Class E covers buses and large public service vehicles, making it essential for anyone seeking employment as a bus or large matatu driver in Kenya’s public transport sector.
Fee Summary Table
| Item | Fee / Charge |
|---|---|
| Driving test booking fee | Ksh. 1,050 |
| Class endorsement (added to existing licence) | Ksh. 600 |
| Smart Driving Licence issuance/renewal (3-year validity) | Ksh. 3,050 |
| PSV badge (separate, required to drive PSVs commercially) | Approximately Ksh. 1,000–1,050 |
Source: NTSA/TIMS official fee guidance and Bolt/NTSA PSV driver guidance.
What You Need
- A relevant lower-class licence and minimum years of driving experience
- A certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations
- A medical fitness certificate
- Specialised PSV/bus driving school training
- A PSV badge application alongside your Class E licence, since most Class E driving is commercial
Two Approvals, Not One
Holding a Class E licence qualifies you to drive a bus, but to do so for hire or reward you also need a PSV badge — a separate NTSA approval with its own fee and good conduct certificate requirement. Many drivers overlook this second step and are surprised when they “have a licence” but still can’t legally work as a PSV driver.
Class E is one of the more document-heavy licence classes because of the good conduct and medical certificate requirements layered on top of standard NTSA fees. Plan for the PSV badge application as a companion cost, not an optional extra.
