NTSA Tims portal lets you book your driving test online without visiting an NTSA office. This guide shows you how to register and book your test step by step.
What is NTSA Tims Portal?
Tims (Transport Integrated Management System) is NTSA’s online platform. You can book driving tests for learner’s license. Book driving tests for final license. Pay for the tests online. Check your booking status. Reschedule tests if needed. Access everything 24/7 from anywhere.
Types of Tests You Can Book
Learner’s Test: Theory test you take first. Tests knowledge of road signs and rules. Must pass to get provisional license. Takes about 30-45 minutes. Conducted at NTSA centers.
Driving Test: Practical test for full license. Tests actual driving skills. You must have provisional license first. Need to book specific date and time. Conducted at approved NTSA testing grounds.
What You Need Before Starting
Valid national ID or passport. Active phone number. Email address. Your provisional license number (for driving test). Payment method—Mpesa, bank card, or bank account. Internet connection and device.
Step 1: Visit NTSA Tims Website
Open your web browser. Type https://tims.ntsa.go.ke in the address bar. Press Enter to load the page. Wait for the NTSA Tims homepage to appear. You’ll see blue and white colors with NTSA logo.
Example: Make sure the address shows “tims.ntsa.go.ke”—this is the official portal only.
Step 2: Register or Log In
Look at the top right corner of the page. If you’re a new user, click “Register” or “Sign Up”. If you already have an account, click “Login” instead. For this guide, we’ll cover registration first.
Example: Registration is a one-time process. After that, you just log in each time.
Step 3: Choose Registration Type
On the registration page, select your user type. Choose “Individual” if you’re registering yourself. Click “Next” or “Continue” to proceed. Fill in the form that appears.
Example: Other options like “Company” or “Institution” are for businesses—regular people choose “Individual”.
Step 4: Enter Personal Details
Fill in your full name as shown on your ID. First Name, Middle Name, and Last Name in separate boxes. Enter your national ID number carefully. Select your date of birth from the calendar. Choose your gender from the dropdown menu.
Example:
- First Name: Mary
- Middle Name: Wanjiku
- Last Name: Njeri
- ID: 12345678
Step 5: Enter Contact Information
Type your active mobile number. Format: 0712345678 or +254712345678. Enter your email address carefully. Double-check for spelling mistakes. You’ll receive booking confirmations here.
Example:
- Phone: 0722123456
- Email: mary.njeri@gmail.com
Step 6: Create Login Credentials
Think of a username you’ll remember. Type it in the “Username” box. Create a strong password. Must be at least 8 characters. Include capital letters, small letters, and numbers. Type the same password in “Confirm Password” box.
Example:
- Username: maryn2026
- Password: Tims@2026
Step 7: Set Security Question
Choose a security question from the dropdown. Pick one you’ll remember the answer to. Type your answer in the box below. This helps if you forget your password later.
Example:
- Question: “What is your mother’s maiden name?”
- Answer: Wambui
Step 8: Complete Registration
Read the terms and conditions if you want. Tick the checkbox to agree. Complete the CAPTCHA security check if shown. Click “Submit” or “Register” button. Wait for confirmation message.
Example: You’ll see “Registration successful” message on screen.
Step 9: Verify Your Account
Check your email inbox for verification message from NTSA. Open the email from NTSA Tims. Click the verification link inside. This activates your account. You can now log in.
Example: If email doesn’t arrive in 5 minutes, check spam folder.
Step 10: Log In to Your Account
Go back to the Tims portal login page. Enter your username. Enter your password. Click “Login” or “Sign In” button. Your dashboard will appear.
Example: If login fails, check that username and password are correct. Remember passwords are case-sensitive.
Step 11: Navigate to Driving Test Booking
On your dashboard, look for menu options. Find “Driving License” or “DL Services”. Click on it to expand the menu. Look for “Book Driving Test” or “Test Booking”. Click on it.
Example: The menu might be on the left side or top of the page depending on device.
Step 12: Choose Test Type
Select the type of test you want to book. Options include “Learner’s Test” or “Driving Test”. Click on your choice. A new form will open for booking details.
Example: For first-timers, book “Learner’s Test” first. You can only book “Driving Test” after passing learner’s test.
Step 13: Select Testing Center
You’ll see a dropdown menu of NTSA testing centers. Choose the center nearest to you. Options include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, etc. Click on your preferred location.
Example: If in Nairobi, you might choose “NTSA Nairobi Testing Centre” or “Uhuru Highway Testing Ground”.
Step 14: Choose Date and Time
Look at the calendar shown on screen. Available dates are highlighted or clickable. Click on your preferred date. Available time slots will appear. Select a time that works for you.
Example: Dates in the past or fully booked are grayed out. Choose from available green or highlighted dates.
Step 15: Enter Required Information
For learner’s test, enter your ID number. For driving test, enter your provisional license number. The system will verify your details. Fill in any additional information requested. Double-check all entries are correct.
Example: Provisional license looks like: PL123456/19 or similar format.
Step 16: Review Booking Details
The system shows a summary of your booking. Check the test type is correct. Verify the date and time shown. Confirm the testing center location. Make sure personal details are accurate.
Example:
- Test: Learner’s Test
- Date: January 15, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Center: NTSA Nairobi
Step 17: Proceed to Payment
Click “Proceed to Payment” or “Pay Now” button. You’ll see the test fee amount. Learner’s test costs around KES 200-300. Driving test costs around KES 300-500. Choose your payment method.
Example: Select “M-Pesa” for mobile money payment or “Card” for debit/credit card.
Step 18: Make Payment
If using Mpesa, enter your phone number. You’ll receive an STK push on your phone. Enter your Mpesa PIN to complete payment. If using card, enter card details and complete payment. Wait for confirmation.
Example: Check your phone for the Mpesa prompt that says “Enter PIN to pay KES 300 to NTSA”.
Step 19: Get Confirmation
After successful payment, you’ll see a confirmation message. Note down your booking reference number. Check your email for booking confirmation. An SMS will also be sent to your phone. Save these for your records.
Example: Reference number might look like: BK123456789. Write it down or screenshot it.
Step 20: Prepare for Test Day
Print or save your booking confirmation. Bring your national ID on test day. For driving test, bring your provisional license. Arrive at testing center 30 minutes early. Bring the booking reference number.
Example: Save the confirmation email and have it ready on your phone to show at the center.
What to Expect on Test Day
For Learner’s Test: Arrive at the center early. Register at the reception desk. Show your ID and booking reference. Wait for your name to be called. Take the computerized theory test. Results are immediate—you’ll know if you passed. If you pass, you can apply for provisional license.
For Driving Test: Arrive with your provisional license. Bring the vehicle you’ll use for test (if required). Register at the reception. Wait for your slot. Instructor will test your driving skills. Results given same day or within a week.
How to Reschedule Your Test
Log into Tims portal. Go to “My Bookings” or “View Bookings”. Find your booked test. Click “Reschedule” if option is available. Choose new date and time. May require additional payment. Confirm the change.
Example: Rescheduling might cost extra KES 100-200 depending on notice period.
How to Check Booking Status
Log into your Tims account. Click on “My Bookings” or “Booking History”. You’ll see all your test bookings. Status shows: Confirmed, Pending, Completed, or Cancelled. Click on a booking to see full details.
Common Problems and Solutions
Can’t register: Make sure your ID details are correct. Check that email and phone are valid. Try a different browser if system is slow.
Payment failed: Check Mpesa balance is sufficient. Ensure you entered correct phone number. Try again or use different payment method.
No available dates: Testing centers get fully booked. Keep checking daily as slots open up. Consider booking at a different center.
Forgot password: Click “Forgot Password” on login page. Enter your username or email. Answer your security question. Create new password.
Booking not showing: Wait 10-15 minutes after payment. Refresh the page or log out and back in. Check email for confirmation first.
Important Tips
Book your test well in advance—slots fill up fast. Choose a test center close to where you practice driving. Arrive early on test day to avoid missing your slot. Keep your booking reference safe. Don’t pay through agents—book directly online. Practice thoroughly before booking driving test. Check your email regularly for updates from NTSA.
Test Fees (Approximate)
Learner’s Test: KES 200-300. Driving Test (Class A - Motorcycle): KES 300. Driving Test (Class B - Car): KES 500. Driving Test (Class C - PSV): KES 700. Fees may change, so check current rates on portal.
After Passing Your Test
If you pass learner’s test, apply for provisional license. Practice driving for at least 3 months. Book driving test when ready. If you pass driving test, apply for full driving license. Process license through eCitizen portal or NTSA office.
Contact NTSA for Help
If you have problems with Tims portal, contact NTSA. Call: 0709-955-000 or 0730-172-000. Email: customercare@ntsa.go.ke. Visit any NTSA office nationwide. Check their website for office locations and hours.
Booking your driving test online saves you time and ensures you get your preferred date and location. Follow these steps carefully and you’ll be on your way to getting your driving license.