Kenya NTSA Commercial Driving Test cheat sheet

Sign classes in Kenya: warning (triangular, red border, yellow or white ground), regulatory/prohibitory (circular, red border), mandatory instruction (circular, blue ground), information (rectangular, blue or green ground).

Stop sign: red octagon with white 'STOP' - a full stop at the stop line is compulsory even when the road appears clear; rolling stops are an offence.

Give Way (Yield): inverted triangle; you must slow and yield to traffic on the major road, stopping only if necessary - unlike STOP, a complete stop is not always required.

Warning triangles warn of hazards ahead (bends, junctions, steep hills, pedestrian crossings, wild animals); they impose no legal prohibition but require reduced speed and readiness to stop.

Speed limit signs are circular with red border and black numerals on white; a circular sign with a red border and no numeral ends a previously signed limit and reverts to the default.

Blue circular signs are mandatory instructions (e.g. keep left, turn left ahead, minimum speed, route for pedestrians/cycles) - disobeying them is an offence.

Signs are placed on the left of the carriageway facing oncoming traffic; at night or in rain, sign recognition distance drops, so match speed to the distance you can see to be clear.

Temporary/roadworks signs (red-bordered triangles on portable stands, yellow-backed) override permanent markings and limits until the works are removed.

Broken white centre line: overtaking permitted when safe and sight distance allows; solid white centre line: no crossing or straddling, no overtaking.

Double solid lines (both sides) prohibit crossing by either direction; a solid line on your side with a broken line on the other means only traffic on the broken side may cross.

Yellow markings along the kerb indicate parking/stopping restrictions; continuous yellow line = no stopping at any time, broken yellow = restricted/limited-time stopping.

Zebra crossing: broad white stripes across the road; pedestrians on the crossing have absolute priority - stop before the crossing and do not overtake a vehicle stopped at one.

Stop line: solid white transverse line at junctions and signals - the vehicle must stop with its front behind this line, not on or over it.

Traffic lights: red = stop behind the line; amber alone = stop unless it is unsafe to do so; green = proceed only if the exit is clear; green arrow = protected movement in the arrow direction only.

Edge line and lane markings separate lanes of the same direction; changing lanes requires mirror checks, a signal, and a blind-spot check before moving.

A police officer's or authorised officer's signals override traffic lights and markings - obey the officer's arm and whistle signals above all other controls.

Kenya drives on the left; at uncontrolled junctions give way to traffic approaching from your right, and to vehicles already on the main road when joining from a minor road.

At a T-junction the through road has priority; vehicles emerging from the stem of the T must give way to both directions of the through road.

Roundabouts: give way to traffic already circulating (approaching from your right); signal left to exit, and do not change lanes on the circulatory carriageway.

Pedestrians on a zebra crossing or already crossing at a junction have priority; when turning into a side road you must give way to pedestrians crossing that side road.

Overtake on the right; never overtake at a zebra crossing, on a bend, on the crest of a hill, at a junction, or where a solid line prohibits it.

Emergency vehicles with siren/lights on have priority - do not follow closely behind them; pull over and stop where safe to let them pass.

Following distance rule: at least a 2-second gap in dry conditions, 4 seconds in rain or at night, and more when loaded or towing.

Stopping/ parking prohibitions: not within a zebra crossing approach, on a bend, at a bus stop, opposite a traffic island, or where you would block a junction or hydrant.

Clutch use: engage smoothly at biting point before releasing the handbrake on a hill; do not ride the clutch or coast in neutral - coasting removes engine braking and reduces control.

Gear selection should match speed and load: descend long hills in a low gear to use engine braking; never coast downhill in neutral with a laden commercial vehicle.

Steering: pull-push (hand-over-hand not recommended for airbag vehicles); keep both hands on the rim except when changing gear or signalling.

Mirrors: set so a sliver of your own vehicle is visible; use mirror–signal–manoeuvre sequence and check the blind spot physically before moving off or changing lanes.

Braking in a laden vehicle: brake earlier and progressively; brake fade on long descents is prevented by low gear and intermittent braking, not continuous pedal pressure.

Reversing a large vehicle: use a banksman/helper where available, reverse slowly, and remember the rear swings out - check both sides and behind before and during the manoeuvre.

Skids: release braking, steer into the skid direction, and avoid harsh acceleration; ABS vehicles require firm continuous pedal pressure without pumping.

Night driving: dip headlights for oncoming traffic and when following; do not dazzle; reduce speed so you can stop within the lit distance.

Defensive driving core: anticipate the errors of others, maintain a space cushion on all sides, and always have an escape route identified.

Hazard hierarchy for scanning: far distance, mid distance, near distance, instruments and mirrors - check mirrors every 5–8 seconds in traffic.

The 'only a fool breaks the 2-second rule' test: pick a fixed object; if you reach it before counting two seconds after the vehicle ahead passes it, you are too close.

Speed must be adjusted to conditions, not just the limit: rain, gravel, mud, darkness, load weight and visibility all reduce safe speed below the posted maximum.

Blind spots exist on all commercial vehicles; when overtaking a lorry or bus, do not linger alongside - pass decisively or stay back where the driver can see you.

Pedestrian and vulnerable road user protection: expect children near schools, drunk or distracted pedestrians, boda-bodas filtering, and animals on rural roads.

Junction discipline: approach at a speed that lets you stop, look right–left–right (left first in left-hand traffic), and never enter a junction you cannot clear.

Fatigue and distraction are collision causes: a micro-sleep of 4 seconds at 80 km/h covers about 90 metres with no control input.

Daily walk-around must cover: tyres (tread depth, pressure, cuts, bulges, dual spacing), wheel nuts and indicators, lights and reflectors, mirrors, wipers, horn, and number plates.

Fluids and mechanicals: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid, fuel level; check for leaks under the vehicle.

Brake check: air pressure builds and holds (for air-brake vehicles, check the low-pressure warning and that pressure does not drop when the engine is off), plus a low-speed brake test.

Load security: tarpaulin and ropes/chains tight, tailgate and side gates latched, load within the permitted height, width, length and gross vehicle weight.

Tyres: legal minimum tread depth in Kenya is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread; no cuts exposing cords, no regrooved or retreaded passenger-car tyres.

Documents and equipment carried: driving licence, insurance certificate, inspection certificate, logbook/records as applicable, warning triangle, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, jack and wheel brace.

Passenger service vehicles: check doors open and close and emergency exits function, seats are secure, aisle is clear, and the first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are present and in date.

Defect reporting: any defect affecting safety must be recorded and reported to the operator before the vehicle is used; a vehicle with a dangerous defect must not be driven.

PSV load limit is passengers, not space: never carry more than the seating/standing capacity stated on the vehicle's licence; overloading is an offence and voids insurance cover for the excess.

Passenger safety duties: doors closed before moving, passengers seated or holding on, no boarding/alighting while moving, no standing in prohibited areas, luggage stowed so it cannot become a projectile.

Commercial goods loading: distribute weight evenly, keep the centre of gravity low, secure against forward, rearward and sideways movement, and never exceed axle or gross weight ratings.

Projecting loads must be marked and, where required, flagged; long loads need proper support and warning to other road users, especially at night.

Hazardous goods require correct placarding, compatible segregation, trained driver, and firefighting equipment appropriate to the substance class.

Passenger conduct: the driver may refuse to carry a passenger who is violent, intoxicated or carrying prohibited goods, and must stop to set down a passenger in an emergency.

School and vulnerable passengers: no child in the front seat where prohibited, count passengers on and off, and never leave passengers locked in a vehicle.

Overloading effects: longer stopping distance, tyre and brake overheating, poor steering response, and higher rollover risk on bends - reduce speed and increase following gap.

Driving without a valid licence for the class of vehicle, or driving while disqualified, is an offence under the Traffic Act; the licence must be carried and produced on demand to a police officer.

Third-party insurance is compulsory for every motor vehicle used on a road; driving uninsured is an offence and the owner may also be liable.

Vehicle inspection: commercial/PSV vehicles must pass periodic inspection and display a valid inspection certificate; a vehicle with an expired certificate should not be operated.

Duty after an accident: stop, render assistance, exchange details, and report to the nearest police station within 24 hours where injury, death or damage to property/animal occurs.

Penalties: traffic offences attract fines, demerit points, licence suspension or disqualification, and imprisonment for serious offences such as causing death by dangerous driving.

Operator obligations: maintain vehicles in roadworthy condition, keep maintenance records, ensure drivers are licensed and fit, and not require or permit a driver to breach hours or speed limits.

Police powers: an officer may require production of documents, direct traffic, require a vehicle to be weighed, and arrest without warrant for certain traffic offences.

Registration and identification: vehicles must be registered, display valid number plates, and have a current road licence (where applicable) - obscuring or altering plates is an offence.

Breakdown on the road: move as far off the carriageway as possible, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle at a safe distance behind (further on fast roads or at night), and get occupants to a safe place away from traffic.

Brake failure: pump the pedal if hydraulic, downshift progressively, use the handbrake gently, and use a safe escape route or run-off; do not switch off the engine while moving if it removes power steering/brakes.

Tyre blowout: grip the wheel firmly, do not brake hard, ease off the accelerator, let the vehicle slow, then steer to a safe stop; sudden braking can cause a spin.

Fire: stop, switch off the engine, get everyone out and upwind, use the extinguisher only on a small fire, and never open a bonnet fully on an engine fire - call emergency services.

Vehicle in water or flood: do not attempt to drive through fast-moving water; if stalled in rising water, exit through a window and move to higher ground.

Emergency numbers in Kenya: 999 or 112 for police, fire and ambulance; give location, number of casualties, and hazards clearly.

Scene protection: hazard lights, warning triangle, and reflective clothing at night; do not create a second collision by standing in the carriageway.

Runaway or stuck accelerator: shift to neutral, brake firmly, steer to a safe place and switch off the ignition only once stopped or as a last resort.

Primary survey DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation - check danger to yourself first, then responsiveness and breathing.

Recovery position: for an unconscious but breathing casualty, place on the side to keep the airway clear; do not move a suspected spinal injury casualty unless there is immediate danger.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean dressing, elevate if possible, and do not remove an embedded object - pad around it.

Burns: cool with clean running water for at least 20 minutes, do not burst blisters or apply oils/ice, and cover with a clean non-stick dressing.

Fractures: immobilise in the position found, support with padding, and do not attempt to straighten a limb; treat for shock (keep warm, reassure, do not give food or drink).

CPR for an adult: 30 chest compressions (about 5–6 cm deep, 100–120 per minute) to 2 rescue breaths; continue until help arrives or the casualty recovers.

Incident scene: switch off ignitions, do not smoke near fuel, keep bystanders back, and record details of vehicles, injuries and witnesses for the police report.

Do not move a casualty unless there is fire, traffic or other immediate danger; suspected neck or back injury requires the head and neck to be kept still.

Alcohol: the legal blood alcohol limit in Kenya is 80 mg per 100 ml of blood (0.08%); driving above it is an offence, and any alcohol impairs judgement and reaction time.

Drugs: driving under the influence of drugs, including some medicines that cause drowsiness, is an offence; read medicine labels and do not drive if warned.

Fatigue rule: take a break at least every 2 hours of driving, and stop at the first signs of yawning, heavy eyes, drifting or poor concentration - do not rely on coffee or fresh air.

Rest before driving: commercial drivers should have adequate sleep before a shift; driving after 17–19 hours awake impairs performance comparably to being over the drink-drive limit.

Medical fitness: a driver must be medically fit; epilepsy, uncontrolled diabetes, severe visual impairment and certain heart conditions must be declared and may restrict licensing.

Vision: you must meet the minimum visual acuity standard and wear prescribed corrective lenses when driving; keep windscreen, mirrors and glasses clean.

Illness and medication: do not drive when unwell enough to impair control; check with a pharmacist or doctor about sedating antihistamines and similar medicines.

Enforcement: police may require a breath, blood or urine test on reasonable suspicion; refusing a lawful test is itself an offence.

Warning sign shapes and colours: equilateral triangle with red border, white or yellow ground, black symbol - placed in advance of the hazard, not at it.

Regulatory prohibitory signs: red circle with a diagonal red bar over the symbol means 'no' (no entry, no parking, no overtaking, no U-turn).

Information and direction signs: green for primary routes/destinations, blue for motorway-style and local information, brown for tourist/amenity signs; they guide but do not prohibit.

Roadworks and school signs: temporary yellow-backed signs and school warning signs require an immediate speed reduction and extra vigilance for children and workers.

Level crossing signs: warning triangle with a train symbol and, where present, a St Andrew's cross - stop if lights flash or barriers are down; never race a train.

Traffic-calming and hazard markers: chevron boards on bends, bollards with reflectors, and rumble strips warn of alignment changes - slow before, not on, the hazard.

Sign recognition at speed: at 80 km/h you cover about 22 m per second; sign reading and reaction need the sign to be seen well ahead, so scan far down the road.

Damaged or obscured signs: report to the relevant road authority; do not rely on a sign you cannot read - treat the location as an uncontrolled hazard.

Box junction (yellow criss-cross): do not enter unless your exit is clear, except when turning right and only blocked by oncoming traffic.

Hatched areas bounded by solid lines must not be entered; hatched areas with broken edges may be entered only if necessary and safe.

Lane arrows: straight-ahead, left-turn and right-turn arrows indicate permitted movements - get in the correct lane early and do not change at the stop line.

Bus stop and loading markings: yellow zig-zags or boxes mean no stopping; keep clear so buses and goods vehicles can load safely.

Cycle and pedestrian markings: cycle lanes and advanced stop lines for cyclists must be respected; do not stop in the cycle box at signals.

Temporary markings at roadworks override permanent ones; white or yellow temporary lines and cones define the lane you must follow.

Reflective road studs: white for lane lines, red for the left edge, amber for the central reservation - use them to hold your lane at night.

Marking deterioration: worn or obscured markings should be treated as if present - if in doubt, keep left and do not cross a line you cannot clearly identify.

Uncontrolled crossroads: no signs mean no priority - approach slowly, give way to the right, and make eye contact before proceeding.

Turning across oncoming traffic: a right turn in left-hand traffic must give way to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning left; do not cut the corner.

Merging from a slip road: match speed, signal, and give way to traffic already on the main carriageway; do not force a merge.

Buses leaving stops and emergency vehicles: give priority where safe, but never brake suddenly or swerve to do so.

Narrow bridges and single-track roads: the vehicle already on the bridge or the larger/heavier vehicle may have priority - slow, and use passing places.

Pedestrian priority at junctions: when turning, pedestrians crossing the road you are entering have priority; stop and wait rather than edge through.

Animals and livestock: give way to livestock and horses, slow down, do not sound the horn, and leave plenty of room.

Railway and drawbridge crossings: stop when warned; never enter until the exit is clear and the way is signalled safe.

Pre-drive cockpit drill: seat position, mirrors, seatbelt, head restraint, gear in neutral, handbrake on, then start - adjust everything before moving.

Hill start: clutch to biting point, hold with handbrake, add power, release handbrake smoothly - prevents rollback into the vehicle behind.

Engine braking: use a lower gear on descents to control speed without overheating the brakes; do not coast in neutral.

ABS and EBS: on commercial vehicles, ABS prevents wheel lock; EBS adds stability control - brake firmly and steer, do not pump the pedal.

Retarder and exhaust brake: use auxiliary braking systems on long descents to save the service brakes; check they are working before a hill.

Load and tyre pressure: under-inflation increases heat and the risk of a blowout under load; check pressures cold and adjust for load per the manufacturer's figures.

Trailer coupling: check the fifth wheel or drawbar, air lines, electrical connection, safety chains and landing legs before moving off.

Reversing and manoeuvring: use a banksman, check behind and both sides, and remember that a long vehicle's rear swings out in the opposite direction to the steer.

Space cushion: keep a gap ahead, beside and behind; if a tailgater closes behind, increase your own following distance to allow gentler braking.

Scanning pattern: look 12–15 seconds ahead in town and further on open roads; check mirrors every 5–8 seconds and before any change of speed or direction.

Hazard perception rule: identify the hazard, decide the safe action, and act early - late decisions force harsh braking and increase collision risk.

Overtaking decision: only overtake when you can see the whole manoeuvre is clear, you have the power to complete it, and no solid line or junction forbids it.

Wet and gravel roads: stopping distances roughly double on wet roads; reduce speed, increase gaps, and avoid sudden steering or braking.

Boda-boda and motorcycle awareness: they filter, change lanes unpredictably and are hard to see - check blind spots twice and give them room.

Night and glare: slow down, look to the left edge of the road when dazzled, and never retaliate against another driver's bad behaviour.

Distraction rule: no phone use, no eating, no adjusting devices while moving - a 2-second glance at 50 km/h covers about 28 metres blind.

Tyre checks: tread depth at or above 1.6 mm, correct cold pressure, no cuts, bulges or exposed cords, and adequate spacing between dual tyres to avoid rubbing.

Wheel and hub checks: wheel nuts and indicators present and tight, no cracks in rims, no oil or grease leaks at the hubs.

Lighting check: headlights (dip and main), side lights, indicators, brake lights, reversing lights, hazard lights, reflectors and number-plate lamp all working.

Brake system check: fluid level, no leaks, pedal feel firm and not spongy, handbrake holds on a slope; air-brake vehicles must build and hold pressure.

Steering and suspension: no excessive play in the steering wheel, no unusual noises, no broken springs or leaking shock absorbers.

Visibility checks: windscreen free of cracks in the driver's line of sight, wipers and washers working, mirrors secure and correctly adjusted, demister working.

Emergency equipment: warning triangle, fire extinguisher in date, first-aid kit complete, jack, wheel brace and spare wheel serviceable.

Documentation check: valid licence for the class, insurance, inspection certificate, and any permits required for the load or route.

Seat capacity: the number of passengers must not exceed the licensed capacity shown on the vehicle; standing passengers only where permitted.

Securing loads: use rated straps, chains or ropes; check tension after the first few kilometres and at rest stops, because loads settle.

Weight distribution: keep the heaviest items low and centred over the axles; an uneven load reduces steering and braking stability.

Tailgate and doors: latched and secured before moving; a load that shifts rearward can make the vehicle unstable at speed.

Passenger boarding: stop in a safe place, let passengers alight and board clear of traffic, and do not move until doors are closed and passengers are seated.

Hazardous loads: correct placards, segregation of incompatible goods, a fire extinguisher appropriate to the class, and a driver trained for the substance.

Livestock transport: adequate ventilation, secure penning, no overcrowding, and a driving style that avoids sudden braking and sharp turns.

Emergency evacuation: know how to open emergency exits and how to help passengers out; keep aisles and exits clear of luggage at all times.

Licence classes: the licence must cover the class of vehicle driven; driving a class you are not licensed for is an offence even if you hold another class.

Learner and provisional driving: a learner must be accompanied by a qualified driver and display learner identification where required.

Insurance: third-party cover is the legal minimum; comprehensive cover is a contract matter, and insurers may refuse claims where the vehicle was unroadworthy or overloaded.

Inspection certificate: commercial and PSV vehicles must be presented for periodic inspection; operating with an expired or failed certificate is an offence.

Accident reporting: stop, give assistance, exchange names and addresses, and report to police within 24 hours where there is injury, death or damage.

Demerit points and disqualification: accumulation of offences can lead to suspension or disqualification; driving while disqualified is a serious offence.

Operator duties: keep vehicles roadworthy, keep maintenance records, ensure drivers are licensed and rested, and do not reward or require speeding.

Police powers: production of documents, direction of traffic, weighing of vehicles, and arrest without warrant for specified traffic offences.

Hazard lights and triangle: switch on hazards, place the triangle behind the vehicle on the same side as the traffic flow, and stand clear of the carriageway.

Steering failure: hold the wheel firmly, slow gradually by easing off the accelerator and using the brakes gently, and warn others with hazards and horn.

Engine fire: stop, switch off the engine, evacuate, and do not fully open the bonnet - use the extinguisher through the grille or a gap.

Collision with a pedestrian or cyclist: stop immediately, give first aid, call 999/112, and do not leave the scene until it is lawful to do so.

Vehicle in a flood: do not enter moving water; if water rises around a stalled vehicle, exit through a window and move to higher ground.

Towing and recovery: use rated equipment, a competent operator, and keep people clear of the line; never use a non-rated rope.

Communication: give the emergency operator the exact location, number of casualties, hazards (fuel, fire, live traffic) and your call-back number.

Post-incident: preserve the scene where possible, record details, and report the incident to the operator and insurer.

DRABC sequence: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation - assess and act in that order, and call for help early.

Recovery position: unconscious but breathing casualties go on their side with the airway clear; monitor breathing until help arrives.

Bleeding control: direct pressure with a clean dressing, elevate if possible, and pad around embedded objects rather than removing them.

Burns: cool with clean running water for at least 20 minutes, do not burst blisters, and cover with a clean non-stick dressing.

Fractures and shock: immobilise in the position found, keep the casualty warm, reassure them, and do not give food or drink.

CPR: 30 compressions to 2 breaths, compressions 5–6 cm deep at 100–120 per minute, continuing until help arrives or the casualty recovers.

Spinal precautions: keep the head and neck still and do not move the casualty unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic.

Scene safety: switch off ignitions, do not smoke near fuel, keep bystanders back, and record vehicle, injury and witness details for the police.

Alcohol limit: 80 mg per 100 ml of blood (0.08%) is the legal maximum in Kenya; above it is an offence, and any alcohol impairs judgement.

Drugs and medicines: driving under the influence of drugs is an offence; sedating antihistamines and some painkillers impair driving - read the label.

Fatigue breaks: stop at least every 2 hours, and stop immediately at the first signs of yawning, heavy eyes, drifting or poor concentration.

Sleep debt: driving after 17–19 hours awake impairs performance comparably to being over the drink-drive limit; sleep is the only remedy.

Medical fitness: declare epilepsy, uncontrolled diabetes, severe visual impairment and certain heart conditions; they may restrict or end licensing.

Vision: meet the minimum visual acuity standard, wear prescribed lenses, and keep windscreen, mirrors and glasses clean.

Testing: police may require a breath, blood or urine test on reasonable suspicion; refusing a lawful test is itself an offence.

Shift planning: plan rest breaks, avoid driving in the early hours when the body clock is lowest, and share driving where possible.

Hierarchy of control: police officer's signals override traffic lights, which override road markings, which override signs - obey the highest authority present.

Amber alone means stop unless it is unsafe to do so; amber with a green arrow means the arrow movement may proceed.

Flashing amber at a pelican crossing means give way to pedestrians on the crossing; flashing red at a level crossing means stop.

Green means proceed only if the exit beyond the signal is clear - do not block a junction or box junction.

Zebra crossing beacons: flashing yellow globes mean pedestrians have priority; stop before the crossing and do not overtake a vehicle stopped at one.

School crossing patrols and authorised flag persons have authority to stop traffic - obey their signals as you would a red light.

Temporary signals at roadworks override permanent signals; follow the temporary lights and the cones, not the old markings.

Hand and arm signals by drivers supplement, but do not replace, vehicle indicators - signal early and cancel afterwards.

Lane discipline: keep left except when overtaking, turning right or in a lane marked for another movement; do not straddle lanes.

Solid white line: no crossing or overtaking; broken white line: cross only when safe and sight distance allows.

Double solid lines prohibit crossing by either direction; solid on your side with broken on the other means only the broken side may cross.

Box junction: do not enter unless the exit is clear, except when turning right and only blocked by oncoming traffic.

Hatched areas with solid borders must not be entered; those with broken borders may be entered only if necessary and safe.

Yellow kerb lines: continuous means no stopping at any time; broken means restricted or limited-time stopping.

Stop line: stop with the front of the vehicle behind the line, not on or over it, at signals and junctions.

Cycle boxes and advanced stop lines: do not stop in the cycle box at signals; give cyclists room at junctions.

Uncontrolled crossroads: no signs mean no priority - approach slowly, give way to the right, and make eye contact before proceeding.

T-junction: the through road has priority; vehicles emerging from the stem must give way to both directions.

Roundabout: give way to traffic already circulating (approaching from your right); signal left to exit and do not change lanes on the circulatory carriageway.

Right turn: give way to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning left; do not cut the corner.

Slip road merge: match speed, signal, and give way to traffic already on the main carriageway.

Pedestrians at junctions: when turning, pedestrians crossing the road you are entering have priority - stop and wait.

Emergency vehicles: give priority where safe; do not brake suddenly or swerve to do so.

Narrow bridges and single-track roads: slow down, use passing places, and give way to the vehicle already on the bridge or the larger vehicle where safe.

Pre-drive cockpit drill: seat, mirrors, seatbelt, head restraint, gear in neutral, handbrake on - adjust everything before moving.

Hill start: clutch to biting point, hold with handbrake, add power, release handbrake smoothly to prevent rollback.

Engine braking: use a lower gear on descents to control speed without overheating the brakes; never coast in neutral.

ABS and EBS: brake firmly and steer, do not pump the pedal; ABS prevents wheel lock and EBS adds stability control.

Auxiliary braking: use retarder or exhaust brake on long descents to save the service brakes; check they work before a hill.

Tyre pressure: check cold and adjust for load per the manufacturer's figures; under-inflation increases heat and blowout risk.

Trailer coupling: check fifth wheel or drawbar, air lines, electrical connection, safety chains and landing legs before moving off.

Reversing: use a banksman, check behind and both sides, and remember the rear of a long vehicle swings out opposite to the steer.

Space cushion: keep a gap ahead, beside and behind; if a tailgater closes behind, increase your own following distance to allow gentler braking.

Scanning: look 12–15 seconds ahead in town and further on open roads; check mirrors every 5–8 seconds and before any change of speed or direction.

Hazard perception: identify the hazard, decide the safe action, and act early - late decisions force harsh braking.

Overtaking: only when the whole manoeuvre is clear, you have the power to complete it, and no solid line or junction forbids it.

Wet and gravel roads: stopping distances roughly double on wet roads; reduce speed, increase gaps, avoid sudden steering or braking.

Boda-boda awareness: they filter, change lanes unpredictably and are hard to see - check blind spots twice and give them room.

Night and glare: slow down, look to the left edge of the road when dazzled, and never retaliate against bad behaviour.

Distraction: no phone use, eating or adjusting devices while moving - a 2-second glance at 50 km/h covers about 28 metres blind.

Tyres: tread depth at or above 1.6 mm, correct cold pressure, no cuts, bulges or exposed cords, adequate dual-tyre spacing.

Wheels: wheel nuts and indicators present and tight, no cracks in rims, no oil or grease leaks at the hubs.

Lights: headlights (dip and main), side lights, indicators, brake lights, reversing lights, hazards, reflectors and number-plate lamp all working.

Brakes: fluid level, no leaks, pedal firm and not spongy, handbrake holds on a slope; air-brake vehicles must build and hold pressure.

Steering and suspension: no excessive play, no unusual noises, no broken springs or leaking shock absorbers.

Visibility: windscreen free of cracks in the driver's line of sight, wipers and washers working, mirrors secure and adjusted, demister working.

Emergency equipment: warning triangle, fire extinguisher in date, first-aid kit complete, jack, wheel brace and spare wheel serviceable.

Documents: valid licence for the class, insurance, inspection certificate, and any permits required for the load or route.

Seat capacity: passengers must not exceed the licensed capacity; standing passengers only where permitted.

Load security: use rated straps, chains or ropes; check tension after the first few kilometres and at rest stops because loads settle.

Weight distribution: keep the heaviest items low and centred over the axles; an uneven load reduces steering and braking stability.

Doors and tailgate: latched and secured before moving; a load that shifts rearward can make the vehicle unstable at speed.

Boarding: stop in a safe place, let passengers alight and board clear of traffic, and do not move until doors are closed and passengers are seated.

Hazardous loads: correct placards, segregation of incompatible goods, a fire extinguisher appropriate to the class, and a trained driver.

Livestock: adequate ventilation, secure penning, no overcrowding, and a driving style that avoids sudden braking and sharp turns.

Evacuation: know how to open emergency exits and keep aisles and exits clear of luggage at all times.

Licence classes: the licence must cover the class of vehicle driven; driving an unlicensed class is an offence even if you hold another class.

Learner driving: a learner must be accompanied by a qualified driver and display learner identification where required.

Insurance: third-party cover is the legal minimum; insurers may refuse claims where the vehicle was unroadworthy or overloaded.

Inspection certificate: commercial and PSV vehicles must pass periodic inspection; operating with an expired or failed certificate is an offence.

Accident reporting: stop, assist, exchange names and addresses, and report to police within 24 hours where there is injury, death or damage.

Demerit points: accumulation of offences can lead to suspension or disqualification; driving while disqualified is a serious offence.

Operator duties: keep vehicles roadworthy, keep maintenance records, ensure drivers are licensed and rested, and do not require or reward speeding.

Police powers: production of documents, direction of traffic, weighing of vehicles, and arrest without warrant for specified traffic offences.

Breakdown: move off the carriageway, switch on hazards, place a warning triangle behind, and get occupants to a safe place away from traffic.

Brake failure: pump the pedal if hydraulic, downshift, use the handbrake gently, and use a safe escape route; do not switch off the engine while moving if it removes power assistance.

Blowout: grip the wheel firmly, do not brake hard, ease off the accelerator, let the vehicle slow, then steer to a safe stop.

Fire: stop, switch off the engine, evacuate upwind, use the extinguisher only on a small fire, and never fully open the bonnet on an engine fire.

Flood: do not drive through fast-moving water; if stalled in rising water, exit through a window and move to higher ground.

Emergency numbers: 999 or 112 for police, fire and ambulance; give location, casualties, hazards and a call-back number.

DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation - assess and act in that order and call for help early.

Recovery position and CPR: unconscious but breathing casualties go on their side; CPR is 30 compressions to 2 breaths at 100–120 per minute.

Alcohol limit: 80 mg per 100 ml of blood (0.08%) is the legal maximum in Kenya; above it is an offence, and any alcohol impairs judgement.

Drugs and medicines: driving under the influence of drugs is an offence; sedating antihistamines and some painkillers impair driving - read the label.

Fatigue breaks: stop at least every 2 hours and stop immediately at the first signs of yawning, heavy eyes, drifting or poor concentration.

Sleep debt: driving after 17–19 hours awake impairs performance comparably to being over the drink-drive limit; sleep is the only remedy.

Medical fitness: declare epilepsy, uncontrolled diabetes, severe visual impairment and certain heart conditions; they may restrict or end licensing.

Vision: meet the minimum visual acuity standard, wear prescribed lenses, and keep windscreen, mirrors and glasses clean.

Testing: police may require a breath, blood or urine test on reasonable suspicion; refusing a lawful test is itself an offence.

Shift planning: plan rest breaks, avoid driving in the early hours when the body clock is lowest, and share driving where possible.