Retesting for All Zimbabwean Drivers Under New Licence Rules

Zimbabwe to Implement Mandatory Retesting for All Drivers Under New License Regulations
Zimbabwean drivers will soon be required to undergo mandatory retesting as part of the government’s transition to a new, more secure driver’s license system. The Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) official, Onesimo Bumhira, confirmed this development during a meeting with police and transport operators on Thursday, May 8th. The retesting aims to ensure that drivers are still capable of driving and that their appearance matches the ID photo, particularly as they age or experience health changes.
While an exact rollout date has not been determined, Bumhira emphasized that mandatory retesting is imminent. This decision comes after the government introduced new plastic driver’s licenses in 2023 to replace the old metal discs. The modern plastic cards are scannable, valid for five years, and compliant with regional standards from SADC, COMESA, and the East African Community. In contrast, the old metal licenses had no expiration date, a loophole that the new policy seeks to address.
The retesting process for all Zimbabwean drivers will take into account factors such as age, appearance, and health. Bumhira highlighted that changes in a driver’s physical attributes or health status could impact road safety. He encouraged all licensed drivers to prepare for retesting and be mindful that their license discs will expire. Bumhira also noted that as people age, their physical features change, and some drivers may now require glasses.
He advised, “All licensed drivers should be prepared for retesting and be aware that their license discs will expire. A driver’s physical appearance may differ from the photograph on their license disc due to aging, and some may now wear glasses, which was not the case when they obtained their licenses. It is advisable for license holders to undergo retesting once the process commences. Delaying until the disc expires will make it challenging as a retest will be mandatory. International drivers will also need to undergo retesting to meet SADC and continental standards,” Bumhira explained.