Zimbabwe allows testing for both manual and automatic drivers licences

THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. JOSHUA SACCO): Good afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. Thank you for allowing me to make a contribution on this debate; representing the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development. On Wednesday the 5th of March 2025, Hon. Mhetu raised a motion with regards to the licence testing framework in Zimbabwe. Allow me to address this august House and give an overview on the licence framework and what we wish to do going forward. In Zimbabwe, the licence testing framework is administered by a vehicle Inspection Department known as VID, under the purview of the Hon. Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. In order to shed more light on the framework, I wish to give an overview of the existing framework; In 2023, Statutory Instrument 119/23, which is the road trafficking licencing of driver’s regulations were published. The aim was to align Zimbabwe’s driver’s licencing system with SADC requirements and international best practices. Furthermore, the new regulations have replaced the old class-based system with a more comprehensive categorisation as follows; A – Motor cycles A1 – Small motor cycles (up to 125 cc) B1 – Quadricycles (quad bikes, motorised tricycles); B – Light motor vehicles (cars, mini-buses up to 3500 kg) BE – B vehicles with a trailer C1 – light trucks (3500 – 7500kg) C- Heavy trucks (over 7500kgs) CE – C vehicles with a trailer D1 – light buses (minibuses up to 16 seats) D – Heavy buses (buses over 16 seats) DE – D vehicles with a trailer; and BE – Agricultural/construction vehicles, (tractors, excavators, etc) LICENCING TESTING FRAMEWORK This consists of three main components. The first one being; Theory Test which comprises of written examination, the tests, the applicant’s knowledge of road science, traffic laws and safe driving practices. As you may be aware, these tests are also now being conducted using computers to keep in line with technological advancements the world-over. Practical Driving Tests – this is a behind the wheel assessment that evaluates the applicant’s driving skills including manoeuvring, turning and stopping. Currently, the law provides for testing of applicants for both manual and automatic vehicles. The applicant who passes a road test using a manual vehicle can drive both manual and automatic vehicles. However, applicants who pass a road test using automatic vehicles are restricted to driving automatic vehicles only and their licences are endorsed “Automatic Vehicles (AT)”. Vision Test – this encompasses a medical examination that checks the applicant’s eyesight and visual ability. My Ministry is committed to ensuring that all drivers who drive on our roads are adequately trained and licenced for the specific vehicles they operate and adhere to traffic laws, to ensure the safety of our citizenry. To conclude, the update to the driver’s licence framework in Zimbabwe as per SI 119/2023, marks a significant step towards the country’s licencing system with international best practices and SADC requirements facilitate the recognition of Zimbabwe licences by other countries. I thank you.