Before enrolling in driving lessons in Kenya, every learner must obtain a Provisional Driving Licence (PDL) from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). It legally permits supervised practice driving while you prepare for your driving test.
Fee Summary Table
| Item | Fee / Charge |
|---|---|
| Provisional Driving Licence (PDL) application | Ksh. 650 |
| Validity period | 3 months |
| Renewal (if needed) | Ksh. 650 per further 3-month period |
Source: NTSA/eCitizen Provisional Driving Licence service information.
What You Need
- National ID or passport
- KRA PIN
- Passport-size photograph
- TIMS account registration via the eCitizen portal
- Enrolment at an NTSA-registered driving school
Why the PDL Has a Short Validity
The three-month validity period is intentional — it nudges learners to complete their driving school training and book their test promptly rather than holding an indefinite learner status. If your training runs longer, you’ll need to renew the PDL at the same Ksh. 650 fee for each additional three-month block.
At Ksh. 650, the learner’s licence is the cheapest step in Kenya’s driving licence process. The bigger costs come later — driving school fees, the test booking fee, and the Smart Driving Licence issuance fee — so budget for the full journey, not just this first step.
