Drivers Seek Five O-Level Passes for Professional Licences

By Obey Musiwa | Harare

The Drivers’ Association of Zimbabwe (DAZ) has petitioned Parliament to introduce minimum educational qualifications for professional drivers, proposing that applicants should have at least five Ordinary Level passes before obtaining a professional driving licence.

The proposed qualifications would include English and Mathematics, adding an academic requirement to Zimbabwe’s existing driver licensing system. Parliament has referred the petition to the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development, which is expected to examine the proposal before making recommendations on whether legislative changes should be pursued. DAZ argues that formalising the driving profession in Zimbabwe would improve accountability, professional standards and road safety across the country’s transport sector.

Under the proposed framework, a legally recognised professional body would oversee the driving profession and establish minimum entry requirements, including educational qualifications for professional drivers. The petition comes amid growing concern over road traffic accidents in Zimbabwe, with human error frequently identified as a major contributing factor in crashes.

DAZ believes raising the professional standards required to enter the driving industry could contribute to better decision-making, accountability and compliance with road safety regulations. The proposed five O-Level requirement would represent a significant change to the current driver licensing system, where applicants are generally required to meet the prescribed testing and licensing requirements but are not subject to a specific academic qualification threshold. The association is also calling for the driving profession to receive formal legal recognition, potentially placing professional drivers under a dedicated regulatory framework similar to other occupations.

If adopted, the proposal could affect thousands of people seeking to work as professional drivers in Zimbabwe, including those employed in public transport, freight, logistics and other commercial transport services. The parliamentary committee will now have to consider whether academic qualifications are an appropriate tool for improving professional driving standards, as well as the potential impact of the proposed requirements on aspiring drivers.

The debate is likely to raise broader questions about driver training, road safety, licensing standards and professional accountability in Zimbabwe. Supporters of the proposal could argue that stronger entry requirements would help improve professionalism, while critics may question whether academic qualifications alone can reduce road accidents without corresponding improvements in practical driver training, vehicle roadworthiness and enforcement.

The petition therefore places the spotlight on Zimbabwe’s wider efforts to address road carnage and strengthen regulation of the transport sector. A final decision will depend on the findings and recommendations of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development and any subsequent legislative process.

Professional driving licence Zimbabwe