Government sets minimum age of 30 for bus and kombi drivers to curb road accidents

ZIMSPHERE 

HARARE – In a move to enhance road safety and curb reckless driving, Zimbabwe's government has raised the minimum age for public service vehicle (PSV) drivers to 30 years. The new regulation, which takes effect immediately, also mandates a minimum of five years of driving experience for PSV operators.  

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona

Public service vehicles, or PSVs, encompass buses, minibuses (commonly known as kombis), taxis, and other modes of transportation used to carry passengers for a fee. Previously, drivers as young as 25 were eligible to operate these vehicles.  

The increased age requirement is designed to ensure that only more mature and experienced drivers are entrusted with the responsibility of transporting passengers.  

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona announced the changes in a Government Gazette published on January 31. 

The updated regulations, issued under section 81 of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11], are part of broader efforts to address the alarming rate of fatal accidents on the nation’s roads.  

The Gazette outlined the new rules as follows:  

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…  

The updated requirements state that no individual may operate a passenger public service vehicle unless they are at least 30 years old and have a minimum of five years of driving experience.  

Existing drivers aged between 25 and 30 who were already authorised to drive before this regulation will be allowed to continue.

The government anticipates that this measure will significantly reduce road traffic accidents caused by inexperienced or reckless drivers. 

Some transporters have welcomed the move, saying it will help reduce road carnage. 

“When someone is 30 years old, they will be mature enough to understand the importance of protecting human life. This move has come at the right time as we look forward to do all we can to avoid accidents because most of them are because of human error,” Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation’s secretary, Mr Wilfred Chibage said.