A provisional driving licence is a temporary driving licence that allows you to drive a car while you’re learning to drive, and it’s a requirement before you can apply for a full driving licence.
So when can you apply for a provisional driving licence in Kenya? According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), you can apply for a provisional driving licence once you’ve enrolled in a licensed driving school.
The driving school will then guide you through the process of applying for the licence, which involves filling out an online application form and paying the required fee.
It’s important to note that a provisional driving licence in Kenya is only valid for a maximum of three months from the time of acquiring the licence.
During this time, you’ll need to undergo training and practice driving with a qualified driver holding a valid driving licence for the class or classes the applicant has been permitted to drive. Once you’ve completed your training and passed your driving test, you can then apply for a full driving licence.
Eligibility Criteria for Provisional Driving Licence
To apply for a provisional driving licence in Kenya, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a valid National Identification Card (ID) or Passport.
- You must have passed the eyesight test.
- You must have passed the theory test.
- You must have completed a minimum of 6 hours of practical driving lessons from a registered driving school.
- You must have a certificate of completion from the driving school where you took your lessons.
- You must have paid the required fee.
It is important to note that you cannot apply for a provisional driving licence if you have been disqualified from driving or if your driving licence has been revoked.
Additionally, if you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive, you may be required to provide a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
Once you have met all the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a provisional driving licence through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) TIMS portal. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online. You will need to provide your personal details, including your ID or Passport number, and pay the required fee.
After submitting your application, you will receive a notification from the NTSA once your provisional driving licence is ready for collection. It is important to note that a provisional driving licence is valid for a period of one year, after which you will need to apply for a full driving licence if you wish to continue driving.
Application Process
To apply for a provisional driving licence in Kenya, you need to follow a few steps. Here’s a brief overview of the application process:
- Create an account on the NTSA TIMS online website.
- Log in to your account and locate the “Driving Licence” option in your dashboard.
- Choose the type of licence you wish to apply for, which in this case is the “Application for PDL” option.
- Read the instructions that follow and then click “Next.”
- Fill in the required details, such as your personal information, identification number, and driving school details.
- Upload a scanned copy of your national ID or passport and a passport-sized photo.
- Pay the application fee, which is currently Ksh. 1050.
- Submit your application and wait for approval.
It’s important to note that the approval process can take up to 21 days, so be patient. Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification via SMS or email. You can then download and print your provisional driving licence from your NTSA TIMS account.
Keep in mind that holding a provisional driving licence does not allow you to drive on the main road without the company of a qualified driver. You are still limited to some extent, so make sure to follow all the rules and regulations of the road.
Required Documents
To apply for a provisional driving licence in Kenya, you will need to provide certain documents. Here are the documents you will need to gather before applying for a provisional driving licence:
National ID or Passport
You will need to provide a copy of your National ID or Passport. The ID or Passport should be valid and up-to-date. Ensure that the copy is clear and legible.
Two Passport Size Photos
You will need to provide two passport size photos. The photos should be taken within the last six months and should be in color. Ensure that the photos are clear and of good quality.
Application Fee
You will need to pay an application fee to apply for a provisional driving licence. The fee can be paid at any NTSA office or through M-Pesa. The current fee for a provisional driving licence is Kshs. 650.
Certificate of Good Conduct
You will need to provide a certificate of good conduct. The certificate can be obtained from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) or through the eCitizen portal. The certificate should not be more than six months old.
Medical Certificate
You will need to provide a medical certificate from a certified medical practitioner. The certificate should indicate that you are physically and mentally fit to drive. The certificate should not be more than six months old.
Ensure that you have all the required documents before applying for a provisional driving licence. Failure to provide any of the required documents may result in delays or rejection of your application.
Fees and Payment Methods
To apply for a provisional driving licence in Kenya, you will need to pay a fee of Ksh. 650. This fee is payable through various methods, including mobile money, credit/debit card, and eCitizen agents.
One of the most convenient ways to pay for your provisional driving licence application fee is through mobile money services such as M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or T-Kash.
Simply dial the appropriate USSD code for your mobile service provider, select “Lipa na M-Pesa” or “Pay Bill,” enter the business number for eCitizen (206206), enter your account number (which is your National ID number), and then enter the amount you wish to pay (Ksh. 650). Follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
Alternatively, you can pay for your provisional driving licence application fee using your credit or debit card. To do this, log in to your eCitizen account, select “National Transport and Safety Authority,” and then select “Provisional Driving License.” Follow the prompts to enter your card details and complete the payment.
If you prefer to pay in cash, you can visit any eCitizen agent to make your payment. Simply provide your National ID number and the agent will process your payment and issue you with a receipt.
It is important to note that the application fee for a provisional driving licence is non-refundable. Therefore, make sure you have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility requirements before making the payment.
Online Application Procedure
To apply for a provisional driving license in Kenya, you can use the Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) online platform. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a provisional driving license online:
- Log in to your TIMS account. If you don’t have an account, create one by following the instructions on the website.
- Once you’re logged in, click on the “Driving License” option in your dashboard.
- You will be directed to the license application dashboard where you will be able to choose the type of license you wish to apply for. Select the “Application for PDL” option.
- Read the instructions that follow and then click “Next.”
- Fill in the application form with your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, identification number, and contact information.
- Upload a scanned copy of your National ID card or passport, a passport-sized photograph, and any other documents required by the system.
- Pay the application fee using the available payment options, such as M-Pesa, credit/debit card, or bank transfer.
- Submit your application and wait for it to be processed. You can track the status of your application on the TIMS platform.
It’s important to note that once your application is approved, you will be issued with a provisional driving license that is valid for six months. During this period, you must enroll in a licensed driving school and complete your driving lessons and tests. After passing your driving test, you can apply for a full driving license.
Overall, the online application procedure for a provisional driving license in Kenya is simple and straightforward. By following the above steps, you can apply for a provisional driving license from the comfort of your home or office without having to visit any NTSA offices.
Offline Application Procedure
If you prefer to apply for your provisional driving licence offline, you can do so by following these steps:
- Visit any NTSA office or Huduma Centre near you. You can find the nearest Huduma Centre by dialing *100# on your mobile phone and following the prompts.
- Request for a PDL application form from the customer service desk.
- Fill out the form accurately and completely. Make sure to provide all the required information and attach all the necessary documents, such as your national ID card, two passport-size photos, and your driving school certificate.
- Pay the PDL application fee at the cashier’s desk. The fee is Kshs. 650.
- Submit the application form and all the supporting documents to the customer service desk.
- Wait for your application to be processed. You will receive a notification via SMS when your PDL is ready for collection.
It is important to note that applying for a PDL offline may take longer than applying online. However, it is a viable option if you do not have access to the internet or prefer to handle the application process in person.
Waiting Period After Application
After submitting your Provisional Driving Licence (PDL) application, you will need to wait for a certain period before your application is approved. According to Kenya Magazine, it takes a minimum of 21 days for the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to approve your PDL application.
It is important to note that the waiting period may vary depending on the number of applications that the NTSA is processing at any given time. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for your PDL well in advance to avoid any delays.
During the waiting period, you can enroll in a licensed driving school and start your driving lessons. However, you cannot start driving on the road until you receive your PDL. It is also important to note that the PDL is only valid for three months. Therefore, you should complete your driving lessons and apply for the normal driving licence before the expiry of the PDL.
Once your PDL application is approved, you can download and print your PDL from the NTSA Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) portal. You can then visit any NTSA office to collect your PDL card. It is important to carry your PDL card with you whenever you are driving as failure to do so may result in fines or other penalties.
In conclusion, the waiting period after submitting your PDL application is a crucial time to complete your driving lessons and prepare for your driving test. Therefore, it is important to apply for your PDL well in advance and be patient during the waiting period.
Validity and Renewal of Provisional Licence
Once you obtain a provisional driving licence in Kenya, it is valid for a period of three months. During this time, you are expected to enroll in a licensed driving school and learn how to drive. You will also need to apply for a full driving licence before the provisional licence expires if you want to continue driving legally.
It is important to note that you cannot drive on a road alone with a provisional driving licence. You must be accompanied by a qualified driver holding a valid driving licence for the class or classes the applicant has been permitted to drive.
If your provisional driving licence expires before you get a full driving licence, you will need to apply for a new provisional licence. You can apply for a renewal of your provisional licence by visiting the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) offices or through the eCitizen portal.
To renew your provisional driving licence, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A copy of your national ID or passport
- A copy of your current provisional driving licence
- A medical certificate from a government hospital or clinic
- A driving school certificate
- A logbook for the vehicle you will be using for the test
After submitting your application, you will be required to take a driving test to determine whether you are eligible for a full driving licence. If you pass the test, you will be issued with a full driving licence.
It is important to renew your provisional driving licence before it expires to avoid any legal issues while driving.
Common Issues and Solutions
When applying for a provisional driving licence in Kenya, there are a few common issues that you may encounter. Here are some solutions to help you overcome them:
1. Age Requirements
To apply for a provisional driving licence in Kenya, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are younger than this, you will not be eligible for a licence. In this case, you will need to wait until you reach the age of 18 before you can apply.
2. Medical Issues
Before you can apply for a provisional driving licence, you will need to undergo a medical examination. This is to ensure that you are physically fit to drive. If you have any medical issues that could affect your ability to drive, such as poor eyesight or a medical condition that affects your mobility, you may need to provide additional documentation or undergo further medical tests.
3. Criminal Record
If you have a criminal record, you may encounter difficulties when applying for a provisional driving licence. This is because the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) may consider you to be a high-risk driver. In this case, you may need to provide additional documentation or undergo further checks to prove that you are a responsible and safe driver.
4. Lack of Driving Experience
If you have little or no driving experience, you may find it difficult to pass the practical driving test required to obtain a full driving licence. To overcome this issue, you may want to consider enrolling in a driving school or taking driving lessons with a qualified instructor. This will help you to gain the necessary skills and experience to pass the test and obtain your full driving licence.
By being aware of these common issues and their solutions, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining a provisional driving licence in Kenya.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know when you can apply for a provisional driving licence in Kenya. Remember that you can apply for a provisional driving licence when you are 18 years old or older.
To apply, you will need to create an account on the eCitizen website, provide the necessary personal information, upload a passport-size photo, and pay the application fee. Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification to schedule an appointment for a driving test.
It is important to note that you must enroll in a licensed driving school and complete the required driving lessons before taking the driving test. Additionally, you must pass the driving test to obtain a full driving licence.
We hope this guide has been helpful in answering your questions about when you can apply for a provisional driving licence in Kenya. Remember to always follow the driving rules and regulations to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Good luck on your driving journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age requirement for a provisional driving licence in Kenya?
The minimum age requirement for a provisional driving licence in Kenya is 18 years for vehicles and 16 years for motorcycles.
How do I apply for a provisional driving licence on eCitizen?
To apply for a provisional driving licence on eCitizen, you need to create an account, log in, and navigate to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) portal. Then, select “Driving Licenses,” and click on “Provisional Driving License.” Follow the prompts to fill in your details and those of your driving school. Upload the necessary documents and pay a fee of Ksh 650. You can then download and print your provisional driving licence.
Is there a fee for applying for a provisional driving licence in Kenya?
Yes, there is a fee for applying for a provisional driving licence in Kenya. As of September 2023, the fee is Ksh 650.
How long does it take for a provisional driving licence to be approved?
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) takes at least 21 days to approve a provisional driving licence application. However, the processing time may vary depending on the workload and other factors.
Can I check the status of my provisional driving licence application online?
Yes, you can check the status of your provisional driving licence application online. Log in to your eCitizen account, go to the NTSA portal, and select “Driving Licenses.” Then, click on “Provisional Driving License,” and you will see the status of your application.
What is the difference between a provisional driving licence and an interim driving licence in Kenya?
A provisional driving licence is issued to individuals who have completed a driving course and passed the driving test but have not yet attained the minimum age requirement for a full driving licence. An interim driving licence, on the other hand, is issued to individuals whose driving licence has been lost, stolen, or damaged, and they need a temporary replacement while waiting for a new one.
