Vehicle Classes in Zimbabwe
| Class | Vehicle Type | Examples / Description | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Public Vehicles | Large goods vehicles, buses, lorries with trailers | 25 years |
| Class 2 | Medium/Heavy Trucks | Up to about 7m trucks (≈5000kg) | 18 years |
| Class 3 | Motorcycles | Motorbikes, scooters, mopeds | 16 years |
| Class 4 | Light Motor Vehicles | Cars, small vans, pickups, private vehicles | 16 years |
| Class 5 | Agricultural / Construction | Tractors, bulldozers, graders, excavators | 18 years |
Minimum Age Requirements
Light Motor Vehicles
Minimum age: 16 years. You may apply for a provisional license at this age.
Motorcycles (Class 3)
Minimum age: 16 years. Only one passenger allowed; both must wear helmets.
Heavy Vehicles (Class 1 & 2)
Minimum age: 18 years. Prior light vehicle experience recommended.
Public Service Vehicles
Minimum age: 25 years. Requires Defensive Driving Certificate (DDC).
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Licenses & Certificates
Provisional License
- Valid for 6 months, renewable once.
- Learners must display “L” plates front and back.
- Supervision by a licensed driver (5+ years experience) required.
Certificate of Competence
Valid for 12 months. Apply for a driver’s license within this period after passing the road test.
Defensive Driving Certificate (DDC)
- Validity: 48 months (4 years).
- Required for public service, company and professional drivers.
Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Regulations
- Must be at least 25 years old.
- Hold valid Class 1 or 2 license.
- Have a Defensive Driving Certificate and pass medical test.
- Possess a valid PSV badge issued by VID.
- Retest required every 5 years.
Drinking and Driving
🚫 Driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offense.
- Slows reaction time and increases crash risk.
- Penalties include fines, license suspension, or imprisonment.
- Golden Rule: If you drink, don’t drive — if you drive, don’t drink.
Documents Required When Driving
✔️ Driver’s License or Provisional
✔️ Vehicle License Disc
✔️ Insurance Certificate
✔️ Vehicle Registration Book (Logbook)
Vehicle Safety Requirements
- Reflectors: white (front), red (rear).
- Two reflective triangles (place 30–50m behind during breakdown).
- Fire extinguisher (except motorcycles).
- Working lights, brakes, mirrors, and horn required.