NTSA begins mandatory re-test for all PSV, commercial vehicle drivers

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has started a re-test of all Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and commercial vehicle drivers.

NTSA said in a statement on Monday that the periodic retest will be mandatory, conducted every three years before a driver renews their license.

“The re-test is for commercial and public service vehicle drivers and is a pre-requisite for renewal of driving licences with class endorsement(s); 83, D1, D2, D3, C, Cl. CE and CD. 2. The re-test shall be conducted every three years upon the expiry of driving licences with class endorsement (s): B3, DI, D2, D3, C, Cl. CE and CD,” said the authority.

These classes comprise drivers of commercial and school buses, matatus, and taxis.

The re-tests are set to be conducted in all NTSA Driver Test Units and drivers will be required to apply online via their e-citizen account at a fee of Ksh.1,050.

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

Further, the re-test results will be processed within 24 hours of administration and a driver will have the chance to re-sit in the event they fail the test.

“A driver may undergo refresher training at a driving school of choice before taking the re-test or upon failing the exam,” read the statement.

So far, NTSA Deputy Director and Head of Safety Compliance, Driver Training and Testing Wilson Tuigong has revealed that the exercise has raised concerns about the fitness of most of the drivers, as just 18 per cent of those between June 9 and June 16 had passed the written and applied theory tests.

Tuigong said out of the 302 drivers tested, only 54 had passed.