DriveRush

Guide · NTSA testBy DriveRush team · Checked 11 November 2026

NTSA test questions. With answers.

58 practice questions for the theory part of the NTSA test, each with the rule behind the answer and where it comes from.

These are 58 NTSA driving test practice questions with answers. We wrote them from NTSA's learner handbook, NTSA's service pages, the Traffic Act and the Ministry of Roads road signs manual, and each answer names its source.

They are not past NTSA papers, and nobody outside NTSA has the real ones, so be wary of anyone who says they do. NTSA does not publish the test's format or its pass mark either. What these give you is the facts the questions rest on. Pick an answer before you open each one.

The Model Town Board is part of the test too, and has its own Model Town Board questions and answers. For road signs, learn all 83 on the road signs page.

Your licence and the test

  1. Question 1

    How old must you be to apply for a provisional licence for a car?

    • 16
    • 18
    • 21
    • 24
    Show the answer

    B: 18. NTSA asks for learners aged 18 and above, and the Traffic Act bars anyone under 18 from a licence for anything other than a motorcycle.

    Source: NTSA, Provisional Driving Licence page; Traffic Act, section 33

  2. Question 2

    How long is a Provisional Driving Licence valid?

    • 1 month
    • 3 months
    • 6 months
    • 1 year
    Show the answer

    B: 3 months. A PDL lasts 3 months, so plan your lessons and your test around that.

    Source: NTSA, Provisional Driving Licence page

  3. Question 3

    From how far away must your L plates be visible?

    • 5 metres, at the back only
    • 10 metres, front and rear
    • At least 20 metres, front and rear
    • 50 metres, at the front only
    Show the answer

    C: At least 20 metres, front and rear. L plates must be visible from at least twenty metres, from both the front and the rear of the vehicle.

    Source: NTSA, Provisional Driving Licence page

  4. Question 4

    How long must your PDL have matured before you book the test?

    • 7 days
    • 14 days
    • 21 days
    • 30 days
    Show the answer

    C: 21 days. You book the driving test after your PDL has matured for 21 days.

    Source: NTSA, Driver Test Booking page

  5. Question 5

    You've just passed your test. What do you apply for next?

    • A new provisional licence
    • An interim driving licence
    • A retest
    • A PSV badge
    Show the answer

    B: An interim driving licence. After a pass you apply for an interim licence, which is valid for 6 months, and then your Smart DL.

    Source: NTSA, Driver Test Booking page; NTSA, Interim Driving Licence page

Rules of the road

  1. Question 6

    What is the speed limit on a road inside a trading centre, township, municipality or city, unless a lower limit is set?

    • 30 km/h
    • 50 km/h
    • 70 km/h
    • 100 km/h
    Show the answer

    B: 50 km/h. The Traffic Act sets 50 km/h on any road within those boundaries, with signs showing where the limit begins and ends.

    Source: Traffic Act, section 42(3)

  2. Question 7

    A person in charge of cattle on the road raises a hand signalling you to stop. What must you do?

    • Hoot and carry on slowly
    • Stop only if the animals are in your lane
    • Stop at once and stay stopped for as long as is reasonably necessary
    • Overtake the herd quickly
    Show the answer

    C: Stop at once and stay stopped for as long as is reasonably necessary. The Traffic Act requires you to stop immediately and stay stationary for as long as is reasonably necessary.

    Source: Traffic Act, section 52(1)

  3. Question 8

    A uniformed police officer signals you to do something a sign doesn't show. What must you do?

    • Follow the sign only
    • Obey the officer's direction
    • Ignore it unless it's spoken
    • Stop and ask for it in writing
    Show the answer

    B: Obey the officer's direction. Drivers must obey directions from a uniformed police officer on duty, given by word or by signal.

    Source: Traffic Act, section 52(1)

  4. Question 9

    May you leave a motor vehicle unattended on a road with the engine running?

    • Yes, for up to five minutes
    • Yes, if the hazard lights are on
    • Yes, if someone is watching it
    • No
    Show the answer

    D: No. The Traffic Act forbids leaving a motor vehicle unattended on a road with the engine running.

    Source: Traffic Act, section 66

  5. Question 10

    Where are Kenya's rules of the road set out?

    • Only in the driving school's notes
    • In the Traffic Act and the Highway Code
    • In the county by-laws only
    • On the back of the licence
    Show the answer

    B: In the Traffic Act and the Highway Code. The handbook names the Traffic Act, which sets out the law and its penalties, and the Highway Code, the rules and advice for every road user.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 2, p. 7

  6. Question 11

    When may you use your horn?

    • When you are stopped in a jam
    • While moving, to warn others that you are there
    • To show a driver they made a mistake
    • Whenever you like, if it is brief
    Show the answer

    B: While moving, to warn others that you are there. Use the horn only while moving, to warn other road users. Never while stationary on the road, and never aggressively.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 2, p. 7

  7. Question 12

    Where must you never use your horn?

    • On a dual carriageway
    • Near hospitals and schools, and where a No Hooting sign stands
    • At a roundabout
    • On a bridge
    Show the answer

    B: Near hospitals and schools, and where a No Hooting sign stands. Hooting is always prohibited at places such as hospitals and schools, and wherever the No Hooting sign is placed.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 2, p. 7

  8. Question 13

    Which of these must you give way to?

    • A matatu that wants to pull out
    • An ambulance sounding its siren or showing flashing lights
    • A car behind you that is flashing its lights
    • A cyclist waiting at the kerb
    Show the answer

    B: An ambulance sounding its siren or showing flashing lights. Give way to police cars, emergency vehicles sounding a siren or with flashing lights, the presidential motorcade, and when a police officer or traffic marshal asks you to.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 2, p. 8

  9. Question 14

    May you drive in a part of the road set aside for pedestrians and cyclists?

    • Yes, to pass slow traffic
    • Yes, at night
    • No
    • Only on a weekend
    Show the answer

    C: No. You should not ride or drive in areas of the road designated for pedestrians and cyclists.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 2, p. 8

  10. Question 15

    How many passengers may a Category B light vehicle carry?

    • Not more than five
    • Not more than seven
    • Not more than ten
    • As many as have seats
    Show the answer

    B: Not more than seven. The handbook's table allows not more than seven passengers in a Category B light vehicle.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 18

  11. Question 16

    What is the heaviest light trailer a Category B vehicle may tow?

    • 500 kg
    • 750 kg
    • 1,000 kg
    • 3,500 kg
    Show the answer

    B: 750 kg. Category B allows one light trailer not exceeding 750 kg.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 18

  12. Question 17

    Before you make a U-turn, what must you check?

    • Only that the car behind has stopped
    • That no sign forbids it, and that you can see well both ways
    • That you are on a dual carriageway
    • That your hazard lights are on
    Show the answer

    B: That no sign forbids it, and that you can see well both ways. Check that there is no sign saying you should not, and make the turn only where you can see well on both sides.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 8, p. 36

Signs and signals

  1. Question 18

    You reach a STOP sign, but no stop line is painted on the road. Where must you stop?

    • You don't have to stop without a line
    • At or before the STOP sign
    • In the middle of the junction
    • Only if you can see other traffic
    Show the answer

    B: At or before the STOP sign. Vehicles must stop at or before a STOP line, or at or before the STOP sign if there's no line.

    Source: Ministry of Roads, road signs manual

  2. Question 19

    A warning sign is what shape?

    • A blue circle
    • A triangle with a red border
    • A red octagon
    • A green rectangle
    Show the answer

    B: A triangle with a red border. Warning signs are triangles with a red border. A blue circle gives an order, and a red octagon is STOP.

    Source: Ministry of Roads, road signs manual

  3. Question 20

    What does a blue circle with a white arrow pointing right tell you?

    • A road joins from the right
    • Turning right is advised
    • You must turn right
    • No right turn
    Show the answer

    C: You must turn right. A blue circle is an instruction, so traffic must turn right.

    Source: Ministry of Roads, road signs manual

  4. Question 21

    What does the low-flying aircraft warning sign prepare you for?

    • An airport car park
    • Sudden aircraft noise that may startle you
    • A ban on stopping
    • A lower speed limit
    Show the answer

    B: Sudden aircraft noise that may startle you. It's used where low-flying aircraft or sudden aircraft noise may startle road users.

    Source: Ministry of Roads, road signs manual

  5. Question 22

    What are the two types of traffic signals?

    • Hand signals and light signals
    • Road signs and road markings
    • Horns and headlights
    • Arrows and lines
    Show the answer

    A: Hand signals and light signals. The handbook names two types of traffic signal: hand signals and light signals.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 2, p. 8

  6. Question 23

    What does a rectangular road sign usually do?

    • Warn you
    • Give you an order
    • Inform you
    • Tell you to stop
    Show the answer

    C: Inform you. Most signs fall into three shapes: a triangle warns, a circle gives an order, and a rectangle informs.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 2, p. 8

  7. Question 24

    What does a circular road sign usually do?

    • Give an order
    • Warn of a hazard
    • Show a place name
    • Mark a parking area
    Show the answer

    A: Give an order. A circle gives an order. A triangle warns and a rectangle informs.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 2, p. 8

  8. Question 25

    What does a Stop sign look like?

    • A red triangle pointing down
    • A red octagon with white letters
    • A blue circle
    • A yellow diamond
    Show the answer

    B: A red octagon with white letters. A Stop sign is red, with eight sides (an octagon) and white letters. A red triangle pointing down is Give way.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 3, p. 12

  9. Question 26

    At a Give way sign, what do you do?

    • Always stop for 3 seconds
    • Slow down, stop if you need to, and go only when it is safe
    • Hoot and carry on
    • Speed up to clear the junction
    Show the answer

    B: Slow down, stop if you need to, and go only when it is safe. Slow down or stop if necessary, and proceed only when it is safe.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 3, p. 12

  10. Question 27

    What does a broken white line between lanes allow?

    • Nothing: you must stay in lane
    • Changing lanes or overtaking, if the road is clear
    • Parking beside it
    • U-turns
    Show the answer

    B: Changing lanes or overtaking, if the road is clear. A broken white line means you may change lanes or overtake if the road is clear. A continuous one means you may not.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 3, p. 10

  11. Question 28

    What does a yellow kerb mean?

    • Loading only
    • No stopping, no waiting and no parking
    • Parking for an hour
    • Bus stop ahead
    Show the answer

    B: No stopping, no waiting and no parking. The yellow kerb means no overlapping, no parking, no waiting and no stopping.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 3, p. 10

Safety, alcohol and fatigue

  1. Question 29

    Who must wear a seat belt?

    • Only the driver
    • The driver and the front passenger
    • Everyone in the car, however short the trip
    • Only on highways
    Show the answer

    C: Everyone in the car, however short the trip. All passengers must wear safety belts at all times, no matter how short the distance.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 17

  2. Question 30

    What does the handbook recommend for children under 12?

    • The front seat
    • A booster seat, so the seat belt fits properly
    • No seat belt
    • Sitting on an adult's lap
    Show the answer

    B: A booster seat, so the seat belt fits properly. Use a proper child restraint. A booster seat is recommended for children under 12, so the vehicle's seat belt fits properly.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 17

  3. Question 31

    You start to feel tired while driving. What should you do?

    • Open the window and keep going
    • Turn the radio up
    • Stop at a safe place and rest
    • Drive faster to get there sooner
    Show the answer

    C: Stop at a safe place and rest. If you feel tired, stop at a safe place and rest. On long journeys take regular breaks.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 15

  4. Question 32

    Which of these can cause fatigue?

    • Too little sleep, or driving when you would usually be asleep
    • Eating a balanced meal
    • Taking regular breaks
    • Keeping fit
    Show the answer

    A: Too little sleep, or driving when you would usually be asleep. Fatigue comes from too little sleep or rest, long spells at the same task, illness, and driving at times you would usually be resting, such as at night.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 15

  5. Question 33

    What should you do with your phone while driving?

    • Text only at traffic lights
    • Hold it low so police can't see
    • Switch it off or put it out of reach
    • Use it on speaker in your hand
    Show the answer

    C: Switch it off or put it out of reach. Talking or texting takes your attention off the road. Switch the phone off, or put it out of reach for the journey.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 15

  6. Question 34

    Which is an effect of alcohol on a driver?

    • Sharper judgement of speed
    • Slower reactions and false confidence
    • Better balance
    • Better concentration
    Show the answer

    B: Slower reactions and false confidence. Alcohol slows your brain, makes it harder to judge speed and distance, gives you false confidence, and hurts concentration and balance.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 16

  7. Question 35

    A police officer asks you to take a breathalyser test. May you refuse?

    • Yes, if you have not been drinking
    • Yes, if you are close to home
    • No: refusing is an offence
    • Only with a lawyer present
    Show the answer

    C: No: refusing is an offence. It is an offence to refuse, or fail to comply with, a police officer's direction about an alcohol test.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 16

  8. Question 36

    Why must you never run the engine in a closed garage?

    • It wastes fuel
    • Exhaust fumes carry carbon monoxide, an odourless gas that can kill
    • It wears the battery
    • It is noisy
    Show the answer

    B: Exhaust fumes carry carbon monoxide, an odourless gas that can kill. Carbon monoxide has no smell and can be lethal. Never run the engine in an enclosed space, and check the exhaust for leaks.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 16

  9. Question 37

    May you wear sunglasses when driving at night?

    • Yes, against headlight glare
    • No: not at night or when visibility is poor
    • Only on the highway
    • Only if they are lightly tinted
    Show the answer

    B: No: not at night or when visibility is poor. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted visors at night or in poor visibility.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 14

  10. Question 38

    How should you load luggage in a car?

    • High up, so you can reach it
    • On the roof, without a rack
    • As low and as close to the middle of the car as you can
    • All at the back
    Show the answer

    C: As low and as close to the middle of the car as you can. Load items as low as possible and as close to the centre of the vehicle as possible, and never overload it.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 18

  11. Question 39

    What should you do when you leave your car?

    • Leave the engine running if you'll be quick
    • Switch off the ignition, take the keys and lock it
    • Leave a window open for air
    • Leave the keys for the parking attendant
    Show the answer

    B: Switch off the ignition, take the keys and lock it. Switch off the ignition, remove the keys, and lock the windows and the boot.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 17

Controlling the car

  1. Question 40

    What does MSM stand for?

    • Move, Stop, Move
    • Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre
    • Mirror, Speed, Merge
    • Motor, Steering, Mirrors
    Show the answer

    B: Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre. Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre: the routine before moving off, changing direction or lanes, overtaking, and changing speed.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 9, p. 38

  2. Question 41

    In the MSM routine, which mirror do you check first?

    • The door mirror on the side you are going
    • The centre interior mirror
    • Neither: you look over your shoulder
    • The passenger's door mirror
    Show the answer

    B: The centre interior mirror. Look in the centre interior mirror first, then the door mirror on the side you are going.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 9, p. 38

  3. Question 42

    When must you check your blind spot?

    • Only when reversing
    • When you change lanes, and when cyclists or motorcyclists are close
    • Never, if your mirrors are set
    • Only at night
    Show the answer

    B: When you change lanes, and when cyclists or motorcyclists are close. Check the blind spot before you change lanes, when overtaking on a dual carriageway, and when cyclists or motorcyclists are near.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 9, p. 39

  4. Question 43

    You want to park just after a junction. When do you signal?

    • Before the junction
    • After the junction
    • Never
    • At the same time as you brake
    Show the answer

    B: After the junction. Do not signal before a junction when you are parking up, or drivers will think you are turning.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 9, p. 39

  5. Question 44

    Where should your hands be on the steering wheel to avoid injury if the airbag goes off?

    • 12 and 6
    • At 9 and 3
    • Both at the top
    • One hand at the bottom
    Show the answer

    B: At 9 and 3. To avoid injury from the airbag, hold the wheel at the 9 and 3 position.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 8, p. 35

  6. Question 45

    Which gear should the car be in before you start the engine?

    • First
    • Reverse
    • Neutral
    • Second
    Show the answer

    C: Neutral. Before starting the engine, the gear should be in neutral.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 8, p. 34

  7. Question 46

    Which gear do you use to move off from a stop?

    • First
    • Second
    • Third
    • Reverse
    Show the answer

    A: First. First gear is for moving off from a stationary position, up to about 30 km/h.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 8, p. 34

  8. Question 47

    In rain or fog, how far behind the car in front should you stay?

    • One second
    • Two seconds
    • About four seconds
    • One car length
    Show the answer

    C: About four seconds. The handbook's 4-second rule: when the car ahead passes a landmark, count to four. If you reach it first, drop back.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 10, p. 43

  9. Question 48

    What is stopping distance?

    • The braking distance only
    • The thinking distance plus the braking distance
    • The gap to the car in front
    • The distance to the next junction
    Show the answer

    B: The thinking distance plus the braking distance. Stopping distance is the thinking distance and the braking distance added together.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 10, p. 44

  10. Question 49

    Which of these makes your braking distance longer?

    • A dry road
    • A wet road, more speed or worn tyres
    • Driving slowly
    • New brakes
    Show the answer

    B: A wet road, more speed or worn tyres. Braking distance grows on wet or poor roads, as speed goes up, and with worn tyres, poor brakes or an overloaded car.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 10, p. 44

  11. Question 50

    What affects your thinking distance?

    • Your speed, tiredness and distractions
    • Only the weather
    • The colour of the car
    • Your tyre pressure
    Show the answer

    A: Your speed, tiredness and distractions. Thinking distance is affected by speed, driver fatigue and distractions.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 10, p. 44

  12. Question 51

    Does coasting in neutral (freewheeling) save fuel?

    • Yes, a lot
    • Yes, downhill only
    • No, and it gives you less control
    • Only in fifth gear
    Show the answer

    C: No, and it gives you less control. Freewheeling burns about what an idling engine does, so it saves nothing. It also cuts your control and wears the brakes.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 10, p. 45

  13. Question 52

    Which brakes does the handbrake work on?

    • The front two
    • The rear two
    • All four
    • Only the left side
    Show the answer

    B: The rear two. The handbrake applies the two rear brakes.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 10, p. 45

  14. Question 53

    What are the three kinds of road conditions the handbook describes?

    • Open, closed and changing
    • Wet, dry and dusty
    • Urban, rural and highway
    • Day, night and dusk
    Show the answer

    A: Open, closed and changing. Open conditions give a clear, wide view; closed conditions limit space and view; changing conditions bring changes in speed limit, surface, width, visibility or traffic.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 11, p. 46

Emergencies

  1. Question 54

    Your car breaks down on the road. Where do you put the reflector triangles?

    • 10 metres behind only
    • 60 metres ahead and 60 metres behind
    • On the roof
    • Right beside the car
    Show the answer

    B: 60 metres ahead and 60 metres behind. Every motor vehicle except a motorcycle should carry reflector triangles, placed 60 metres ahead and 60 metres behind a vehicle stopped on the road.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 4, p. 19

  2. Question 55

    Your brakes fail. What do you try first?

    • Switch off the engine
    • Pump the brake pedal, then use the handbrake gently but firmly
    • Pull the handbrake hard at once
    • Jump out
    Show the answer

    B: Pump the brake pedal, then use the handbrake gently but firmly. Pumping the pedal may restore pressure. If not, apply the handbrake gently but firmly, holding the release button.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 12, p. 48

  3. Question 56

    A tyre bursts while you are driving. What do you do?

    • Brake hard at once
    • Grip the wheel firmly, don't slam the brakes, and slow down gradually
    • Steer sharply to the side
    • Speed up to keep control
    Show the answer

    B: Grip the wheel firmly, don't slam the brakes, and slow down gradually. Keep a firm grip, don't slam on the brakes, let the car slow gradually, pull over once slow, and switch on your hazard lights.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 12, p. 48

  4. Question 57

    Your wheels run off the edge of the tarmac. What do you do?

    • Brake hard and steer back at once
    • Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer back once in control
    • Speed up
    • Let go of the wheel
    Show the answer

    B: Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer back once in control. Hold the steering firmly, take your foot off the accelerator, avoid heavy braking, and steer back when the car is under control.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 12, p. 48

  5. Question 58

    Your headlights go out at night. What do you do?

    • Carry on with hazard lights
    • Check the switch; if they stay off, keep left and stop safely off the road
    • Follow the car in front closely
    • Drive on the shoulder
    Show the answer

    B: Check the switch; if they stay off, keep left and stop safely off the road. Check the switch at once. If the lights stay off, keep left and stop safely off the road: driving at night without lights is dangerous and illegal.

    Source: Learner Driver Handbook, Unit 12, p. 48

Practise the rest

Your driving school is still where you learn to drive and where you find out how the test runs at your centre.

Sources