The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) gives special licences and certifications to tanker drivers in the country.
A statement the authority shared on Tuesday, June 20, indicated that special licences are given to fuel tanker drivers to boost professionalism in the petroleum transportation sector.
The licence is also critical because it helps the industry players avert mishaps by ensuring only qualified drivers sit behind the wheel.
Further, it helps minimise malpractices such as fuel adulteration and theft through siphoning. The license also conforms with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on the country's commercial vehicle regulations and operations.
"The move is part of the efforts to boost professionalism and avert tanker mishaps during the transport of fuel across the country as well as minimise malpractices such as adulteration and theft," EPRA stated amidst reports that many matatu drivers had failed driving tests conducted by NTSA.
The massive failure came after NTSA implemented Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen's directive to launch a nationwide crackdown to restore road sanity.
Requirements for Special Licenses
To obtain a Petroleum Road Tanker Driver Certificate, one must have a National Identification Document (ID), a valid certificate of fitness from a doctor approved by the Directorate of Occupation Health and Safety Services and a valid driving licence.
Other requirements include a police clearance certificate and a coloured passport-size photo.
How to apply
Applicants are expected to visit the online services portal on the EPRA website and click on the create account tab.
Then click on license management and select new licence application.
Applicants must select the preferred category, Petroleum Road Tanker Driver Certificate. Read and accept the licence conditions provided and click on the “Proceed with registration icon,"
Drivers are then expected to follow the application process step by step by filling in the required information and clicking save.
Before submitting, one must attach the required documents as indicated in the EPRA portal.
No fees are charged for Petroleum Road Tanker Driver’s Certificates issued by EPRA, and once approvals have been granted, drivers can download and print the license at their convenience.
"Applications for Petroleum Road Tanker Driver’s Certificates are evaluated within 30 calendar days from date of receipt," EPRA states on their website.
