Kenya
NTSA had also issued guidance detailing the conditions and steps required the register new driving schools in the country.
In a notice dated April 14, NTSA said applicants must submit a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN registered to the driving school, along with a Certificate of Registration or a Gazette Notice, and the relevant KRA PIN documentation.
The authority further indicated that applicants must provide the national identification numbers of the directors or the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) responsible for managing the driving school.
Additionally, NTSA explained that applicants must provide a mobile phone number not associated with any existing TIMS account, intended to enhance system security and reduce fraud or duplication.
