How NTSA plans to conduct a re-test of all PSV and commercial vehicle drivers

A traffic police controlling traffic in Kisumu town. [Dennish Ochieng', Standard]

In a move aimed at restoring sanity on the Kenyan roads, The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has commenced periodic retesting of drivers in accordance with Section 30(6) of the Traffic Act.

Through its official Twitter handle, the Authority stated that the re-test is for commercial and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers and is a prerequisite for renewal of driving licences with class endorsement(s); B3,D1,D2,D3,C,C1,CE and CD.

"The re-test shall be conducted every three years upon expiry of driving licences with the class endorsements. The whole process shall be conducted in all NTSA driver Test Units," NTSA stated.

At the same time, NTSA has announced that the re-test application process has been simplified and designed to provide transparency.

To apply for a re-test application, a driver will have to log into his or her E-Citizen account and pay a mandatory fee of Sh1,050 and no cash payments will be accepted.

"The re-test process involves administration of both written theory exam and oral submissions while the questions are drawn from the content provided in the curriculum for driver training and testing," NTSA added.

Drivers will get a notification of their verified results through their accounts within 24 hours of administration. Those who fail the test are accorded an opportunity to re-sit the re-test.

It is key to note that back in 2018, NTSA came up with a curriculum that would standardise driver training and was rejected before the rules were finally gazetted in March 2020.