The government has set a new age requirement of 30 for public service vehicle (PSV) drivers, effective immediately.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Hon Felix Tapiwa Mhona confirmed the new rule in a Government Gazette published on January 31 2025.
“It is hereby notified that the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development has, in terms of section 81 of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11], made the following regulations:-
1. These regulations may be cited as the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (No. 1).
2. These regulations shall come into operation on the date of publication of these regulations.
3. The Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 2023 published in Statutory Instrument 119 of 2023, is amended in section 4 by the repeal of subsection (6)(c) and substitution of:-
“(c) a class of motor vehicle which is a passenger public vehicle of an omnibus or commuter omnibus type unless he or she has driving experience of not less than five years and age of 30 years:,” read the statement from the Minister.
The statement further stated that existing drivers aged between 25 and 30 who were already authorised to drive before this regulation will be allowed to continue.
“Provided that, drivers who are still between 25 and 30 years who were already authorized to drive an omnibus or commuter omnibus before the publication of these regulations shall continue to drive motor vehicles in that class,” said the statement.
The age requirement increase from 25 to 30 ensures that only mature, experienced drivers operate public service vehicles in the country.
Public Service Vehicles are vehicles used to transport members of the public for a fee and these include buses, minibuses (kombis), taxis, and other forms of public transportation.
The measure by the Government and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural is meant to reduce road traffic accidents and reckless driving.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
