Kenya NTSA Category B exam-day guide
Kenya NTSA Category B · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Original national ID or passport
Bring the original document, not a photocopy; the name must match your booking. Confirm with the provider whether a photocopy is also accepted. needs_review.
Valid Category B learner's licence
Check the class, expiry date and any conditions on the licence. Confirm with the provider whether a provisional printout or digital copy is accepted. needs_review.
Test booking confirmation
Carry a printed copy and keep an offline screenshot on your phone. Check the date, time, test centre and gate. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory. needs_review.
Proof of payment or test fee receipt
Bring the receipt or transaction reference. Confirm with the provider the exact fee, accepted payment channels and whether a receipt must be shown at check-in. needs_review.
Passport-size photographs
Carry two recent photographs in case the centre requires them for the file. Confirm with the provider whether photographs are needed on the test day. needs_review.
Roadworthy vehicle with valid insurance
Check tyres, lights, indicators, brakes, horn, mirrors, wipers and seatbelts before reporting. Confirm with the provider whether dual controls are required for the test vehicle. needs_review.
Vehicle documents
Carry the logbook copy, insurance certificate and inspection sticker as applicable. Confirm with the provider which originals must be produced and whether copies are accepted. needs_review.
L-plates
Display L-plates front and rear if your learner vehicle requires them. Confirm with the provider the required size, colour and placement. needs_review.
Correct footwear and glasses or contacts
Wear closed flat shoes. If you need glasses or contact lenses for driving, wear them and bring a spare pair or case.
Licensed accompanying driver
Arrange for a driver with a full licence to accompany you and the vehicle. Confirm with the provider whether the accompanying driver must remain at the centre during the test. needs_review.
Pre-test vehicle walk-around
Do a quick check of tyres, lights, indicators, horn, mirrors, fuel and fluids. Fix any defect before check-in; a defective vehicle may stop the test.
Charged phone with emergency contacts
Save the test centre contact, your booking reference and an emergency contact offline. Keep the phone silent during the test.
Plan the day
Confirm your booking, test centre, reporting time and gate with the provider. Check that your learner's licence is valid for Category B and that your name matches the booking. Service or check the test vehicle: tyres, brakes, lights, indicators, horn, mirrors, wipers, seatbelts and fluids. Practise the core manoeuvres you expect to be asked to perform, such as moving off, hill start, parking, three-point turn and emergency stop, using mirrors and signals correctly. Gather all documents in one folder and confirm with the provider which originals are required.
Print the booking confirmation and document copies, pack the folder and charge your phone. Confirm transport to the centre and that your accompanying driver and vehicle are available. Do a final vehicle check and clean the windscreen and mirrors. Avoid alcohol, get a normal night's sleep and rehearse the cockpit drill: seat, steering wheel, mirrors, seatbelt. Read the provider's conduct rules once more so you know what is allowed at the centre.
Eat a normal meal and arrive early, ideally 45 to 60 minutes before the reporting time unless the provider gives a different instruction. Go through the document check first, then do a short vehicle walk-around and confirm L-plates are displayed if required. Sit calmly, review your observation routine and listen carefully at check-in. If you feel unwell or are unsure about a document, speak to staff before your name is called.
Listen to the examiner, adjust your seat and mirrors, fasten your seatbelt and check that doors are closed before moving. Follow instructions exactly; if you do not understand, ask the examiner to repeat rather than guessing. Use mirrors and signals consistently, observe speed limits and road signs, keep both hands on the wheel and avoid distractions. If you make a mistake, continue safely rather than arguing or trying to correct it while moving. Ask for clarification if an instruction would require an unsafe action.
Stop safely where directed, switch off and wait for the examiner's debrief. Ask for the result and next steps if they are not explained. If you did not pass, note the feedback and confirm with the provider how and when to rebook. Keep your documents and result slip together.
Rules to check
Carry original identification and your learner's licence; the name on every document must match the booking. Do not present borrowed or altered documents. Confirm with the provider if any document is missing before check-in. needs_review.
Follow the examiner's instructions and the centre's conduct rules. Do not use a phone, record the test or accept coaching from passengers during the test.
Fasten your seatbelt and set mirrors before moving. Obey traffic law and drive at a speed appropriate to the road, weather and traffic conditions.
If you need a break, ask the examiner or centre staff before leaving the vehicle or waiting area. Do not leave the test vehicle unattended during the test unless directed.
The test vehicle must be legal, insured and roadworthy. If the vehicle fails a safety check, the test may not proceed; confirm with the provider what happens to your fee and booking. needs_review.
Ask the examiner to explain the result sheet and any major faults before you leave. Do not assume a pass or fail until you receive the official result. Confirm with the provider how results are issued. needs_review.
Do not argue with the examiner or other candidates. If you disagree with a decision, raise it through the centre's official complaints procedure after the test, not during it.
Declare any medical condition or medication that may affect your driving before the test. Confirm with the provider whether a medical certificate is required. needs_review.