By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru, Princess of Harare
HARARE (News of The South) – Zimbabwe’s government has recently enacted new legislation mandating that all commercial truck drivers undergo retesting every five years. The move, part of a broader overhaul of the country’s driver’s licensing system, is being presented as a critical step toward improving road safety and aligning with international standards. However, it has sparked significant debate, with critics arguing that the policy is an unjustified financial burden on drivers and will lead to further congestion on the roads.
The new regulations, outlined in Statutory Instrument 119 of 2023 and subsequent amendments, are a response to a long-standing issue of road carnage in Zimbabwe. Officials from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development have cited the need to ensure that drivers of heavy vehicles remain competent and suitable for their jobs throughout their careers. This includes a shift to a new, more secure licensing system with a comprehensive categorization of vehicles.
The government’s stated rationale for the re-testing is multi-faceted:
- Combating Road Carnage: The primary goal is to reduce the high number of accidents, particularly those involving public service and heavy-duty vehicles. By requiring periodic re-evaluation of driving skills, authorities hope to weed out drivers who have become complacent or whose abilities have deteriorated.
- Addressing License Fraud: The previous system was reportedly susceptible to corruption, with some drivers obtaining licenses through illicit means. The new framework, with its computerized theory tests and more rigorous practical assessments, aims to combat this issue and ensure all drivers are genuinely qualified.
- Aligning with International Standards: The new licensing system is designed to meet the requirements of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and international best practices. This is crucial for Zimbabwean drivers who operate across borders, as it facilitates the recognition and exchange of their licenses in other countries.
However, the new law has faced a wave of criticism from the trucking community and concerned citizens. The core argument against re-testing is that it is an unnecessary and costly measure. A request for a medical examination to check eyesight and overall fitness, critics say, would be a more targeted and effective approach.
The concerns raised include:
- Financial Burden: Retesting involves fees for both the theory and practical examinations. For truck drivers, who often face economic hardship, these costs are a significant expense that eats into their earnings.
- Logistical Challenges: Zimbabwe’s Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) already struggles with backlogs. Forcing thousands of drivers to undergo retesting every five years is expected to exacerbate existing congestion and delays, leading to long queues and lost working hours for drivers.
- Lack of Justification: Many drivers argue that re-testing is redundant if they have been driving safely for years. They contend that a focus on regular medical checks, particularly for vision, would be a more efficient way to ensure driver fitness.
What Can Be Done? A Look at International Precedent
The Zimbabwean government has a few options to address the concerns while still maintaining a commitment to road safety. One approach is to amend the law to differentiate between new applicants and experienced drivers. The government could also consider a tiered system of licensing and renewals.
When comparing with other countries, the practice of periodic re-testing for commercial drivers is not uncommon, but the specific requirements vary.
- United Kingdom: In the UK, a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) license holder must renew their license at age 45 and then every five years thereafter. At each renewal, a medical examination is mandatory. This system prioritizes medical fitness, a point many Zimbabwean critics have raised.
- United States: In the U.S., commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) often require a medical certificate that must be renewed periodically, typically every two years. The renewal of the license itself is also tied to a time frame (e.g., five or eight years), but this usually doesn’t involve a full re-test of driving skills, unless there’s a specific violation or change in the driver’s health.
- European Union: Within the EU, commercial drivers are required to complete regular training known as the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). This involves 35 hours of training every five years, focusing on a range of topics from road safety to eco-driving. This model emphasizes continuous professional development rather than a single re-test.
These examples suggest a middle ground for Zimbabwe. The government could consider replacing the full re-testing requirement with a mandatory, five-year medical examination coupled with a professional development course. This would ensure drivers are medically fit and up-to-date on modern road safety practices without the significant financial and logistical burden of a full re-test. It would also help professionalize the sector and bring Zimbabwe’s licensing system more closely in line with the practices of its international peers.
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