Kenya NTSA Commercial Driving Test key terms

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes across the road where pedestrians have priority. Drivers must slow down, stop if anyone is crossing or waiting, and never overtake a vehicle stopped at one.

A signal-controlled pedestrian crossing operated by push-button with flashing amber and green phases. Drivers must stop on red, give way to anyone still crossing during flashing amber, and proceed only when the crossing is clear.

A solid white line along the middle of the road that must not be crossed or straddled. It warns of limited visibility or a hazard ahead, so overtaking is prohibited until the line becomes broken.

A dashed white line separating opposing traffic streams that may be crossed to overtake or turn when it is safe. You must complete the manoeuvre and return to your lane before the line becomes solid.

A junction area marked with yellow cross-hatching that you must not enter unless your exit is clear. The exception is when turning right and only oncoming traffic or other vehicles block you.

An inverted triangle sign warning that you must yield to traffic on the road you are joining. Slow down, look for a safe gap, and stop if necessary rather than forcing other drivers to brake.

An octagonal red sign with white lettering requiring a complete halt at the marked line. You must stop even when the road appears clear, check both directions, then proceed only when safe.

A sign that imposes a legal requirement or prohibition, such as speed limits, no entry, or no parking. Ignoring one is a traffic offence and may be enforced by fine or prosecution.

A triangular sign alerting drivers to a hazard ahead such as a bend, steep hill, or school. It tells you to adjust speed and be prepared, not that the hazard is immediately at the sign.

A circular sign showing the maximum legal speed in kilometres per hour for that road. The limit applies in good conditions; you must drive slower when visibility, weather, or traffic demand it.

Coloured lights controlling movement at junctions and crossings: red means stop, amber means stop unless unsafe to do so, and green means proceed if the way is clear. Green does not grant an absolute right-of-way.

The priority to proceed that one road user has over another at a junction, crossing, or narrow section. It is never taken for granted; you must confirm the other party has actually yielded before moving.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating keeps moving while entering vehicles yield. In Kenya traffic keeps left, so you enter by turning left and give way to vehicles approaching from your right.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. Overtake only where permitted, with clear visibility and enough road, and never on a solid line, blind bend, hill crest, or at a crossing.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, commonly the two-second rule in good conditions and more in rain, darkness, or when heavily loaded. It gives time to stop if the leader brakes suddenly.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops. It increases with speed, load, and wet or loose surfaces, and is longer for heavy commercial vehicles.

Slowing the vehicle by releasing the accelerator and selecting a lower gear so the engine resists motion. It reduces reliance on the footbrake on long descents, helping prevent brake fade from overheating.

Loss of braking power when brakes overheat through prolonged or repeated use, common on long downhill runs with a loaded vehicle. Prevent it by using lower gears and stopping to let brakes cool.

Choosing the gear that matches road speed, gradient, and load. Use low gears for steep climbs and descents and for heavy loads, and never coast downhill in neutral, which removes engine braking control.

The systematic check of a commercial vehicle before each journey covering tyres, brakes, lights, fluids, steering, mirrors, load security, and emergency equipment. Defects found must be recorded and fixed before the vehicle is used.

The depth of grooves on a tyre that channel water away and maintain grip. Worn tyres increase skidding risk and are illegal below the minimum specified in the Traffic Act, so check regularly including the spare.

Fastening cargo with ropes, straps, chains, or sides so it cannot shift, fall, or overhang dangerously. An insecure load can destabilise the vehicle and endanger other road users, and the driver is responsible for it.

The maximum total weight of a loaded vehicle including chassis, body, fuel, passengers, and cargo as rated by the manufacturer. Exceeding it overloads brakes, tyres, and suspension and is an offence.

A vehicle licensed to carry passengers for hire or reward, such as a matatu, bus, or taxi. It must hold a valid PSV licence, display required markings, and be driven by a licensed PSV driver.

The authorisation a driver must hold to operate a public service vehicle in Kenya, obtained after meeting fitness and conduct requirements. Driving a PSV without a valid badge is an offence.

Categories on a Kenyan driving licence showing which vehicle types the holder may drive, from motorcycles and light cars to heavy commercial vehicles and PSVs. Driving outside your class invalidates insurance and is illegal.

The minimum motor insurance required by law, covering injury or damage the policyholder causes to other people and their property. It does not cover damage to the insured vehicle itself.

The principal legislation regulating road use in Kenya, covering licensing, vehicle condition, offences, penalties, and accident duties. Drivers are expected to know its core requirements, including stopping after a crash.

The legal duty to stop after a crash, give assistance, exchange details, and report injury collisions to the police within the required time. Failing to stop or report is a serious offence.

The order of action at a crash scene: secure the area and prevent further collisions, check response and breathing, control severe bleeding, and call emergency services. Do not move casualties unless there is immediate danger.

A stable side-lying posture used for an unconscious casualty who is breathing, keeping the airway open and allowing fluids to drain. It should not be used where a spinal injury is suspected unless the airway is at risk.

A style of driving that anticipates hazards and other road users' mistakes, keeping space and visibility to avoid crashes. It includes early observation, smooth control, and never assuming others will obey the rules.

The skill of scanning ahead and identifying developing dangers, such as a pedestrian near the kerb or a vehicle emerging from a side road, before they become emergencies. It allows early, gentle braking or steering.

The area around a vehicle that mirrors do not show, especially large on trucks and buses. Always check over your shoulder or use additional mirrors before changing lanes or pulling out.

Signalling your intention to turn, change lanes, or pull out in good time so others can react. Signals must be given clearly and cancelled afterwards, and they do not give you priority to move.

Reduced alertness and slower reactions caused by long hours, poor sleep, or driving at night. It is a major crash cause, so take scheduled rest breaks and stop driving when drowsy rather than pushing on.

The maximum permitted alcohol concentration in a driver's blood under Kenyan law, above which driving is an offence. Alcohol slows judgement and reaction, and the safest choice is not to drink at all before driving.