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The Category Structure: One Category, One Competence
Since 2023, NTSA licenses by category, one at a time — the old combined "BCE" licence covering everything is gone. Each category is a distinct competence with its own training and testing, and in the upper tiers its own age and experience gates.
| Category | Covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Mopeds up to 50cc | No passengers or loads |
| A2 | Motorcycles up to 400cc | One passenger + a small load |
| A3 | Commercial two/three-wheelers | Bodaboda service, courier/delivery, tuk-tuks |
| B | Light vehicles | Max 7 passengers, max 3,500 kg GVW |
| C | Commercial trucks (progressive) | C1 light (age 22) → C → CE (trailers) → CD (hazmat) |
| D | PSVs | D1/D2/D3 by size; D2 = mini-bus/matatu class |
| E | Professional C+D licence | Multi-category flexibility |
| F | Persons with disabilities | Standard categories + adaptations |
| G | Industrial/construction/agricultural machinery | Added as an endorsement |
Two boundaries do most of the work in exam questions and in real "can I drive that?" decisions: Category B's ceilings — a maximum of 7 passengers and a Gross Vehicle Weight not exceeding 3,500 kg (GVW is defined properly in Module 7; here it's the category line), and the split inside Category A, where A3 is the commercial two/three-wheeler class — bodaboda passenger service, couriers, and tuk-tuks — distinct from private A1 (mopeds ≤50cc) and A2 (motorcycles ≤400cc).
Key takeaways
- Licensing is category-based, one competence at a time — the combined "BCE" licence is history
- The boundaries that get tested: A3 is the commercial two/three-wheeler class, and Category B caps at 7 passengers and 3,500 kg GVW
Quick check
Under NTSA's category system, which category covers commercial bodaboda passenger service, couriers, and tuk-tuks?