| Vehicle Class | Typical Duration | Key Factors Affecting Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Light Vehicle (Class B, Manual/Automatic) | 3-5 weeks | Learner's schedule (full-time vs. part-time), prior experience, school flexibility |
| Light Van (<7 passengers, Class B) | 4 weeks | Lesson attendance (min. 30 lessons, 2-3 hours/day), NTSA test readiness |
| Heavy Vehicles (Class C, CE, D - Trucks/Buses) | 4-8 weeks | Vehicle complexity, practical road hours required, instructor availability |
| Crash/Intensive Program | 1-2 weeks | Suitable for experienced learners only; higher daily hours but riskier for beginners |
Driving school in Kenya typically spans 3 to 6 weeks for most learners targeting a Class B license, covering theory, practicals, and road tests under NTSA guidelines. Full programs demand at least 30 lessons of 2-3 hours each, blending classroom sessions on road signs, video programs, and hands-on driving. From enrollment to license issuance, the full process—including testing and processing—often extends to 6-10 weeks.
Standard Timeline Breakdown
Classes run daily from Monday to Friday, often 8 AM to 7 PM, with weekend options up to 1 PM, accommodating working learners via early morning (7-8 AM) or evening (5-6 PM) slots. A standard light vehicle course lasts 4 weeks full-time, as seen at schools like Sensei or ICS Technical College, where trainees complete theory first before circuit and road practicals. Heavy vehicle training stretches longer due to advanced maneuvers like reversing trailers or bus handling.
Minimum age is 18, and schools like Kiambu National Polytechnic cap courses at 3 months maximum for flexibility. Post-training, NTSA scheduling adds 1-2 weeks; passing yields a smart license (KSh 3,050 fee) processed in another 2-4 weeks.
Factors Influencing Duration
Learner's prior experience shortens timelines—experienced drivers might opt for crash courses, though beginners risk failure without basics. School choice matters: Reputable NTSA-approved ones like AA Kenya, Rocky, or Petanns enforce full hours, while local options offer smoother, faster paces at 12k-14k KSh total.
Attendance is critical; missing sessions delays certification. Location impacts too—Nairobi schools like those in the city center face traffic, extending practicals, versus quieter upcountry spots. Vehicle type adds time: Automatics are quicker for some, but manuals dominate Class B requirements.
Economic factors play in: Budget schools (KSh 10k-20k) prioritize efficiency, but premium ones invest in simulators or extra road time.
Step-by-Step Process
Start with enrollment at an NTSA-approved school, paying upfront for 30+ lessons. Week 1 focuses on theory: Road signs, rules, and hazard perception via videos. Weeks 2-3 shift to yard work—clutches, parking, hill starts—then road driving on highways.
By week 4, simulate NTSA tests: Circuit (parallel parking, emergency stops) and road (lane discipline, speed limits). Schools book your NTSA slot; theory is tablet-based, practical assesses real skills. Failures require re-lessons and retests (extra fees), pushing timelines.
Costs and School Selection
Fees average KSh 12k-20k for light vehicles, rising for heavies; includes lessons but NTSA test (KSh 1,050) and license are separate. Top schools—Rocky, Heltz, Top Gear—boast high pass rates due to experienced instructors.
In Nairobi, options abound: Sensei (Nakuru/Nairobi, KSh 19,500 full package) or ICS (4 weeks, KSh 12k-13k). Check NTSA lists for approval; user reviews on Reddit praise local schools for flexibility over big names.
Tips for Faster Completion
Commit full-time: 3-hour daily sessions beat part-time. Practice privately (with permit) adds 22 hours beyond school, per global standards adapted locally. Focus on weak areas early—many fail reversing or signage.
Choose schools with evening classes if employed. Post-2022 NTSA rules emphasize digital licenses, so expect chip-enabled cards upon passing.
Driving school builds safe habits beyond licensing; thorough training reduces accident risks on Kenyan roads. With dedication, most exit road-ready in under two months, license in hand
