The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has raised concerns over the reported removal of the Class CD endorsement from renewed driving licenses.
Motorists have been warned that the change could create significant challenges for truck drivers transporting hazardous cargo, including petroleum products.
In a notice issued on August 21, the association said it has received complaints from drivers whose driving licenses were renewed without the Class CD endorsement.
According to LoDDCA, the issue has already led to enforcement disputes, arrests, detention, and operational difficulties for drivers operating within Kenya and across international borders.
“The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has received numerous complaints from drivers regarding the removal of the Class “CD” endorsement on renewed Driving Licenses. LoDDCA is fully aware of this development and the serious challenges it has created for drivers, including unnecessary enforcement disputes, arrests and detention within Kenya and across international borders,” part of the statement read.
The Association also argued that the issue is particularly concerning for drivers transporting hazardous cargo, including petroleum tanker drivers, many of whom still hold valid Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) certifications.
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LoDDCA on NTSA Class CD Removal
In response to the situation, LoDDCA has advised drivers to inspect the renewed document and confirm the CD endorsement status by comparing their renewed document with earlier licenses and preserve any evidence showing their qualification history.
The association has also urged drivers to retain copies or photographs of previous licenses showing the endorsement where available.
Drivers renewing their driving licenses have also been cautioned to ensure their EPRA Petroleum Road Tanker Driver Certificate or Card remains valid and up to date.
Additional drivers should keep all the required professional, vehicle, and hazardous cargo documentation updated and readily available for presentation if required.
Further, the association has called on all drivers to report any arrests and detentions, as well as any denial of passage due to a missing endorsement, to the association.
LoDDCA has called on NTSA, EPRA, and other relevant agencies to clarify the legal and operational implications of removing the Class CD endorsement.
NTSA CD Endorsement
The Class CD endorsement applies to drivers operating heavy commercial vehicles used to transport hazardous goods.
For transport companies, regulators, and enforcement agencies, the endorsement shows that a driver has met the qualifications required to transport dangerous cargo safely.
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Earlier NTSA License Reforms
In 2023, NTSA introduced mandatory periodic retesting for commercial and public-service vehicle drivers.
During the reform, NTSA ordered drivers of matatus, taxis, and commercial and school buses to undertake a periodic retest every three years before license renewal.
For the retest, every driver was directed to apply through their eCitizen account and pay KSh 1,050.
“The re-test is for commercial and public service vehicle drivers and is a prerequisite for renewal of driving licenses with class endorsement(s): 83, D1, D2, D3, C, Cl. CE and CD. The re-test shall be conducted every three years upon the expiry of driving licenses with class endorsement(s): B3, DI, D2, D3, C, Cl. CE and CD,” NTSA directed.
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