In Kenya, driving licenses are classified based on the type of vehicle a person is allowed to drive. The categories of driving licenses in Kenya are defined by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and are as follows:

1. Class A1

• Motorcycles and Scooters: This license is for individuals who want to ride motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 250cc. It also includes scooters and mopeds.

2. Class A

• Motorcycles: This license is for individuals who want to ride motorcycles with engine capacities exceeding 250cc, including larger motorcycles.

3. Class B

• Private Cars and Small Vehicles: This category is for drivers of private cars and other light vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of up to 3,500 kg.

4. Class C1

• Light Goods Vehicles: This license allows individuals to drive light commercial vehicles or trucks with a GVW of between 3,500 kg and 5,000 kg.

5. Class C

• Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): This license is for individuals who want to drive heavy commercial vehicles or trucks with a GVW exceeding 5,000 kg. It includes larger trucks, lorries, and vehicles used for transporting goods.

6. Class D

• Buses and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs): This license is for individuals who want to drive buses and other vehicles designed for public transport (e.g., minibuses and coaches).

7. Class E

• Towing Vehicles and Trailers: This category is for individuals who wish to drive vehicles with a trailer attached. It is used for drivers of towing vehicles, especially those in the transport and logistics industry.

8. Class F

• Agricultural Vehicles: This license is required for drivers of agricultural machinery, such as tractors, harvesters, and other farm equipment.

9. Class G

• Construction Vehicles: This license is for drivers operating construction machinery, including excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and other heavy-duty machinery used in construction sites.

10. Class H

• Special Vehicles: This includes driving licenses for specialized vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles.

Provisional (Learner’s) License

• Before obtaining a full driving license, a learner’s permit (provisional license) is issued to allow individuals to practice driving under the supervision of a qualified driver.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

• An IDP is available for Kenyan drivers who wish to drive in other countries. It is a translation of a Kenyan driving license that allows the holder to drive internationally.

Public Service Vehicle (PSV) License

• This is a special license for individuals who want to operate public transport vehicles like buses, minibuses, or matatus, which are used for passenger transport.

Special License (Temporary/For Training)

• This license is issued for a limited period, allowing individuals to practice for a driving test or learn to operate a specific vehicle type.

License Categories Summary:

• Class A1: Motorcycles (up to 250cc)
• Class A: Motorcycles (over 250cc)
• Class B: Private cars
• Class C1: Light trucks (up to 5,000 kg)
• Class C: Heavy trucks
• Class D: Buses and PSVs
• Class E: Towing vehicles/trailers
• Class F: Agricultural vehicles
• Class G: Construction vehicles
• Class H: Special vehicles (e.g., emergency vehicles)

The types of licenses in Kenya ensure that drivers are qualified to operate specific vehicles based on their class and size.

Always check the latest regulations with the NTSA for any updates or changes to these categories.