Introduction to Driving in Zimbabwe

It all starts with a learner's license

Before one can obtain a valid Zimbabwe driver’s license, he/she should first own a learner’s license. A learner’s license can be obtained from the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) after passing a 25 multiple choice test paper on driving which is written under 8 minutes.
To book for the test one must produce to the VID an identity document, driver’s license size photos, booking fee (stipulated by the VID)

License Classes

Class Vehicle Type Description Minimum Age Additional Notes
1 Buses public service buses (for passenger transportation) 25
  • One has to have held a license for at least 5 years before obtaining a class 1 license
  • other requirements when using this class of license on buses is a Defensive Driver's Certificate, medical certificate and a retest certificate
  • after every 5 years one is required to go for retest at the VID
2 Heavy vehicles (mainly trucks) vehicles with net mass above 2300kg 18
3 motorcycles motorcylces 16
  • When carrying a passenger the motor cyclist should provide a helmet a proper pillion seat and foot rest for the single passenger
  • in case of a valesolex it is not permitted to carry any passengers at all
4 light motor vehicles Maximum speed limit on the highway is 120km/h unless if in a speed regulated zone
5 Farm and construction vehicles 16

Whats next after the learner's license

A holder of a learner’s license is allowed to drive a motor vehicle but under the maximum supervision of a holder of a valid driver’s license and should be displaying a red L plate at the front and at the back of the motor vehicle in use

Notes on the car itslef

There are 3 legal documents which a motor vehicle must hold before being used on the road
  1. Vehicle Registration Book
  2. Vehicle Insurance
  3. Vehicle licence