Minimum age to drive a kombi set at 30

Gilbert Munetsi

Zim Now Writer

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has officially gazetted new age requirements for public motor vehicle drivers through Statutory Instrument 10 of 2025, published in the Government Gazette today.

The new regulation, issued under Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11], comes into immediate effect and amends the existing Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 2023, as outlined in Statutory Instrument 119 of 2023.

According to the amendment, drivers of passenger public service vehicles, including omnibuses and commuter omnibuses, must now have at least five years of driving experience and be no younger than 30 years old.

However, an exemption has been granted for drivers aged between 25 and 30 who were already authorized to operate such vehicles before the new regulations were published.

“Drivers who are still between 25 and 30 years old and were previously authorized to drive an omnibus or commuter omnibus before the publication of these regulations shall continue to drive motor vehicles in that class,” stated the Minister in the official notice.

The new regulations come in the wake of concerns over road safety, particularly involving public transport vehicles. While overall road traffic accidents saw a decline during the recent festive season compared to the previous year, the number of fatal crashes increased.

Between December 15, 2024, and January 15, 2025, the country recorded 2,936 road accidents, a decrease from the 3,607 incidents in the same period the previous year. However, fatal accidents rose from 118 to 133, though total fatalities dropped slightly from 162 to 155. The number of injuries also increased from 821 to 938.

In a bid to enhance road safety and restore order, the Zimbabwe Republic Police launched "Operation No to Mushikashika," targeting unregistered pirate taxis and associated road lawlessness. By January 21, 2025, the operation had resulted in 7,695 arrests, including 197 touts, and the impounding of 67 unregistered or plateless vehicles.

Authorities hope that both the new driver regulations and the ongoing crackdown on illegal transport operators will contribute to a safer and more orderly public transport system in the country.