Harare, Zimbabwe – The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has implemented new regulations that significantly raise the bar for drivers of omnibuses and commuter omnibuses in Zimbabwe.
Under the newly issued Statutory Instrument 10 of 2025, the government has amended the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations to require that all drivers of public service vehicles must now have at least five years of driving experience and be at least 30 years old.
This change, effective immediately, aims to improve safety standards in the country’s public transport sector. Prior to the amendment, drivers of these vehicles could be authorized to operate them with less experience and at a younger age.
The primary amendment, detailed in the new regulations, mandates that:
– Drivers must have a minimum of five years of driving experience.
– Drivers must be no younger than 30 years of age.
However, the regulation includes a provision for those already holding a license to drive omnibuses or commuter omnibuses.
Drivers between the ages of 25 and 30, who were authorized to operate these vehicles before the regulation’s publication, will be allowed to continue driving them under the “grandfather clause.”
The amendment is expected to have significant implications for the country’s public transport system.
Omnibuses and commuter omnibuses are widely used for public transport, and ensuring that drivers have the requisite experience is seen as a measure to reduce accidents and improve the overall safety of the sector.
The government hopes that the new requirements will enhance the professionalism of drivers, especially given the complexity of operating vehicles with large passenger loads.
However, the immediate effect of the new regulations could leave many younger drivers unable to qualify for public service vehicle licenses, potentially disrupting the flow of new drivers entering the industry.
This may also lead to a short-term shortage of drivers for public transport operators.
The Ministry of Transport emphasized that the changes are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety and the quality of public transport services in Zimbabwe.
The government also urged all public transport operators to comply with the new regulations and ensure that their drivers meet the updated criteria.
With the new regulations now in effect, public transport operators will be required to ensure that their drivers are in compliance with the updated requirements.
For aspiring drivers, the path to qualifying for a public service vehicle license has become more stringent, requiring more time and experience before they are eligible to drive omnibuses and commuter omnibuses.
As Zimbabwe continues to address issues of road safety and public transport standards, these new amendments highlight the government’s commitment to improving the safety and professionalism of the sector.
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