Zimbabwe has issued an urgent clarification to transport authorities across Southern Africa after reports that its truck drivers have been experiencing problems at law enforcement checkpoints due to confusion over the country’s new driving licence system.
In a letter dated 10 July 2026, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development called on SADC member states to ensure enforcement officers correctly understand Zimbabwe’s revised Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) and driving licence categories.
The communication was sent to transport authorities in Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia, following concerns that misunderstandings over the new licence framework have been causing delays for Zimbabwean transport operators.
Why are truck drivers facing problems?
According to the ministry, enforcement officers in several SADC countries have reportedly encountered difficulties interpreting Zimbabwe’s new Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) and its associated licence categories during routine roadside inspections.
The ministry said the issue stems from unfamiliarity with the new licence framework rather than the validity of the licences themselves.
As a result, some commercial drivers have reportedly experienced delays while officers verify whether they are legally authorised to operate heavy vehicles.
Understanding Zimbabwe’s new licence categories
Zimbabwe’s revised licensing framework introduces new categories that differ from those previously used.
Under the system:
- Code P is designated for operating passenger service vehicles. However, it is also considered a superior authorisation, allowing the holder to drive all heavy goods vehicles, including those transporting hazardous and dangerous substances covered under Code D.
- Code D authorises drivers to operate vehicles transporting general freight and covers all classes of freight-carrying vehicles.
The ministry believes these broader authorisations have led to confusion among some enforcement officers who are unfamiliar with the revised classifications.
Drivers still need supporting documents
The ministry also clarified that although the Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) is endorsed on Zimbabwe’s new plastic driving licence card, drivers are still legally required to carry two additional documents:
- A valid Medical Certificate.
- A valid Defensive Driving Certificate (DDC).
These documents have not yet been integrated into the plastic licence card.
According to the ministry, the PrDP remains valid for two years, while the medical certificate is renewed annually. Because of the different validity periods, drivers must continue carrying the documents separately.
Zimbabwe reminds SADC of licence recognition rules
In its letter, Zimbabwe reminded neighbouring countries that Article 6.10(3) of the SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology provides for the mutual recognition of driving licences issued by SADC member states for the vehicle classes they authorise.
The ministry has requested each country to circulate the clarification to law enforcement agencies operating within their jurisdictions to ensure the licences are interpreted consistently during inspections.
It says doing so will help reduce unnecessary delays for transport operators and improve the movement of freight across the SADC region.
What truck drivers should know
Until the new licensing system becomes widely understood by enforcement agencies, Zimbabwean truck drivers travelling through SADC countries should ensure they carry their plastic driving licence together with their Medical Certificate and Defensive Driving Certificate at all times.
The ministry hopes that the clarification will prevent further misunderstandings at law enforcement checkpoints and improve the efficiency of cross-border freight transport throughout Southern Africa.
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