NTSA sets minimum ages for bus and truck drivers

Only individuals above the age of 30 will be allowed to drive buses, according to new rules by the National Transport and Safety Authority.

All matatus will be driven by individuals who are above 25 years of age as per the new regulations made in a bid to curb road carnage in the country.

According to the new driving curriculum made public on Tuesday, all boda boda riders will be required to be 21 years and above before they are given a motorcycle licence.

All individuals above 60 will be required to undergo an annual medical fitness test before they renew their driving licences.

The new curriculum will be enforced once the public have made their contribution over the next 10 days.

The transport agency said experienced drivers are more capable of controlling buses and other heavy commercial vehicles.

VARIOUS CLASSES

Buses to be driven by individuals above 30 are identified as those carrying more than 33 passengers, while those for 25-year-olds are minibuses carrying 14 to 32 travellers.

For heavy trucks, drivers would be required to be at least 28 years of age, while those driving light automatic vehicles must be 18 and above.

“For one to drive a truck, for example, one must have a particular amount of experience of the road. You cannot just graduate from a private vehicle to a truck without being on the road for some years,” NTSA Director of Road Safety Matthew Munyao said yesterday.

The authority, now tasked with ensuring the safety of all road users, including drivers and passengers, said the curriculum will enable Kenyans to be more careful on roads and avoid accidents.

“Driver training, like any other educational activity, has to be based on well-known pedagogical and psychological principles. Sound judgment, developed by driving instructors and driving examiners over the years, is also essential,” said the NTSA in the curriculum.

A continuous assessment test will also be administered at all driving schools before one is tested by the NTSA.