Unsafe Driving Schools Deregistered in Harare, Mutare & Masvingo

The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has deregistered five driving schools this year due to various violations, including safety breaches, poor vehicle maintenance, and failure to adhere to lesson safety protocols.

In an effort to improve road safety, authorities have launched a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed driving schools, which are believed to contribute to the rise in reckless driving incidents.

TSCZ, the government agency responsible for road safety, oversees the regulation and monitoring of driving schools, ensuring they comply with set standards. Additionally, the agency conducts awareness campaigns to educate both drivers and pedestrians on safe road practices.

TSCZ media and corporate communications officer, Lucy Kuwandira-Mapfumo, revealed that the affected driving schools were based in Harare, Mutare, and Masvingo.

“Zimbabwe currently has 700 registered driving schools, with Harare accounting for the highest number at 170,” she stated.

“So far, we have revoked the licenses of five driving schools, not just in Harare but also in Mutare and Masvingo. One of our key responsibilities is to register, regulate, and monitor these institutions to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

“To enforce this, we carry out regular inspections and targeted operations.”

She explained that these inspections aim to identify and penalize non-compliant driving schools, ensuring that learner drivers receive proper instruction.

Schools failing to meet safety and operational standards risk losing their licenses, which would also disqualify their students from taking the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) test.

“This initiative is designed to enhance road safety by enforcing responsible training from the grassroots level,” she added.

Some driving schools have also been accused of accepting bribes in exchange for guaranteed licenses, a corrupt practice that has contributed to the rise in road accidents.

“This results in unqualified drivers who struggle with basic traffic regulations, putting lives at risk. We are working to root out such corruption from the industry,” she emphasized.

Driving schools with a record of safety violations, such as failing to maintain their vehicles or disregarding safety procedures, are at risk of being shut down.

“All driving schools must renew their licenses regularly and maintain the highest safety standards. Those that fail to comply, whether due to negligence or financial struggles, will face strict penalties,” she warned.

She also stressed that non-compliant driving schools would be barred from having their learners tested at VID, as the council would notify the department of their status.

“We urge all driving schools to take this matter seriously and make road safety a top priority in their operations,” she concluded.