The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona has issued an official notice regarding amendments to the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 2025, which are set to come into effect immediately upon publication.
In a move aimed at strengthening road safety and ensuring more experienced drivers on public transport, the new regulations amend the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 2023. The 2023 regulations have specifically revised section 4.
The amendment introduces a significant change for those wishing to drive public service vehicles, particularly omnibus and commuter omnibus operators.
Under the new rules, individuals must now have at least five years of driving experience and be aged 30 or older to qualify for a license to operate these types of vehicles.
This change comes as part of the government’s continued efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents caused by inexperience among drivers of passenger vehicles.
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However, the amendment also includes a transitional provision that allows drivers who are between the ages of 25 and 30 and who were already authorised to operate omnibus or commuter omnibus vehicles prior to the publication of these regulations to continue driving without needing to meet the new age and experience requirements.
These regulatory changes were officially published as Statutory Instrument 1 of 2025, and they aim to address concerns regarding the rising number of accidents involving passenger service vehicles, ensuring that only qualified, experienced drivers are in charge of transporting the public.
The Ministry of Transport emphasized that these amendments will be enforced immediately and will help improve road safety, particularly in urban areas where commuter omnibuses are a popular form of transport.
This latest adjustment to the Road Traffic Act highlights the ongoing commitment of the government to enhancing safety standards on Zimbabwe’s roads, especially in the public transport sector.
