Did you know that there are age limits the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) imposes on Kenyans intending to drive heavy-duty vehicles such as fuel tankers?

According to NTSA's guidelines, heavy-duty vehicles are subdivided into four categories with age limits prescribed for each as explained below.

Light Goods Vehicles

The age limit to drive a light commercial vehicle in Kenya is 22 years.

Additionally, one is required to have a minimum of four years of driving experience and have no previous dangerous driving offence record in the preceding two years.

As per the requirements, applicants should also have a police clearance certificate and a medical test certification.

Medium Goods Vehicles 

NTSA guidelines provide that only Kenyans of 24 years and above can drive these vehicles.

Examples of medium goods vehicles are the open trucks that transport steel rolls or cement.

Similar to light goods vehicles, drivers must have a minimum of four years of driving experience, get police clearance, and have a medical certification.

Heavy Goods Vehicles

These are bigger trucks which carry goods in enclosed units commonly referred to as containers.

Drivers for these vehicles have to be 28 years old and above.

NTSA also requires one to have two years of experience driving a light or medium truck. Additionally, one should have a minimum of four years driving experience.

Medical certification is also required.

Special Heavy Goods 

These are trucks that ferry hazardous goods such as fuel, oxygen, corrosive material, or oxygen.

Drivers for these vehicles have to be 30 years and above. On the other hand, those wishing to drive these vehicles have to undertake a course on the vehicles. The course is referred to as Unit 25 for Special HGV.

Retests are also done for theory and practical examinations.