Zimbabwe Drivers Licence

New SADC Licence Code System

Important: Zimbabwe transitioned from the old 5-class system (Classes 1-5) to SADC-compliant letter codes in June 2023, under Statutory Instrument 119 of 2023. If you hold an old-format licence, it remains valid until expiry.

Code	Vehicle Type	Min Age
A	Motorcycles	16 years
A1	Light motorcycles (up to 125cc)	16 years
B	Light motor vehicles up to 3,500kg GVM, max 8 passengers	16 years
EB	Light vehicles with trailers over 750kg	18 years
C	Heavy motor vehicles over 3,500kg GVM	18 years
C1	Medium vehicles 3,500kg - 16,000kg GVM	18 years
CE	Heavy vehicles with trailers (articulated)	18 years
D	Passenger vehicles with more than 16 seats	30 years
D1	Passenger vehicles with 9-16 seats (minibus)	25 years

Note: The minimum age for public service passenger vehicles (Code D — kombis and buses) was raised to 30 years by Statutory Instrument 10 of 2025.

Old Classes vs New Codes

If you have an old licence, here's how the classes map to the new system:

Old Class	Was	New Code
Class 1	Public service vehicles	D / D1
Class 2	Heavy vehicles over 2,300kg	C / C1
Class 3	Motorcycles	A / A1
Class 4	Light vehicles up to 3,500kg	B
Class 5	Tractors and machinery	Specialist codes

How to Apply for a Drivers Licence

Requirements

Valid learners licence for the code you're applying for
National ID (how to get one)
Completed driving lessons with a registered driving school
Medical certificate (required for codes C, CE, D and D1 — how to get one)

Step-by-Step Process

Get a Learners Licence

Pass the learners licence test at VID first.

Take Driving Lessons

Complete driving lessons with a registered driving school. Practice until you are confident.

Book the Driving Test

Book your driving test at a VID (Vehicle Inspection Department) depot. Pay the test fee.

Pass the Driving Test

The test includes: pre-trip inspection, yard test (reversing, parking, turning) and road test. You must pass all components.

Apply for Your Licence

After passing, apply for your drivers licence at the VID office. Pay the licence fee.

Collect Your Licence

Collect your drivers licence card within the specified period (usually 2-4 weeks).

Fees

Service	Approximate Fee
Driving test booking	US$20 - US$30
Drivers licence (new)	US$20 - US$30
Licence renewal	US$20 - US$30
Replacement (lost/stolen)	US$20 - US$30

Note: Fees change periodically. Check with your local VID depot for current rates.

Replacement of Lost Licence

Report the loss at your nearest police station
Get a police report
Visit VID with the police report and your national ID
Complete the replacement application form and pay the fee
A new licence will be issued within 2-4 weeks

Validity

Under the new regulations (SI 119 of 2023), a Zimbabwe drivers licence is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. You must renew it before it expires. Driving with an expired licence is an offence.

Old licences: If you hold a licence issued before June 2023, it remains valid until its printed expiry date. When you renew, you will receive a new-format licence under the SADC code system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new Zimbabwe drivers licence codes?

Zimbabwe switched from 5 numerical classes to SADC-compliant letter codes in June 2023 (SI 119 of 2023). Key codes: A = motorcycles (16 years), B = light vehicles up to 3,500kg (16 years), C = heavy vehicles over 3,500kg (18 years), CE = heavy with trailers (18 years), D = passenger vehicles over 16 seats (30 years), EB = light vehicles with trailers.

How long is a Zimbabwe drivers licence valid?

Under the new regulations (SI 119 of 2023), a Zimbabwe drivers licence is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

How do I replace a lost drivers licence?

Report the loss at a police station, get a police report, then visit VID with the police report and your national ID to apply for a replacement.

Is my old Class 4 licence still valid?

Yes. Old-format licences remain valid until their printed expiry date. When you renew, you will receive a new SADC-format licence. Old Class 4 maps to Code B (light vehicles).