Five O-Levels Could Become Requirement for Professional Drivers

By Staff Reporter
HARARE, Zimbabwe — August 21, 2026: Zimbabwe’s Parliament is considering a proposal that could require professional drivers to have at least five O-Level passes, including English and Mathematics**, before obtaining a professional driving licence.

The proposal was presented to Parliament on Thursday, August 20, 2026, through a petition and has been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development for further consideration.

What the Proposal Says

The petition proposes that applicants for professional driving licences should have:

Five O-Level passes
English included among the passes
Mathematics included among the passes

The proposal is aimed at strengthening **professional driving standards and road safety** in Zimbabwe.

Is It Already a Law?

No.

The proposal is still under consideration by Parliament. It has not yet become a legal requirement, meaning professional drivers and applicants do not currently need to obtain five O-Level passes specifically because of this proposal.

Why Is It Being Considered?

Supporters of the proposal could argue that a minimum educational requirement may help improve professionalism among commercial and professional drivers, particularly in areas involving communication, understanding of regulations and road safety information.

However, the proposal could also raise concerns about creating additional barriers for people who depend on professional driving for employment but do not have five O-Level passes.

### What Happens Next?

The **Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development** will examine the petition and consider its implications.

Further parliamentary debate and possible consultation would be required before any changes to professional driving licence requirements could be introduced.

KEY POINT

Five O-Level passes, including English and Mathematics, are being proposed — but the requirement is NOT yet in force.

Drivers should therefore continue following the existing licensing requirements until Parliament or the relevant authorities announce any confirmed changes.