How To Apply For TMS Driving License First Time. Drivers in Tanzania are licensed to drive specific types of vehicles under the TMS driving license. Motorcycles (A class), private vehicles (B class), public service vehicles (C class), commercial vehicles (D and E class), and others are among the classes.
A license for a particular class corresponds to a particular class of vehicle, and applicants must meet certain criteria in order to obtain one. A learner license (H class) is also available for provisional learning.
What is Driving License?
The Government or the relevant transportation authority issues a Driving License (DL), commonly referred to as a Driver’s License. Tanzanian Driving Licences allow individuals to operate motor vehicles on public roads within specific countries or jurisdictions. You can obtain one from the Tanzanian Traffic Police or the licensing authority.
TMS Driving License Requirements
- A certificate from a recognized driving school is required
- A motor vehicle driver must be 18 years of age or older, and a motorcycle driver must be 16 years of age or older
- You must have a learner permit or provisional license
- A test must be taken and a fee must be paid
- An eye test certificate is required
- A traffic police test application must have been submitted
- A car must be tested at the traffic police
The applicant may drive motorcycles and saloon cars after passing the test.
How to Apply For TMS Driving Licence
- Visit the Official Website: For access to the online application portal, go to the official website of the Tanzania Traffic Police or the relevant licensing authority.
- Create an Account: Provide your name, contact information, and identification information in order to register or create an account on the online platform.
- Select the License Category: Depending on your preference, you can apply for a private car license, motorcycle license, or commercial vehicle license.
- Fill out the Application Form: Provide accurate information on the online application form, including personal information, identification details, and other relevant information.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Upload supporting documents, including identification documents, medical certificates (if needed), and any other documents required by the licensing authority.
- Pay the Application Fee: Online payment methods are available to pay the license application fee. The fee amount will vary depending on the type of license being applied for.
- Submit the Application: Make sure all fields are filled out, and submit the application online.
- Await Processing and Notification: Your application will be processed and verified by the licensing authority after you submit it. You will receive notifications or updates about the status of your application via email or the online portal.
TMS Driving Licence Application Process
A DL application’s processing time can vary based on the licensing authority’s workload and the number of applications. Generally, the DL application will be processed and issued within a few weeks.
How Long is a TMS Driving Licence valid?
- A driver license for a private car (Class B) is typically valid for three years.
- DLs for commercial vehicles (classes C, CM, DL, and DM) have a one-year validity period.
- Motorcycles (Classes A and CM): DLs for motorcycles are usually valid for a period of one year.
Most Important Rule of Driving in Tanzania?
Following the driving tips and road rules fervently can help you drive to the top destinations hassle-free. For hassle-free driving, tourists should follow the driving regulations in Tanzania.
Most of the driving rules imposed by the authorities are similar to those in other countries, so you have no excuse to violate them. Here are the most important driving rules in Tanzania that you must adhere to.
Carry Your Driver Licence and International Driver Permit at All Times
In Tanzania, it is important to ensure that you have the following requirements before driving: a driver’s licence, a passport, insurance documents, and your International Driver’s License.
Your International Drive License in Tanzania is valid for six months upon arrival. If you are caught driving without a licence, you can be charged with unlicensed driving.
You can get your Tanzanian International Driver License in 20 minutes by applying on the International Driver Association site. Remember, your Tanzanian International Driver’s Licence is not a replacement for your local driving licence. To rent a car in Tanzania, you will still need your local driving licence.
Drunk Driving Is Against the Law
To prevent road accidents, Tanzania also prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol. In Tanzania, the blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers is 0.08%, while for professional and commercial drivers it is zero.
Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of road fatalities worldwide. If you violate this law, you will face a fine of 500,000 Tanzanian shillings (Sh) or imprisonment.
Tanzania has inadequate lighting on the roads, especially outside urban areas, so it is highly recommended to avoid driving at night. It is also dangerous to drive without enough streetlights at night because animals roam freely.
Moreover, some trucks and cars usually turn off their headlights, making it difficult for you to see them ahead. Avoid driving at night if at all possible.
Drive Below the Speed Limit
Speeding is one of the most common causes of road deaths in Tanzania. The country has plenty of slopes and sharp bends that could cause accidents, so it’s not a good idea to drive over the speed limit. In urban areas, the speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour, while outside the cities, the limit is 80 kilometres per hour.
Vehicles with a maximum weight of 3,500 kilograms should not exceed 80 kilometres per hour. Keeping everyone, including animals, safe from road accidents is achieved by driving below the speed limit.
TMS driving license system classifies drivers based on vehicle types, ensuring safe and regulated road operation. With classes for motorcycles, private vehicles, public service, and commercial vehicles, each license corresponds to specific criteria, emphasizing responsible driving.
The application process involves meeting requirements, undergoing tests, and submitting necessary documents through the official website. The validity varies per class, with private car licenses typically lasting three years, commercial licenses one year, and motorcycle licenses one year.
Obtaining a Tanzanian driving license is a systematic process administered by the Traffic Police or relevant authorities, promoting road safety and responsible driving.
