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I bet you know what a driving license is, right? If you don’t have a clue here’s the definition from KRA’s (Kenya Revenue Authority) website
“A driving license is a permit that authorizes an individual to drive / operate a vehicle or motor cycle on the road.”
The following is the list of requirements for obtaining a driving license in Kenya
- The applicant must be over 18 years of age when applying for a motor vehicles driving license, and over 16 years of age when applying for a motor cycle license.
Had no idea I could start riding a motor cycle at 16. I bet most of you didn’t. Something learnt there. I don’t think we have any qualms with the age limit for a driving license set at 18.
- Copy of National Identity card and two recent passport size photographs of the applicant.
No issues there too.
- Duly filled Form VII obtained from the Road Transport Department offices or the District Commissioners offices.
Okay.
- The applicant must have learned how to drive at a registered driving school.
Now here is where my question lies. Do you really need to go to a driving school to apply for a license? Okay, let me rephrase. Must it be a driving school? In the US, for example, drivers under 18 are usually required to attend a comprehensive driver’s education program either at their high school (not a bad idea if it were applied in Kenya) or a professional driving school and take a certain number of behind the wheel lessons with a certified driving instructor before applying for a license.
My point is, couldn’t we also have certified instructors (maybe experienced drivers can be offered certification) who can offer lessons thus one doesn’t have to go through a driving school.
- The applicant must also undergo a driving test examination that is conducted by driving test examiners (police officers)
No issues there.